Dean of Academics

Staff Position

Founded in 1958, Sequoyah School is an independent progressive K-12 day school in Pasadena, California, built on the belief that diversity of all kinds is fundamental to a powerful education. Students find joy and deep learning as they navigate through curriculum while teachers guide problem-centered classrooms that foster curiosity through intellectual exploration and opportunities for application. The school’s mission to challenge the mind, nurture the heart, and celebrate human dignity is evidenced in its place-based program and signature experiences like Field Studies, the Social Innovation Program, Talking Leaves, and more.

The Dean of Academics is a key member of the Upper School Leadership Team and an academic leader for the school. The Dean helps shape an intellectually ambitious, student-centered progressive academic program—one that combines deep disciplinary learning with inquiry, student agency, and meaningful application beyond the classroom. The Dean supports faculty in their craft, partners with department chairs, and helps ensure that Sequoyah’s curriculum and academic practices reflect both the principles of progressive education and Sequoyah’s mission to challenge the mind, nurture the heart, and celebrate human dignity.

This is a role for a progressive educator who enjoys both big-picture thinking and the practical work of making a strong academic program come alive. The Dean works closely with faculty on curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, and professional growth; helps develop thoughtful systems that support teaching and learning; and uses student experience and academic data to identify where individuals and the program as a whole can grow. As part of the Leadership Team, the Dean also helps shape the culture and direction of the Upper School and is an engaged presence in the daily life of the campus, ensuring full student engagement and belonging both in and beyond the classroom.

The Dean provides leadership for the essential academic structures that allow this work to flourish, including scheduling, academic policies and records, accreditation requirements, student progress and support systems, and faculty development. The Dean also teaches one class section, keeping the role grounded in direct work with students and in the lived experience of teaching at Sequoyah, while modeling intellectual and educational leadership and excellence. The ideal candidate should have a proven track record in school administration and academic leadership. Proficiency with educational information systems such as Veracross, Canvas, or Blackbaud is highly desirable. Strong interpersonal skills are essential for eﬀectively engaging with families, conducting registration meetings, and facilitating faculty workshops.

Roles and Responsibilities

Academic Leadership

Collaborate with the Assistant Head of School & High School Director, Dept. Chairs, and other program administrators to advance the vision of the high school program.
Oversees school scheduling, supporting the needs of students and faculty
Faculty Development: Facilitate workshops and professional development focused on stated school priorities, including competency-based grading and active pedagogy.

Academic Systems & Program Stewardship

Student Academic Progress: Ensure students are on track toward graduation by overseeing transcripts, credits, graduation requirements, and the academic registration process for incoming students.
Accreditation & Program Recognition: Maintain the school’s academic standing and external approvals, including UC A–G and NCAA requirements.
Academic Records & Reporting: Oversee accurate, timely systems for report cards, transcripts, and other academic records that support students, families, and faculty.
Attendance & Academic Eligibility: Oversee systems for monitoring attendance and academic eligibility, ensuring that concerns are identified early and communicated clearly to students, families, and the appropriate school teams.

Student Culture & Support

Help to create a culture of student accountability through early interventions: Manage the academic student support level system; meet with students, Advisors, teachers and parents as necessary;
Foster positive school culture through modeling stewardship on campus, maintaining high visibility, supporting special events and daily student life.
Maintain a strong adult team through regular supervision, and clear and visible collaboration with the administrative team.

Teaching

Teach one section of a class per term.

Qualifications

A graduate degree, masters or higher;
10+ years experience of high school teaching and instructional leadership;
Proven track record in school administration, registrar duties, and academic leadership;
Demonstrated ability to create a culture of inclusion and belonging;
Proficiency with Veracross, Canvas, Blackbaud or similar SISs is highly preferred;
Communication: Exceptional interpersonal skills with all school constituencies, including students, parents, faculty, staﬀ, and prospective families;
Demonstrated success fostering belonging in classrooms and community spaces

Diversity is a founding value of Sequoyah School, and we seek candidates willing and interested in upholding an equitable, inclusive environment. Sequoyah School is also an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any phase of employment. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or any other legally protected status.

Hiring Term

2027-28 School Year

Reports To

Assistant Head of School and High School Director

Campus Location

High school campus

Salary Range

$120,000-$125,000

Benefits

Sequoyah offers competitive salary and benefits.