Laguna Blanca School is a college preparatory, coeducational day school located on two campuses in Santa Barbara, California. Grades EK-4 are located on a quaint campus in Montecito, while Grades 5-12 are located on Laguna’s historic campus in idyllic Hope Ranch. Laguna Blanca emphasizes its core values of scholarship, character, balance, and community in its programs.

Laguna Blanca School seeks a dynamic and student centered Upper School Dean of Students to assist the Head of Upper School and Head of School in providing School-wide leadership, to provide leadership for delegated areas of school responsibility, and to provide a variety of extra-curricular programs, activities, and events from which to choose for personal enrichment, socialization, and value formation. Oversees all discipline in the Upper School, and student activities in the Upper School. This is a 12-month position starting July 2026. 

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to employment@lagunablanca.org and complete the online employment application. Applications will not be considered complete until all required items are received.

Roles and Responsibilities: 

Instructor

• Teach at least two (2) classes

Student Support and Discipline

• Oversees and implements US student disciplinary policies, and provides timely accountability that is consistent with the School’s Mission and Values (working closely with Head of Upper School, especially with major disciplinary matters)
• Conducts disciplinary conferences as needed
• Maintains discipline files and provides regular updates to the US Division Head
• Coordinates disciplinary responses (restorative justice, service to school, detentions, etc)

• Weekly review of attendance records
• Monitors and enforces parking/driving rules
• Supervises students during lunch and other designated times to ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment

Upper School Student Life

• Coordinates US Advisory 
• Coordinates US Assemblies
• Coordinates US Clubs
• Advisor to US Student Council – Works to build and to nurture the students’ skills in leadership and organization 
• Administrator of student activities, including: US dances, US elections, Club Fair, and Field Day
• Administrator to student store (purchases, organization, cleanliness, etc.)
• Administers the receipt and disbursement of student body cash funds
• Assists with planning and execution of events for new students, including Flight Path and Opening Day of School
• Works to build school spirit among the students

Additional Administrative Roles and Responsibilities

• Serves on Student Support Team
• Assists faculty with classroom management
• Collaborates with the US Division Head on calendaring events, updating the US Student & Family Handbook, and updating the Student Planner
• Serves on Senior Project Committee
• Participates in admissions events
• Attends faculty meetings
• Oversees US campus supervision
• Agrees to perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Head of School 
• Supports and helps lead campus safety initiatives
• Coordinates all annual emergency preparedness drills, safety planning, and staff training days related to campus safety

Laguna seeks dedicated and mission-driven staff who:

• Demonstrate a passion for supporting an engaging, inclusive, and student-centered learning environment.
• Contribute to a warm, collaborative, and professional workplace that upholds the school’s values and culture.
• Develop innovative, diverse, and inclusive curriculum and assessments that are vertically and horizontally aligned. 
• Differentiate instruction based on needs and learning levels. Sets high academic achievement expectations, while exhibiting knowledge of student cognitive development and various learning styles. 
• Demonstrate content knowledge and passion for the subject area(s).
• Foster active student learning, helping students work both collaboratively and individually to solve complex authentic problems by incorporating strategies such as project based and experiential learning. Provide opportunities for student engagement through “voice and choice.” 
• Collaborate with colleagues in a process that strives for interdisciplinary connections, enhances existing programs, and meshes with existing courses. 
• Provide timely feedback and communicate effectively with students and families about classroom activities and student progress, including during conferences, via report card narratives, and by maintaining an accurate gradebook.
• Identify and support students’ social, emotional, and behavior learning needs.
• Demonstrate cultural competency in their teaching, teamwork, and leadership ability.

• Are committed to the values and the ongoing work of inclusion and belonging. Encourage and maintain a culture of mutual respect and equitable practice, both in the classroom and in the school community.
• Participate as an ambassador of the school to build and support relationships with all key constituents. This support includes participating in a range of school functions including but not limited to admission, alumni, and family events.

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology, Counseling, or related field (Master’s in Educational Leadership, School Counseling, or related area preferred)
• Administrative credential or equivalent certification preferred (required for public schools)
• 3–5+ years of experience working with high school students in a teaching, counseling, or student support role
• Demonstrated experience in student discipline, restorative practices, or social-emotional learning
• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to partner effectively with students, families, and faculty
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and student-centered school environment
• Ongoing maintenance of all requirements regarding professional courses and in-services required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Must be able to traverse school facility and lead students to safety in the event of an emergency
• Occasionally bend, stoop, squat and lift up to 40 lbs as part of job duties
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends for school-related events or projects
• Have a current TB Assessment
• Must provide a clear fingerprint test and background check
• Have CPR and First Aid certifications or have the ability to become certified upon employment

Note: To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to meet the physical requirements and perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. In compliance with federal and state laws, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Please direct inquiries to Angela Jevons, ajevons@lagunablanca.org, 805-969-1085. 

COMPENSATION

Salary range $110,000-$125,000 depending on experience and credentials.  Benefits include medical, dental, vision and retirement.

Laguna Blanca School does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, national origin,  religion, creed, age, disability, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or  any characteristic that is legally protected under applicable local, state, or federal law. This  nondiscrimination policy includes but is not limited to admission, financial aid, educational  programs, athletics, and employment.

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Masters or Ph.D. in Education preferred

• Administrative credential or equivalent certification preferred (required for public schools)
• 3–5+ years of experience working with high school students in a teaching, counseling, or student support role
• Demonstrated experience in student discipline, restorative practices, or social-emotional learning
• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to partner effectively with students, families, and faculty
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and student-centered school environment
• Ongoing maintenance of all requirements regarding professional courses and in-services required

About Laguna Blanca School

Connections working at Laguna Blanca School