Dean of Students, Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia

Posted by on March 14, 2011

Dean of Students, Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia

Posted on: March 2, 2011

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:

Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia (formerly known as Summerbridge) is a six-year academic enrichment program that builds a path from middle school to college for low-income students from Philadelphia and Camden. Breakthrough also inspires talented high school and college students to become educators and engaged citizens by giving them responsibility for teaching in the program. Breakthrough provides rigorous academic enrichment for students from 7th through 12th grades through summer and after-school programs; it also provides high school and college admissions support and counseling. College and high school students from around the country serve as intern teachers in the program. Breakthrough emphasizes academic excellence, family involvement, leadership, teamwork, creativity, and diversity. Breakthrough is an affiliate of the nation-wide Breakthrough Collaborative; for additional information please visit http://www.breakthroughphilly.org or http://www.breakthroughcollaborative.org.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Breakthrough is seeking a Dean of Students (DOS) for its 2011 summer session. The DOS is responsible for supporting students and maintaining a safe and productive community. The DOS is vital in preparing and supporting our young teachers and the students in the program, thereby ensuring our students’ success. The DOS is also responsible for providing general program support to the Site Director. The DOS works five days per week throughout the eight-week summer session from June 13 – Friday, August 13, 2011

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Facilitate training sessions during orientation week for faculty on the student discipline policy and the role of the DOS.

• Support teachers as student related issues and concerns arise – behavioral and otherwise.

• Confer with faculty, administrators, mentor teachers and other professionals as needed to problem-solve and develop individual student action plans.

• Advise and support students on their social and academic growth throughout the summer.

• Serve as the main Breakthrough Family contact.

• Track student attendance, homework completion, and behavior data.

• Develop and implement program-wide incentive plans to encourage regular attendance, homework completion and positive behaviors.

• Facilitate and oversee faculty’s weekly written evaluation of student academic and social progress (Kid Talk).

• Oversee food program (breakfast, lunch and snack), attend mandatory training sessions and complete all necessary paperwork.

• Meet once per week with Site Director and informally “check in” as needed to ensure proactive and effective communication.

• Assist with overall running of the Breakthrough program.

• Engage fully in the Breakthrough community, sharing our passion for teaching, learning, and leading.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two years of teaching experience or equivalent experience in youth programming.

• Commitment to and passion for working with middle school students.

• Ability to work with students and teachers from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds.

• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Energy and enthusiasm.

• Flexibility, ability to multi-task between several different projects.

• Professionalism.

• Breakthrough experience preferred.

SCHEDULE:

• April/May-Dean of Students Orientation with Site Director

• Late May — Dean of Students/ Mentor Teacher Orientation

• June 13th – June 24th Teacher orientation

• June 27th -Aug. 5th: Summer program – Monday-Friday

• Aug. 8th-Aug. 12th: Faculty Assessment, Program Wrap Up, and Evaluation

COMPENSATION: $4,000 summer stipend

For more information, call 215-951-2398 or email info@breakthroughphilly.org.

Breakthrough is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.

INTERESTED APPLICANTS:

Please send a resume and cover letter by email to info@breakthroughphilly.org or mail to Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia, 34 W. Coulter St., Philadelphia, PA 19144.