Who We Are
Since its founding in 2010, Challenge Preparatory Charter School (Challenge Prep) has provided students and families with a successful academic program in Far Rockaway, Queens. We currently serve over 1200 scholars from Kindergarten to 12th grade across 3 sites. Our school’s mission is to prepare students from the greater Far Rockaway community to excel academically, to demonstrate mastery of the NY State Learning Standards, and to achieve their career aspirations. Challenge cultivates and supports the intellectual, aesthetic, social, emotional, and ethical development of its students and prepares them to be responsible 21st century citizens. To accomplish its mission, Challenge offers a rigorous instructional program in a safe, supportive, technology-infused and data-enriched and social-emotional learning sequence, authentic field experiences, career counseling, and college coursework. It is understood that we are one organization with multiple sites, and it is expected that all members of the team collaborate to support all of our scholars.
Understanding the Role
The K-5 dean plays an instrumental role in establishing and reinforcing high expectations for positive student behavior. The dean will maintain consistent and constructive communication with scholars, teachers, administrators, and scholar families in an effort to ensure that school culture norms are effectively defined and reinforced. This position reports to the Principal.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:
Establish and maintain a positive, safe, school culture
Supervise the consistent and fair administration of school policies regarding student conduct and discipline
Maintain the schools PBIS program
Support teachers to create and sustain classroom management systems that ensure a focus on learning and student success
Oversee the development and implementation of student supports and interventions.
Maintain systems for collecting and tracking data on school culture metrics, including discipline and attendance
Serve as a liaison to parents and facilitate parent education and involvement in support of school culture policies
In working with the Parent Engagement Coordinator, play an active role in coordinating school partnerships
Create and present formal reports on school culture and safety
Facilitate faculty and staff professional development related to school culture and consistent enforcement of student discipline
Organize school events that encourage community connection to and investment in the school culture and student success
Establish a PBIS system for scholars in grades K-5
Utilizes the Citywide Behavioral Expectations as a guide to support student learning
Utilizes a restorative approach to discipline
Develops and implements a peer mediation club
Participates in ongoing professional development
Individual Student Planning and Assistance Academic
Planning and support Crisis Interventions
Education on understanding of self, including strengths and weaknesses
Goal setting/decision- making
Transition plans
Responsive Services Conflict resolution
Consultation/collaboration with administration, faculty and parents
Individual/family/school crisis intervention
Individual and small-group counseling
Referrals to other school and communication
Skills, Qualifications, and/or Competencies Required:
A love and passion for positive learning atmosphere for students, teachers, and administration
Ability to lead and manage scholars and adults to achieve desired outcomes
Ability to analyze behavioral situations, provide compelling feedback, and translate that into action
Strong understanding of school policies, Restorative Justice, SEL, Social Work, PBIS, etc.
Ability to analyze and interpret data to provide informed decision making
Practical knowledge including organizational tools, computer skills
Bachelor’s degree (required)
Master’s degree in education, social work, educational leadership or similar field
At least three (3) years of exceptional dean experience and outcomes (required)
Benefits & Perks
Challenge Charter School's staff members receive a competitive salary, paid time off, matching of retirement contributions up to 3%, and more
The comprehensive benefits package includes four health plans to choose from, two dental plans, and vision insurance. We also offer flexible spending accounts for health, dependent care, and transit
Flexible and reflective leadership: dedicated to staff development, team cohesion, and shared responsibility for decision-making, development, and team-wide priorities
Driven and passionate colleagues who contribute to a professional and collaborative work environment
Opportunities to sit on various committees and participate in initiatives central to key organizational decisions and strategic planning
Professional development: weekly PD, year-round training, and the ongoing coaching by professionals
School Sites
Grades K-1: 1279 Redfern Avenue, Far Rockaway, NY 11691
Grades 2-5: 710 Hartman Lane, Far Rockaway, NY 11691
Selection Process
Phase I - Initial Interview with a member of the elementary leadership team
Phase II - Skills Assessment and Panel Interview with the elementary leadership team
Final - Reference Check, Offer, and Contract
Work Year
This full-time position begins in mid-August and goes through the end of June.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Challenge Charter School is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community, particularly in the Far Rockaway area, and committed to educating students. We welcome all applicants who share our mission and vision to join us in our relentless work. Challenge Charter School offers a full benefits program and opportunities for professional growth. Learn more about our mission, team, and the exciting things happening at Challenge by visiting
Salary Range
$80,000 - $93,000