American Indian Academy of Denver

Status: Full-Time FLSA Classification: Exempt Reports To: Head of School Annual Work Days: TBD   American Indian Academy of Denver (AIAD) is an Indigenized STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) public school opening at the beginning of the 2020 school year providing rigorous learning opportunities for 6-8th grade students . We are committed to creating a sustainable environment where students, staff, and parents are safe, feel they belong, and are actively engaged. All variations within the identities of race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, language, ability, nationality, tribal affiliation, immigration status, age, and class are honored; each member of the school community is deeply valued and provided with what they need to be healthy physically, socially, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. POSITION SUMMARY AIAD is a mission-driven, community-based school looking for a Dean of School Culture, under the supervision of Head of School, who will serve on a school-wide leadership team to ensure a supportive school culture grounded in traditional Indigenous values, belief systems, cultural protocols, and ways of knowing & doing.  Responsibilities also include helping to guide the planning and implementation of: Indigenous-based restorative practices and restorative justice; Indigenous-based AIAD specific school wide protocols; AIAD elders program; community and family engagement; and professional learning for AIAD staff, faculty, administrators, board members, parents, students, and community members.   DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Serve as a member of school-wide leadership team; Coach classroom teachers around practices that build classroom cultures grounded in Indigenous values and belief systems; Together with Head of School and Assistant Principal, plan and implement school culture professional learning for all stakeholders; Ensure stakeholders are engaged in the creation and execution of restorative practices school-wide; Facilitate and model proactive and responsive talking circles for staff and students; Meet with students and families, in their homes, at school; Co-facilitate community and family engagement events/meetings; Together with Head of School and Assistant Principal, plan and implement an AIAD elders program; Ensure stakeholders are engaged in the creation and execution of AIAD specific protocols based upon traditional Indigenous protocols. REQUIRED EDUCATION, SKILLS AND MINDSET   Deep understanding and ability to demonstrate internalization of traditional North American Indigenous values, belief systems, protocols, and ways of knowing & doing; Commitment to decolonized mindsets and practices; Deep internalization and ability to demonstrate understanding of shared leadership model and co-creation processes; Deep understanding of what it means to live as part of a marginalized group of people; Great relationship skills and high emotional intelligence; Fostering positive adult and youth culture that welcomes failure and growth mindsets; Minimum of high school diploma or GED. A college degree from a mainstream institution of higher education is not a requirement for this position (several of the above bullet points are not taught in most mainstream school systems so, they would most likely not be a part of any degree program). However, the willingness to successfully participate and complete training in restorative justice practices, effective community/family engagement, etc., if needed, is a must; Must pass a background check. STRONGLY PREFERRED Proficient/fluent in a North American tribal language (languages originating in what is now the United States, Mexico, and/or Canada); Experience working with youth and families. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS Salary is based upon education level, experience, and qualifications; Comprehensive benefits package included; Work in a mission-driven, collaborative, casual learning/work environment with a team that likes to solve problems and loves making a difference in the lives of kids.