Description
Dean of Academics
St. Paul High School — Santa Fe Springs, California
A Catholic, Archdiocesan, coeducational, college-preparatory high school
Position: Dean of Academics
Status: Full-time
Reports to: Principal / Vice Principal
Start Date: 2026–2027 School Year
Salary Range: $52,000+ (depending on experience and education)
Mission of St. Paul High School
St. Paul High School is a Catholic, coeducational high school rooted in the values of the Gospel and Church Tradition. We promote and nurture students’ talents, moral development, spiritual growth, and self-discipline. As a family, we challenge students to grow in their knowledge and love of God; to strive for academic, artistic, and athletic excellence; and to work toward building a more just society.
Position Summary
St. Paul High School seeks a Dean of Academics for the 2026–2027 school year. This position provides leadership and direction for the school’s academic program and plays a key role in advancing the mission of Catholic education. The Dean of Academics ensures that curriculum, instruction, and assessment are rigorous, coherent, aligned with diocesan and state standards, and integrated with the school’s Catholic identity.
The Dean of Academics collaborates closely with administration, department chairs, faculty, counselors, and the Department of Catholic Schools to support student success, faculty growth, and continuous school improvement.
Primary Responsibilities
Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- Lead the ongoing review, development, and implementation of a rigorous, faith-integrated curriculum for grades 9–12.
- Ensure alignment with diocesan guidelines, California state standards, college-readiness expectations, and WCEA/WASC accreditation criteria.
- Ensure that instruction reflects the goals and outcomes of the Department of Catholic Schools’ Solidarity Initiative, particularly in mathematics and reading.
- Oversee the effectiveness of curriculum maps, course outlines, lesson plans, assessments, and both vertical and horizontal alignment of instruction.
- Oversee student assessment programs, including formative and summative assessments, STAR assessments, PSAT and SAT School Day testing, and AP testing.
- Lead the ongoing analysis of academic data to inform instructional improvement.
Faculty Leadership and Professional Growth
- Support teachers in curriculum implementation, instructional strategies, assessment practices, and differentiated instruction.
- Provide leadership and support in the implementation of the Solidarity Schools’ math and reading programs, as well as the Success for All schoolwide program.
- Conduct classroom observations and provide constructive feedback and coaching utilizing best instructional practices and the expectations of the Solidarity Schools programs.
- Design, coordinate, and facilitate professional development and professional learning communities, including academic departments.
- Mentor faculty to enhance instructional effectiveness and improve student outcomes.
- Assist in hiring instructional staff, planning new teacher orientation, and coordinating the new-teacher mentor program.
Academic Programs and Student Support
- Collaborate with counselors to support students experiencing academic difficulty and oversee the credit recovery process.
- Support and monitor the STEP program and faculty engagement with it.
- Organize, implement, and communicate the math and reading academic intervention programs provided for students.
- Ensure teacher availability for tutoring during office hours and organize peer tutoring opportunities.
- Assist with academic placement for new and transfer students.
- Oversee the development and implementation of course offerings and school academic policies.
- Collaborate in the creation of the master schedule.
- Plan and coordinate academic awards and recognition in collaboration with counselors.
Leadership, Compliance, and Communication
- Serve as a member of the school’s Leadership Team and contribute to strategic planning.
- Support accreditation processes (WCEA/WASC) and diocesan reporting requirements.
- Work closely with the Department of Catholic Schools to implement and support curricular initiatives, particularly those related to Solidarity Schools.
- Assist in the development of academic technology planning to support student preparation.
- Communicate with parents regarding curriculum, academic standards, and student progress as appropriate.
Catholic Identity and Mission
- Ensure that curriculum and instruction reflect the Catholic identity of the school and promote the integration of faith, service, and moral formation across all disciplines.
- Support the spiritual and moral formation of students through academic leadership rooted in Gospel values.
Additional Responsibilities
- The Dean of Academics may assume additional responsibilities as assigned.
Requirements
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
- Valid California teaching credential or administrative credential.
- Minimum of five years of teaching experience; experience in curriculum leadership or administration preferred.
- Commitment to Catholic education and student faith formation.
- Strong knowledge of college preparatory curriculum, California state standards, and assessment practices.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- A commitment to servant leadership and the ability to collaborate with and inspire others.
Compensation
Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
- A cover letter expressing interest and alignment with the Catholic mission of the school
- A current résumé
- Three professional references
Please submit materials to:
Mr. Robert Miller, Principal
St. Paul High School
9635 Greenleaf Avenue
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Wage Range
The rate of pay offered to the selected candidate is based on internal pay policy and budget. New hires are commonly paid at the minimum of the wage range or within the lower part of the range. We consider a number of factors when making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience, training and other department needs.
Information/Application Contact
St. Paul High School (Santa Fe Springs)
9635 Greenleaf Avenue
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
adickan@stpaulhs.org