What is a high school academic dean's job description?

I was looking into different roles in high schools and came across the title academic dean. What does a high school academic dean actually do, and how different is it from being a principal or counselor?

An academic dean in a high school setting plays a broad role in academics and school governance and can be seen as an intermediary between the principal and teachers. They are responsible for implementing and enforcing academic policies, goals, and standards, fostering an optimal learning environment, and often even handling disciplinary issues.

Here are a few key responsibilities of an academic dean in the high school environment:

1. Academic Oversight: They ensure academic standards are being upheld and implement the curriculum in accordance with state and school district guidelines. They also oversee student performance and progress reporting.

2. Teacher Support: Part of their role involves providing support and guidance to teachers. This could involve teacher training, evaluating performances, and mentoring.

3. Policy & Procedure Development: They are key stakeholders in the formation and implementation of school policies and procedures. They help develop a broad strategic educational vision in line with the school's mission and objectives.

4. Community Relations: They may interact with parents, students, and community members, sometimes dealing with conflict resolution or simply fostering positive engagement within the community.

5. Disciplinary Matters: They're usually the point of contact for serious disciplinary issues within the student body.

It's important to note that the role can vary significantly depending on the school's size, structure, and needs. While principals focus on overall school operations and management, including hiring, budgeting, and school-wide decision-making, academic deans hone in on the academic aspect. Additionally, while counselors focus more on the individual needs and well-being of students and guiding them through their academic or career paths, deans take a wider, more systemic approach to improving the school's overall academic quality. Each role is unique but they work collectively towards creating a healthy and effective learning environment.