The Dean Position @ NHA
The Role of the Dean within a Dean Model School
Schools that have been designated as Dean Model schools within NHA’s network are authorized to
establish Deans within their school. The role of the Dean was designed to distribute leadership and
management responsibilities more effectively within the school structure.
To secure designation as a Dean Model school, interested principals must commit to meeting all
structural and operational requirements of the model and enabling appropriate staff to complete Dean
Model Training. To implement the Dean Model with fidelity, the following structural requirements must
be met:
1) Each Dean will manage between 7 and 15 direct members;
2) Deans must attend all Dean Model Training activities;
3) Deans must be able to schedule their time in advance to ensure weekly One-on-Ones and
observations are completed;
4) Deans and principals will be accountable for the performance of their direct reports.
Dean Model designation requires final approval from Al Wetherell. Please note that existing schools
transitioning to the dean model are making a decision to move to a required, non-supplemental
management model that will require a shift in funding over time. Therefore, school leadership will need
to complete a transition plan that outlines their school’s long-term plan for funding the Dean model
with foundation funds.
Distributed Job Responsibilities
1) Managing faculty and staff which includes the following duties:
 Weekly classroom observations
 Weekly 30 minute One-on-One meetings with each direct report
 Giving frequent behavioral feedback of direct reports
 Administering mid -year and annual evaluations
 Leading weekly team meetings
 Ensuring direct reports meet all standards defined in NHA’s six Critical Success Factors
 Leading new faculty recruitment and hiring efforts
 Reviewing faculty lesson plans
2) Supervising student discipline
3) Managing parent relationships
4) Serving on the school leadership team
Shared Job Responsibilities
School leadership teams at dean model schools share responsibilities to ensure the smooth running of
programs and processes. Responsibilities that are shared include but are not limited to:
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Special Education
Student Study Team
Summer school
Drop off and pick up
Title 1 coordination
Moral focus
School newsletter
After school activities
Emergency drills
Testing coordination
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ELL
Athletics
Student incentives
Substitute coordination
Mentor Coordination
Facilities
Lunch program
Master calendar
School Improvement Plan
Test and data analysis
Selection Process for Dean Candidates
To select Dean Model candidates, principals of eligible schools are required to follow the process
outlined below.
1) Receive approval from Al Wetherell
2) Receive approval from business analyst regarding funding (grants consultant must sign off if
grant funds are being used to fund position)
3) Notify Talent Acquisition Department of available Dean positions and clarify specific job needs.
4) Principal posts available Dean positions through the Talent Acquisition Department;
5) Talent Acquisition screens applicants and forwards to the principal;
6) DSQ and principal Topgrade finalists;
7) Finalists complete a Flippen profile;
8) Principal completes reference checks for finalists;
9) Principal makes final selection subject to DSQ approval;
10) Dean position offer extended by Talent Acquisition.
Applicant Requirements
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Minimum of three completed years of teaching experience (five years preferred);
Evidence of previous professional accomplishments;
Evidence of effective interpersonal skills;
Demonstrated commitment to improving skills;
Demonstrated desire for and commitment to assuming a leadership role in an NHA school;
Demonstrated competency in using basic technology tools and applications (Microsoft Office,
SharePoint, Live Meeting and Microsoft Outlook).