Job Description

Gestalt Community Schools is a system of K-12 college-preparatory charter schools in targeted Tennessee communities. GCS schools provide strong academic outcomes for their scholars through initiatives, including meaningful community involvement. GCS catalyzes community leadership to help revitalize the neighborhood as it operates its schools in that community. Instead of debating whether education impacts the community or vice versa, GCS believes integrating education and community is the most effective method to support student achievement (a true “Gestalt”).

The Dean of Scholars Fellows program will support the Founding Jackson Deans in developing the skills and mindset necessary to lead a high-performing charter school. The fellowship will primarily be based in Memphis for the 2026-27 school year and will transition to a full time Deans role in Jackson, TN for the 2027-28 school year.

The Dean of Scholars program allows aspiring school leaders to develop the skills and mindset necessary to build and sustain a strong student culture in a high-performing charter school. The fellow is a key member of the school’s leadership team and supports the school-wide culture through behavior systems, student support, and staff coaching. This emerging culture leader will be immersed in a comprehensive one-year, school-based fellowship program, working closely with a Gestalt Community Schools mentor Principal and/or Dean of Scholars while completing targeted projects and assignments aligned to the fellowship program. The program requirements will determine leadership responsibilities and strongly emphasize the culture leadership strengths and growth areas of both the fellow and the assigned school.

The Dean of Scholars Fellowship at Gestalt Community Schools is designed to cultivate effective culture leaders through a structured program grounded in the 8 Levers of Effective School Leadership. To successfully transition into a Dean of Scholars role, fellows must meet specific criteria, including:

• Successful Program Completion: Candidates must complete all required components of the fellowship program, including implementation of behavior systems, analysis of discipline and attendance data, student intervention strategies, and mentorship experiences that build capacity to lead school culture.
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• Scoring “Effective” in All Competencies: Candidates are assessed using a Leadership Framework that outlines the competencies necessary for successful culture leadership. To be eligible for a Dean of Scholars position, candidates must score “effective” or higher in each competency, demonstrating readiness to lead student culture and climate at the school level.

By fulfilling these requirements, candidates will be prepared to take on the responsibilities of a Dean of Scholars within the Gestalt Community Schools network, pending available opportunities.

COMPETENCIES

Lever 1: Data-Driven Instruction (Supporting Role)

Support Instructional Outcomes Through Culture Data
Use behavior, attendance, and culture data to identify trends that impact academic performance. Collaborate with instructional leaders to ensure culture systems support strong academic outcomes.

Contribute to a Data-Driven Culture
Support systems that ensure staff regularly review and respond to student behavior and attendance data to improve overall school performance.

Participate in Data Meetings
Contribute to data discussions by providing insights on student culture trends, helping teams connect behavior and engagement to academic success.

Lever 2: Planning & Instructional Culture (Supporting Role)

Support Instructional Culture Through Strong Systems
Reinforce classroom systems that maximize instructional time and minimize disruptions. Ensure alignment between behavior expectations and academic rigor.

Promote Consistent Student Engagement
Support teachers in building classrooms where students are actively engaged, on-task, and meeting behavioral and academic expectations.

Lever 3: Observation & Feedback (Supporting Role)

Provide Feedback on Classroom Culture
Conduct walkthroughs and observations focused on student behavior, engagement, and classroom management. Provide clear, actionable feedback to improve classroom culture.

Support Consistent Implementation of Expectations
Ensure teachers consistently apply school-wide behavior systems, routines, and expectations with fidelity.

Lever 4: Professional Development (Supporting Role)

Support Culture-Focused Professional Development
Assist in planning and facilitating professional development sessions focused on classroom management, behavior systems, and student engagement.

Ensure Staff Readiness and Implementation
Provide opportunities for staff to practice routines and expectations and monitor follow-through to ensure consistency across the school.

Lever 5: Student Culture (Primary Ownership)

Identify and Address Culture Gaps
Use discipline, attendance, and observation data to identify school-wide culture gaps and prioritize high-leverage areas for improvement.

Plan and Launch Systems
Design, implement, and explicitly teach school-wide behavior systems, routines, and expectations to staff and students. Ensure systems are clear, consistent, and aligned to school values.

Monitor and Reinforce Culture
Continuously monitor culture through walkthroughs, data, and feedback. Hold staff accountable and provide real-time coaching to ensure strong execution.

Build Joy, Engagement, and Compliance
Create a positive, structured, and inclusive environment where students are engaged, respectful, and consistently meeting expectations.

Lever 6: Staff Culture (Primary Ownership)

Maintain Strong Leadership Presence
Be highly visible throughout the school, modeling urgency, consistency, and professionalism in all interactions.

Build Positive Staff Relationships
Foster trust and strong working relationships with staff, supporting well-being and promoting a collaborative, supportive environment.

Communicate with Clarity and Purpose
Deliver consistent, proactive communication regarding expectations, systems, and priorities related to student culture.

Strengthen Staff Investment and Morale
Develop systems for recognition, celebration, and staff engagement to build a positive and motivated school culture.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead School-Wide Culture Systems
  Design, implement, and manage behavior systems, routines, and expectations that create a safe, structured, and achievement-oriented environment.
• Monitor and Respond to Culture Data
  Analyze discipline, attendance, and behavior data to inform interventions, track progress, and ensure accountability for results.
• Support Student Behavior and Interventions
  Lead or support interventions for students with behavioral challenges, partnering with staff and families to improve outcomes.
• Coach and Support Staff on Culture Practices
  Provide real-time feedback and coaching to teachers on classroom management, behavior systems, and student engagement strategies.
• Ensure Consistent School-Wide Implementation
  Monitor consistency of expectations across classrooms and hold staff accountable for implementation of culture systems.
• Support School Operations and Safety
  Oversee key systems such as transitions, supervision, and student safety protocols to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Contribute to School Leadership Initiatives
  Serve as an active member of the leadership team, supporting school improvement planning and cross-functional initiatives.

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Master’s Degree required
• Minimum of 3+ years of instructional leadership experience (Dean, Assistant Principal, Culture Coach, Instructional Coach), or 2+ years of experience as a principal
• 3+ years of exemplary teaching experience, preferably in a secondary setting
• Valid Tennessee School Leadership License or ability to obtain licensure within 3 years of hire

ADDITIONAL CRITERIA

• 2 to 3 years of significant student achievement gains (double AMO) on state or nationally recognized assessment
• Successful employment as a Dean of Instruction, Dean of Scholars, or equivalent (preferred)
• Successful completion of leadership training program
• A positive recommendation from a current supervisor
• Participate and receive proficient ratings on “Selection Day” activities: writing prompts, classroom observations, mock teacher feedback sessions, entry plan, etc.

SKILLS

• Strong, student-centered leadership focused on building a safe, structured, and achievement-oriented school culture that supports student growth and success
• Deep knowledge of effective behavior systems, restorative practices, student development, and strategies that promote engagement, accountability, and positive school climate
• Proven ability to develop and coach adult learners to improve classroom management, culture practices, and consistency of expectations
• Ability to design and implement systems and structures that drive strong student behavior, attendance, and overall school culture outcomes
• Strong understanding of student motivation, engagement strategies, and classroom culture practices that support learning across content areas
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with students, staff, and families

Post-Selection Commitments:

• Commitment to a 6 to 18-month Fellowship Program
• Commitment to Leadership Training
• Commitment to attend all required summer training dates (Leadership Training, New Teacher, GCS Conference)
• Commitment to 3 years of employment if offered by Gestalt Community Schools

Gestalt Community Schools' policy is to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.