Company Description

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. With over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color, we exemplify diversity, equity, and inclusion. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!

Job Description

Overview

Uncommon Schools is seeking a dedicated and dynamic Pre-K Dean to lead and oversee the operations, academics, and culture of a single Pre-K site within our larger network of Pre-K programs in New York City. The Pre-K Dean will play a critical role in ensuring the success of our youngest learners by fostering a positive and enriching environment for students, staff, and families.

Responsibilities

Academic Leadership

Conduct regular classroom observations to support and coach teachers in delivering high-quality instruction.Provide timely and constructive feedback through debrief sessions to enhance teaching practices.Administer assessment cycles, including planning, scheduling, and reviewing data to drive instructional decisions.Facilitate assessment cycles, including quality assurance of materials, teacher/student preparation, and scheduling.Implement pre-K curriculum across all classrooms with fidelity and support for teachers and studentsPlan and facilitate professional development sessions tailored to the needs of Pre-K staff, including reteach lessons and response curriculum.Conduct deep analysis of student work and data to drive instructional adjustments and improvements.Monitor progress against assessment cycle benchmarks and implement responsive action plans.

 

Pre-K Daily Systems Management

Support and collaborate with the Operations Teams to ensure on the daily flow of the school day to ensure smooth and efficient operations, including but not limited to:Arrival and dismissal proceduresMeal times (breakfast, lunch, snack)Nap time routinesAftercare programs and staffing scheduleCollaborate with operations to execute Pre-K family, staff, and student events to strengthen community engagementCollaborate with the operations team to address and resolve logistical challenges as they ariseSupport enrollment processes in collaboration with the school operations teamSupport Pre-K to Kindergarten matriculation to ensure a smooth transition for students and families

 

School Culture and Community Engagement

Foster a positive and inclusive school culture that reflects the mission and values of Uncommon SchoolsBuild and maintain strong relationships with families and support larger school-wide communications effortsServe as a role model for students, staff, and families, promoting respect, responsibility, and a love for learningSupport planning and leading whole-school moments and initiatives

 

Team Collaboration

Work closely with the Director of Pre-K to align site-specific strategies with network-wide goalsPartner with other Pre-K site leaders to share best practices and ensure consistency across the networkCollaborate with the site Principal, Director of Operations and Operations Teams, Special Education Coordinator, and School Social Worker to maximize support for students’ academic and socio-emotional developmentParticipate in network-wide instructional initiatives such as curriculum development or data analysis and response systems

 

Mission-Alignment

Demonstrate a passionate commitment to improving the minds and lives of students in pursuit of the Uncommon missionWillingness to step up and support the school’s or region’s needs, including teaching a course, strategically planning staff coverage, or supporting another schoolParticipate in school walkthroughs, inspections, and working groups to drive school improvementModel Uncommon’s core instructional frameworks, including the "See It-Name It-Do It" approach and "Leverage Leadership" principles

Qualifications

 

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Education, Early Childhood Education, or a related field preferredMinimum of 3 years of experience in early childhood education, including leadership rolesDemonstrated ability to coach and develop educators to achieve instructional excellenceStrong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and initiativesExcellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a focus on building strong relationships with families, staff, and studentsStrong teaching and instructional leadership skills with evidence of outstanding student growth and achievementFamiliarity with Uncommon’s instructional frameworks (e.g., See It-Name It-Do It, Leverage Leadership)A deep commitment to the mission and values of Uncommon Schools

Additional Information

Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent.

Compensation

Compensation for this role is between $77,000 and $116,400. Most candidates who meet job description requirements will receive an offer of $77,000 - $87,500. 

Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant professional development, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. 
 

Benefits

Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time, paid holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer). Extensive, best-in-class training and development  Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA)Financial Planning403(b) retirement savings program + employer matchPaid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits

 

*A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE.

 

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building an exceptional team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. We also strive to ensure an inclusive community by creating a space for meaningful dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students. As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email [email protected].