Dean of Academics

Overview:

The Cape Eleuthera Island School (CEIS), a not-for-profit organization based in Eleuthera, The Bahamas, was founded in 1999 to create and support transformational educational experiences with the mission of leadership effecting change.  The diverse CEIS educational initiatives, including the Island School Semester and Summer Term, Deep Creek Middle School, the Early Learning Center, and Community Outreach, deliver unique education in partnership with the authentic and meaningful work our organization undertakes in research, sustainable development and innovation at the Cape Eleuthera Institute.

The Island School Semester is the flagship Island School program offering a single immersive semester on Eleuthera for approximately 52 high school sophomores and juniors. Semester faculty often have worked in experiential education in addition to having a focus in a specific academic discipline.

Job Summary

As part of the administrative team, the Dean of Academics will possess a demonstrated career commitment to teaching and a passion for experiential, interdisciplinary curriculum design. The DoA will provide leadership in the areas of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and planning; provide administrative support and technical assistance to staff; and, assist the school in strengthening instructional programs through a strategically planned, standards-based approach. The Dean of Academics provides guidance to instructors to ensure that each course is appropriate for students and that they align with other course offerings in rigor and scope. The Dean of Academics sets a professional tone for the program and serves as a positive role model for staff and students. Additionally, the DoA will work closely with teachers to refine and support curricula in art, histories, literature, marine ecology, mathematics and research.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Oversee the student academic experience from pre-semester to final debrief activities
• Familiarize oneself with incoming students overall academic standing including sending school communications, student learning accommodations and occasional, special home-based accommodations
• Collaborate with specific subject teachers to ensure that the academic component of each department is meeting expectations
• Clarify expectations and responsibilities of faculty through training activities and provide timely, meaningful, and constructive feedback regarding instructional activities
• Support instructional staff, encourage collaboration between instructors, and gather information through classroom observations to include  providing feedback
• Review and edits course syllabi, supervising the collection and organization of student evaluations and any other follow-up documents to ensure consistency with course goals and standards for quality and timeliness
• Respond in a positive and supportive manner to instructional staff questions, concerns, and needs
• Work with sending schools and parents to coordinate course credit, facilitate curriculum questions, and ensure curriculum is understood
• Document administrative procedures and activities to serve the informational needs of students, families, and academic staff
• Manage staff conduct issues as they arise through modeling and/or appropriate redress
• Facilitate student leadership opportunities and guides their leadership development
• Collaborate with researchers, staff and other school employees to enhance the student experience and utilize our campus, resources, and location as a classroom
• Organize and facilitate (student) Demonstrations of Learning
• Organize and oversee all academic reporting to students, families, and sending schools to include organizing the reporting logistics and process
• Work collaboratively with research lead and external partners in delivering research presentations and necessary follow up
• Work professionally and cooperatively within the school community and broader South Eleuthera community
• Participate in all aspects of the semester experience including morning exercise, duty, student activities, teaching and advising where applicable

Qualifications & Experience:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum of five years working in school setting
• Experience writing lesson plans and delivering classes
• Expertise in subject area
• Strong interpersonal, communication (written and oral), and organizational abilities
• Proficient computer skills especially Google-suite use
• A commitment to culturally diverse teaching
• Experience mentoring adolescents
• Adaptability and flexibility for remote island living

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience with semester-based or immersion programs

• Expedition/ trip leader experience

• Experience in a residential school setting

• Wilderness First Responder certification

• SCUBA or Freediving certification

• ACA sea kayaking certification

• US Coast Guard or RYA boat driving certification

Work Demands

• Ability to work intensive hours throughout two 100-day semesters, including evenings and weekends
• Readiness to begin work days by participating in a 6:15am meeting five days per week
• Lead and/or support daily morning exercise
• Participate in residential duty rotation - including occasional weekends - with normal residential duty hours extending until 10:30pm
• Facilitate and support overnight camping and/or kayaking expeditions
• Coach and train students (and self) for an endurance athletic event (four-mile swim or 13.1-mile run)
• Full participation in faculty orientation, semester preparations, and semester debrief sessions
• Co-lead sea-kayaking and/or camping expeditions
• Participate alongside students and staff in the daily maintenance and care for the facility through chores and other tasks

Schedule - starting date: January 10th, 2025

Semester Faculty are fully engaged in a fall and spring 100-day semester with ample preparation and debrief time at the beginning and end of each term. Semester faculty roles are based on academic calendars with faculty beginning in early August through May with a mid-winter break. There is an opportunity to also work summer programs for an additional stipend.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience
• Access to dining hall for on-campus meals when available
• Medical insurance
• Life Insurance
• Dental reimbursement
• 10 days of paid vacation pro-rated per year
• Eligibility for matching retirement plan after two years of service
• Professional development opportunities
• Housing provided (typically on-campus)

How to Apply:

Via this link: https://ceis.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=127  and include the following documents in PDF format:

1. Cover letter and personal statement.
2. Current resume.
3. Three references (to include name, telephone number and email address).