Essential duties of a high school behavior dean

I'm curious about what a high school behavior dean does. Is it mostly about handling disciplinary issues, or are there other key responsibilities? Trying to get a better understanding of school administration roles.

A high school behavior dean, also known as a dean of students or dean of discipline, undertakes a variety of responsibilities focusing primarily on ensuring the behavioral standards of the school are upheld.

Disciplinary action is a key part of the role. This involves handling incidents of misbehavior and enforcing the school's disciplinary code. This might include mediating conflicts, implementing detentions or other penalties, and even coordinating with local law enforcement when necessary.

Beyond disciplinary matters, a behavior dean also often plays a preventive role. This involves developing programs and strategies to promote positive behavior among students and mitigate issues before they escalate into major problems. For instance, they might run workshops on topics like bullying and harassment or implement a school-wide behavior management system to encourage positive conduct.

Another significant aspect is the parent-student liaison function. The dean often communicates with parents about their child's behavior, progress, or about ongoing disciplinary procedures. Building a strong and trusting relationship with students and their parents is fundamental for this role.

Counseling or mentoring students is often a crucial responsibility as well. They might assist students in finding constructive ways to deal with conflicts or stress, and in some cases, they might help connect students and their families to suitable external support services or resources.

Finally, deans often collaborate with other school administrators, teachers, and staff members to maintain a safe and conducive learning environment within the school. They might also be involved in activities such as assisting with school events, developing or revising school policies, and contributing to wider strategic planning.

Please note that specific duties can vary based on the school and district policies. Some deans might have more specific responsibilities or more extensive duties based on the needs of their individual school.