Prairie Crossing Charter School
Prairie Crossing Charter School (PCCS) is currently accepting applications for an Assistant Dean of Faculty and Students for the 2025-2026 school year. PCCS's team culture is one that CARES. The Assistant Dean of Faculty & Students at Prairie Crossing Charter School (PCCS) is a key leadership position dedicated to supporting the school’s unique mission of fostering academic excellence, social-emotional growth, personal responsibility, and environmental stewardship, especially with regard to students. Rooted in our CARES values (Collaborative, Aware, Respectful, Empowered, Sustainable), this position works collaboratively with staff, students, and families to cultivate a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment. This role supports day-to-day operations, instructional leadership, student success, and professional development to achieve PCCS’s goals.
Benefits of Joining the PCCS Team
Education for Sustainability
This is what makes PCCS successful. Along with meeting and exceeding the Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards, PCCS seeks to meet and exceed Environmental Literacy standards through the Northern American Association for Environmental Education in equipping our students to become community-centered and environmentally responsible. It's what our problem, project, and place-based learning approach is all about. We provide children with a personalized education experience, where they learn the value of community and the environment so they can make a positive difference for themselves and their communities
Constant Improvement
PCCS Instructional assistants have the opportunity to develop their skills through our Institute Days and bi-monthly professional development sessions. Additionally, each IA will work with a mentor and an environmental coach who provide individualized support. Our collaborative environment is rooted in student achievement data and focused on improving instructional practice and student learning. These opportunities allow us to build a vibrant professional learning community where we can sharpen our skills and have fun.
Collaboration
We are constantly building a professional learning community where all staff are having the hard conversations and we are pushing each other to get better at our craft.
Exemplary Colleagues
When you decide to join the PCCS team, you are choosing to work with award-winning professionals who strive together to Create Natural Leaders. We believe that children are our best hope to improve the world, if you do too, we want you to join our team.
Job Description
Instructional Leadership
Collaborate with the Deans, Directors, and teachers to deliver high-quality instruction aligned with PCCS’s curriculum, state standards, EfS (Education for Sustainability) standards, and CARES values.
Assist with standardized assessments (NWEA, IAR, etc.) and data-driven initiatives for targeted instruction, intervention, and enrichment.
Assist with coaching, feedback, and professional development to staff to enhance instructional practices and student engagement.
Assist in planning and implementing professional development focused on core academics, classroom management, and innovative teaching strategies.
Assist with environmental and sustainability education programs as integral components of the PCCS mission.
Student Support
Support student discipline and behavior management using restorative practices aligned with CARES principles.
Collaborate with staff and families to develop individualized success plans, including behavior interventions.
Promote a safe, inclusive school culture that values diversity, fosters respect, and empowers all students.
Staff Support & Supervision
Assist in recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and retaining high-quality staff.
Oversee Instructional Assistant evaluations with constructive feedback to support professional growth.
Assist with staff schedules to optimize resources and meet student needs.
Assist with daily staffing needs to ensure seamless school operations.
Operational Leadership
Assist with the management of daily operations, including schedules, events, and school activities.
Oversee the school’s safety plan and ensure a secure learning environment.
Support the Administrative Team in budget management and resource allocation.
Coordinate extracurricular activities, assemblies, clubs, sports, and community events.
Family & Community Engagement
Build strong relationships with students, families, and community partners to foster engagement and collaboration.
Serve as a liaison for parent communication, addressing concerns and celebrating successes.
Oversee school-wide communications, including learning updates and emergency notifications.
Support the school’s environmental mission by collaborating on events, initiatives, and projects with community organizations.
Compliance & School Improvement
Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, as well as charter requirements.
Assist with accreditation processes, assessment reporting, and communication with the Illinois State Board of Education.
Contribute to the development and execution of the school improvement plan.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
General knowledge of elementary and middle school-aged student’s growth and development
Ability to organize and coordinate work.
Ability to communicate effectively with teachers, students, and parents.
Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
Qualifications:
Education: Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction, or a related field.
Certification: Illinois PEL with General Administrative Endorsement or equivalent.
Experience: Minimum of three years of teaching experience; prior leadership experience preferred.
Strong understanding of differentiated instruction, restorative practices, and data-driven decision-making.
Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
Commitment to PCCS’s mission of environmental stewardship and sustainability education.
Preferred:
Experience in a charter school or environmentally focused educational setting.
Proven ability to address complex student and family issues with professionalism and empathy.
Demonstrated success in leading professional development initiatives.
Working Conditions
Salary and Benefits
Salary:
Benefits Package includes competitive PTO and paid leave as well as:
Health Insurance:
Retirement:
Professional Development:
Work Schedule and Hours:
PCCS is an equal-opportunity employer and fully embraces diversity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. The more inclusive we are, the better we will be.