Dean of Culture

Overview

Galapagos is looking for driven educators who believe in the ability of all children to succeed at the highest levels. Our staff works incredibly hard to deliver rigorous, individualized, data‑driven and explicit instruction to our scholars.

We are looking for people who value growth, not perfection – but are always striving to be the absolute best. Our staff is the key to our scholars’ success. We believe that there is nothing more influential to scholar performance than the quality of the classroom instructor and the support staff.

Galapagos is looking for driven educators who truly believe in the ability of all children to succeed at the highest levels. Our staff works incredibly hard to deliver rigorous, individualized, data‑driven, and explicit instruction to our scholars. Our leaders spend a significant amount of time observing classrooms, coaching instructors, and providing professional development to staff. We value growth and continuous improvement, seeking individuals who are committed to learning and growing personally and professionally.

• Drive to stay focused on scholar achievement and growth even when it is difficult
• Grit to be solution‑focused and keep going until the desired results are achieved
• Growth mindset to see failures and setbacks as challenges to learn from and overcome
• Evidence of self‑motivation and willingness to be a team player
• Bachelor’s degree is required (for teaching positions)
• Minimum of one year of teaching experience in an urban public or charter school (for instructors)
• Valid Illinois Certification is helpful but not required.
• Alignment with Galapagos’ core beliefs and educational philosophy is non‑negotiable.

• Drive to stay focused on scholar achievement and growth even when it is difficult
• Grit to be solution‑focused and keep going until the desired results are achieved
• Growth mindset to see failures and setbacks as challenges to learn from and overcome
• Evidence of self‑motivation and willingness to be a team player
• Bachelor's degree is required
• A minimum of five years experience in education, preferably in an urban, charter environment
• Experience creating and delivering professional development tailored to specific identified needs
• Experience coaching instructors in classroom management with the end result being increased student achievement
• Ability to analyze and discern information from data in order to develop effective strategies
• Ability to communicate effectively within a multi‑cultural setting
• Strong MS Office skills
• Belief in and alignment with Galapagos' core beliefs and educational philosophy is non‑negotiable.

• Create and ensure a culture in which academic achievement is the overarching goal
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and support for instructional staff
• Assist the Head of School in overseeing the day‑to‑day school operations
• Provide classroom management support for all instructional staff
• Manage all disciplinary matters with an emphasis on identifying underlying causes with the goal of providing strategies to reduce non‑instructional interruption
• Oversee non‑instructional programming, after school programs, and field studies

We encourage highly talented individuals to submit an application at any time. We accept applications on a rolling basis and will contact qualified candidates if your desired vacancy becomes available.

Current vacancies:

2605 School St. Rockford, IL 61101

3051 Rotary Rd. Rockford, IL 61109

Starting salary offers are based on relevant experience, potential for growth, and overall fit. Staff are eligible for medical and dental benefits, life insurance, flex spending plans, and paid vacation time. Certified staff members also receive matching contributions to the teacher pension fund.

All staff members are equipped with the tools needed to succeed, including intensive coaching and professional development, a laptop computer, e‑mail, high‑speed internet access, and all necessary supplies.

Additional benefits:

• Health and dental plans as well as vision via Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
• Life insurance policy of $25,000.
• $400 mental health stipend and opportunity to participate in a Flex Spending plan.
• Simple IRA Plan with matching contribution for non‑certified staff.
• Growth Mindset Stipend: $3,500 after two years and an additional $5,000 after the third year for continuing education.
• Annual mental health services reimbursement up to $400.

All candidates must begin the application process by completing an application online. This process includes uploading a current resume and a targeted cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Qualified candidates will be contacted when an appropriate position becomes available.

Apply Online at: