Dean of Restorative Justice SY2026-SY2027

North Lawndale College Prep

Dean of Restorative Justice - 12 month position

Position Summary:

The Dean of Restorative Justice is a key leadership position responsible for fostering a positive, safe, and productive school culture that supports the academic, social, and emotional development of all students. The Dean of Restorative Justice will lead a team and efforts in student behavior management, create systems to manage students and promote adherence to school policies, and implement proactive strategies to ensure a respectful and disciplined learning environment. This role requires strong communication skills, a commitment to restorative justice practices, and the ability to collaborate effectively with students, staff, and families.

Key Responsibilities:

• Student Behavior and Discipline:
• • Oversee and manage all aspects of student behavior, attendance, and truancy.
  • Implement and enforce the school's code of conduct and disciplinary policies consistently and fairly.
  • Conduct investigations into student incidents, mediate conflicts, and facilitate resolution processes.
  • Administer appropriate consequences for disciplinary infractions, in collaboration with school leadership.
  • Maintain accurate and detailed records of all disciplinary actions and student interventions.
• School Culture and Environment:
• • Actively contribute to creating and maintaining a positive, inclusive, and high-expectation school culture.
  • Promote student engagement and a sense of belonging among all students.
  • Lead initiatives to foster student leadership, self-discipline, and responsible decision-making.
  • Ensure a safe and orderly campus environment, including supervising common areas (e.g., hallways, cafeteria, school grounds).
• Student Support and Intervention:
• • Develop and implement proactive behavior intervention strategies and support plans for students.
  • Counsel students on behavioral issues, attendance, and social-emotional well-being.
  • Collaborate with the counseling team, social workers, and other support staff to address student needs.
  • Implement restorative justice practices to resolve conflicts and address behavioral challenges.
• Family and Community Engagement:
• • Communicate regularly and effectively with parents/guardians regarding student behavior, attendance, and progress.
  • Facilitate parent meetings related to student conduct and support.
  • Build strong relationships with families to foster a collaborative approach to student success.
• Staff Collaboration and Development:
• • Work closely with teachers and other school staff to support effective classroom management techniques.
  • Provide guidance and training to staff on student management strategies and school policies.
  • Collaborate with the administrative team on school-wide initiatives and strategic planning.
• Safety and Crisis Management:
• • Assist in the development and implementation of school safety plans and emergency procedures.
  • Respond to and manage student-related crises, ensuring student and staff safety.
  • Supervise security personnel and ensure adherence to safety protocols.
• Compliance and Reporting:
• • Ensure all student affairs practices and procedures comply with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as NLCP policies.
  • Prepare and submit required reports related to student behavior, attendance, and disciplinary actions.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Education, School Leadership, Counseling, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of management experience in an educational setting, with demonstrated experience in student management, discipline, and support in a public high school.
• Prior experience as a teacher or in a school leadership role is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of adolescent development and effective behavior management strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with students, staff, and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of restorative justice practices and conflict resolution techniques.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic school environment.
• Commitment to the mission and values of North Lawndale College Prep.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and interact with students and staff.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.
• Frequent work in a school setting with a moderate to loud noise level.
• Travel required for alumni outreach and post-secondary institution visits.

Conditions of Employment

• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
• Compliance with all board policies, ISBE requirements, and relevant educational laws and regulations.