Dean of Academics, Grades 11 & 12

The Dean of Academics, Grades 11 & 12 at EF Academy Pasadena evaluates and provides leadership for the instructional program of the academic school faculty. The Dean ensures the smooth running of the school through effective planning and organization of school structures and procedures. The Dean enhances the quality of student provision by ensuring that the needs of individual students and teachers are considered during the planning process and supports the school in securing effective education for all pupils, as well as the continuous improvement of teaching and learning.

Reports to Head of School

Compensation: Faculty Pay Range of $70,304 to $86,400 + $8,000.00 stipend + 2 class release 

Professional Qualifications and Qualities

• Master’s degree in educational leadership, administration, curriculum and instruction, or a related field.
• High school classroom teacher certification/qualification.
• Previous successful teaching and educational management experience required.
• Extensive knowledge of and experience with principles and methods related to curriculum, instruction, graduation requirements, and related areas.
• Proven ability to evaluate instructional programs and teaching effectiveness.
• Demonstrated success in providing effective leadership and guidance to students, staff, and parents.
• Understanding of and experience with the major components of the IB Programme, including the common threads between programs.
• Demonstrated ability to work and plan collaboratively.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in English, both verbal and written.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to motivate, negotiate, influence, and network.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in financial planning, budget management, and effective deployment of resources.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational, time management, and multitasking skills.
• Excellent ICT skills and knowledge of their effective use to support pedagogy.
• Ability to understand, adapt to, and empathize with social and cultural diversity.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with tact and discretion.
• Maturity and commitment to exercising sound judgment.
• Demonstrated flexibility, reliability, and initiative in support of all school-related activities.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Leadership & Program Oversight

• Provide direction and leadership to instructional staff in the development, implementation, and evaluation of academic programs to enhance student achievement.
• Ensure that the curriculum, school policies, and practices are aligned, including admissions and placement, student assessment, student records, and reports on student achievement.
• Collaborate with academic staff to evaluate and select instructional resources and programs that meet student learning needs.
• Develop and coordinate continuous evaluation of educational programs to examine curriculum and instructional effectiveness; use findings to inform practice and implement changes.
• Gather and disseminate current information to staff on educational issues, trends, and research.
• Work effectively and serve as liaison between campuses regarding student assessment, improvement planning, curriculum and instruction, revision, and development.
• Oversee coverage for classes requiring a teacher, as necessary.

Data, Assessment & Student Progress

• Assist teachers and support staff in coordinating school testing programs, analyzing and interpreting test data, and monitoring student growth and progress.
• Work with teachers and support staff to assess and put in place intervention to guide, monitor and support student progress and student wellness needs.
• Support attendance and work closely with the Attendance Team to monitor and support students’ daily attendance.

Faculty Development & Instructional Coaching

• Facilitate improved student performance through the planning and implementation of professional development for teachers and staff.
• Model effective classroom management and instructional techniques.
• Coach and train teachers to utilize various instructional strategies to meet student learning needs by:
  • Assessing instructional problem areas and identifying appropriate solutions.
  • Encouraging teachers to use new methods and materials, where appropriate, to improve instruction.
  • Helping to plan and implement new instructional programs or procedures.

Student Support & Discipline Collaboration

• Work closely with the Dean of Students’ team to support student discipline and accountability systems, utilizing school systems and coordinating communication with parents/guardians, worldwide admission offices, and supporting departments on campus (counselors, social workers, nurses, teachers, advisors, etc.).
• Collaborate with relevant faculty and staff on the organization and implementation of the school disciplinary policy.
• Lead and manage the Advisory Team to support students and create programs that foster meaningful relationships and ensure students are well known.
• Collaborate on induction events for new students.

Academic Pathways & Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Dean of Academics for Grades 9 & 10, along with the IB Coordinator, to map curriculum, plan assessment, and create appropriate policies that ensure consistency and collaboration.
• Collaborate with the University & Academic Counselling team to ensure clear and appropriate academic pathways are accessible to students, including ensuring that all courses offered meet California state graduation requirements and receive required approval from the College Board, when necessary.
• Take an active role in student course recommendations.
• Actively monitor and collaborate with relevant team members to ensure that students are on track to meet graduation requirements.
• Collaborate with faculty and the University & Academic Counselling team to confirm AP exam registration and entries are accurate and timely.

Administrative Duties & Campus Leadership

• Participate in supervisory rotations as the administrator on duty, including 24-hour on-call responsibilities and collaborative crisis management in emergencies.
• Collaborate with relevant staff to plan and prepare for the Grade 12 Graduation Ceremony.
• Carry out additional activities, as requested, in line with the general expectations of this job description.

Instructional Responsibilities

• Teach a class load of 1–2 out of 6 classes/sections.
• Provide timely feedback to students.
• Supervise students’ IB Diploma Programme Extended Essays.
• Attend curriculum planning meetings, faculty meetings, department meetings, and all community meetings/assemblies.
• Participate in professional development opportunities offered by the school.
• Serve on committees as needed.

Boarding & Community Engagement

Residential Life & Student Experience

• Serve as a visible and active presence in the residential life program, connecting academic and co-curricular experiences.
• Participate in evening and weekend campus activities as part of residential leadership.
• Partner with the Dean of Students, Heads of Department, and Residential Life team to ensure holistic support for students’ academic and personal development.
• Contribute to boarding school life by supervising a club and/or coaching a sport.
• Participate in student welcome week activities and student placement testing.
• Attend school events throughout the academic year, including, but not limited to, graduation, school plays, arts nights, and sporting events.

Community Engagement

• Promote positive school relationships through regular communication and interaction with community members, including students, academic colleagues, residential colleagues, parents, advisors, and staff.
• Oversee and coordinate parent-teacher-student conferences outside of normal working hours.
• Keep families informed about student progress by writing academic comments each semester.

About EF Academy

EF Academy is a leading private boarding and day high school, attracting students from around the world to our campuses in Pasadena, New York, and Oxford (England). At EF Academy, we prepare students to thrive academically, personally, and socially helping them build the confidence, skills, and sense of purpose they need to lead fulfilling, successful lives. With a focus on academic excellence, personal growth, and cultural immersion, we empower students to unlock their full potential and develop the lifelong skills they need to thrive in any future they envision. 

About EF Education First

Some companies are in the business of banking. Others are in the business of shoes. Or sports. Or soft drinks. At EF, we're in a different kind of business. One that's a little less tangible, and a lot more important. Because our business, what we make, makes everything else possible. We're in the business of understanding. Between people. Between cultures.

For over half a century, we’ve been the leader in international educational programs and experiences designed to foster such understanding.  Through language, cultural exchange, academic studies, and educational travel, we create the kinds of immersive experiences that challenge biases, open minds, and pave the way for a more understanding world. 

You’ll find our offices and schools located in some of the world’s greatest cities, and filled with smart, driven people (over 50,000 of us) who push each other to be better every day. But it’s what we do together - building greater understanding, breaking down barriers, and creating a better world - that makes all the difference. 

Founded in 1965 in Sweden, EF (Education First) is a global association of education companies that share a common mission of opening the world through education. EF has been recognized on Forbes 2025 and 2024 World’s Best Employers and 2024 Top Companies for Women lists, Fast Company’s 2025 Next Big Things In Tech, and was a 2024 App Store Award winner in Cultural Impact. 

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