Director of Student Services | White Rock Montessori | Dallas, TX

Job Description
A Director of Student Services job description involves overseeing the support and resources provided to students at White Rock Montessori. The Director of Student Services works to improve the well-being and academic success of students by managing programs and services that address their needs. This role requires exceptional communication skills to collaborate with various departments to identify and develop effective strategies that enhance the student experience and continual growth. The Director of Student Services also arranges all communication with the Student Support Team (including parents).
The Director of Student Services collaborates with professionals responsible for delivering services such as academic support, behavioral support, health and wellness services, and diagnostic services. They must have a deep understanding of the student community and the ability to be empathetic to students and parents struggles and concerns.
Overall, a Director of Student Services plays a critical role in promoting student success and creating a positive campus culture. It is a challenging but rewarding position that requires a passion for making a difference in the lives of students. This is an administrative, year round position.

Student Support Process & Management

Manage and oversee all student support programs and activities, including the White Rock Montessori Student Support Process.
Ensure the Student Support Process is followed with fidelity; verify forms are accurate, data is colllected, and interventions are tracked for effectiveness.
Serve as liaison among students, parents, and staff to resolve concerns, update and communicate Student Support Plans, and ensure consistent implementation.
Review and refine the Student Support Process on an ongoing basis to ensure the system is providing the academic and behavioral support needed by our students.
Schedule and lead Student Support Team meetings.

Faculty Collaboration, Professional Development, & Learning
Work closely with faculty, staff, and administration to identify and address student needs.
Work closely with the Head of School and Program Director to communicate ongoing student and/or faculty needs or concerns.
Serve as mentor or initial point of contact for teachers struggling with student behavior or learning needs.
Work closely with classroom and extended curriculum teachers to implement Student Support Plan strategies across environments effectively.
Support new faculty/staff with protocols, forms, and procedures related to the Student Services process.
Plan and deliver at least one annual professional development session to WRM Faculty/Staff (minimum one hour) addressing divergent learning styles and inclusive practices.
Work directly with classroom teachers to ensure the Student Support Process is being followed with fidelity, forms are completed accurately, and effective data collected.
Conduct observations in classrooms and write short observation summaries.
Work with learners one on one or in a small group setting when deemed necessary, scheduling permits, and additional instruction is required to support the individual student.


Data, Compliance, and Policy

Ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations related to student services.
Inform the Head of School as to any disciplinary actions that are deemed necessary.
Ensure the enforcement of all school policies, guiding principles, and Texas code and regulations regarding student behavior.
Maintain an up-to-date Student Support Manual for use by contracted and internal support personnel to refer to for onboarding, school policies, emergency protocols, etc..
Oversee confidential handling of student records and documentation systems related to student services.
Maintain a central database or spreadsheet for accommodations, interventions, and progress notes.

Standardized Testing

Understand standardized assessments, interpret data, and communicate results effectively to teachers and families.
Organize and support the standardized testing process.
Organize and share data from testing with school leadership.
Summarizing key data or trends for administration and assisting in preparing the Annual Report.

Community Development & Support Specialist Management

Coordinate all aspects of student support services including health services, contracted specialists, disability accommodations, and tutoring.
Onboard new student support specialists and ensure all specialists are updated on school policy and practices.
Coordinate communication and documentation with contracted or outside providers (therapists, tutors, specialists), ensuring proper authorizations from families are obtained and maintained.
Create and maintain strategic partnerships with community organizations to provide additional support and resources for students, and continually update the Community Resources List.

Experience and Educational Requirements:

Bachelor’s Degree Required, Master’s Preferred (education, counseling, or psychology degree preferred)
Experience in counseling, special education, or academic advising preferred
MACTE Montessori credential in at least one level required and multiple levels preferred.
Proven effectiveness as a Montessori Guide (references should include a supervisor from past Montessori teaching experience).
Excellent organizational and communication skills
Excellent problem-solving and leadership skills
Excellent writing skills
Excellent rapport with Faculty/Staff and Families
Deep commitment to student success and maximizing potential for all students
Experienced in critical conversations and processes and ability to deliver potentially difficult news in a firm, honest, and kind way.
Continual learning in the areas of neurodivergence, learning differences, best practices in special education, special education law and compliance, and behavioral interventions and support is expected.

Schedule:

Position is year-round and the role is considered part of the Administrative Team
7:45-4:00, Monday-Friday during the academic school year
4 hour work days (8:00-12:00 or 12:00-4:00) during the summer and Summer Learning Camps
Attendance at school events is expected and/or encouraged. The Head of School will determine which events are appropriate for the position.
Attendance at all Faculty/Staff Meetings is required.
Attendance at all Administrative Team Meetings is required.
Scheduling of Student Support Team Meetings can be arranged during the school day, however, some after hours meetings will be required.
The position reports directly to the Head of School

Benefits:

This position includes 7 days of PTO
This position includes 5 vacation days to be taken during the summer
This position includes all scheduled school vacation days in accordance with the school calendar
Medical Stipend
50% Tuition Remission for Faculty/Staff children
Free Employee Assistance Program
Free Summer Learning Camp for Faculty/Staff children during weeks of summer employment

Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree Required, Master’s Preferred (education, counseling, or psychology degree preferred)
Experience in counseling, special education, or academic advising preferred
MACTE Montessori credential in at least one level required and multiple levels preferred.
Proven effectiveness as a Montessori Guide (references should include a supervisor from past Montessori teaching experience).
Excellent organizational and communication skills
Excellent problem-solving and leadership skills
Excellent writing skills
Excellent rapport with Faculty/Staff and Families
Deep commitment to student success and maximizing potential for all students
Experienced in critical conversations and processes and ability to deliver potentially difficult news in a firm, honest, and kind way.
Continual learning in the areas of neurodivergence, learning differences, best practices in special education, special education law and compliance, and behavioral interventions and support is expected.

How to Apply: Contact Brenda Huth, Head of School at brenda@whiterockmontessori.org