Overview
Orchard Knob Middle School
Orchard Knob Middle School (OKMS) is a dynamic 6–8 learning community located in the heart of Chattanooga, Tennessee. At OKMS, we are committed to accelerating student achievement while cultivating a culture grounded in high expectations, strong relationships, and purposeful instruction. Our school community lives out our core belief: Hustle. Grind. Execute.
We are a results-driven school focused on preparing every student for high school success and beyond through rigorous, standards-aligned instruction and intentional systems of support. Through targeted interventions, data-driven practices, and a relentless focus on clear learning targets and checks for understanding, we work to ensure that all students grow academically and develop as confident, capable learners.
OKMS intentionally exposes students to college and career pathways through structured, real-world learning experiences. Scholars participate in college visits across Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama, building early awareness of postsecondary opportunities. Within the school day, students engage in rigorous, standards-aligned instruction supported by targeted interventions and enrichment opportunities. Beyond the classroom, students have access to athletics, after-school programming, and our eLab digital fabrication space—where innovation, design, and problem-solving are actively developed and applied.
Our work is strengthened through strong partnerships with families and community organizations, all aligned to expanding opportunities and outcomes for our students. We are intentional about building not only academic readiness, but also leadership, resilience, and a sense of belonging within our Yellow Jacket community.
At Orchard Knob Middle School, we seek educators who are high-energy, student-centered, and committed to excellence. Our teachers are content experts who embrace a growth mindset, use data to inform instruction, and engage in continuous professional learning. In return, our leadership team prioritizes coaching, collaboration, and teacher voice—ensuring staff are supported, developed, and empowered to lead.
Hamilton County Schools, located in Chattanooga, TN, is working to ensure that all students thrive and experience a future without limits. We are committed to excellence for every student and are seeking outstanding leaders, teachers, support staff, and district employees who desire to make a difference in the lives of students. With nearly 75 schools, we are confident that you can find your place in Hamilton County.
Learn more about working for Hamilton County Schools at careers.hcde.org and get to know us and our strategic plan, Opportunity 2030.
The Dean of Students will collaborate with school administrators, teachers/staff, parents, and selected LEA personnel to ensure that all students are successful in the academic and community environments. The Dean of Students will think critically about ways to solve disciplinary and attendance issues, including academic and non-academic issues, in order to ensure that students are getting the support they need to maintain and/or improve high levels of academic performance. The Dean of Students will engage in instructional conversations, training, and learning opportunities that focus on supporting teacher learning and student achievement. The Dean of Students will lead with an instructional presence.
Responsibilities
- Communicate with families and work collaboratively with the school's Family Partnership Specialists and School Counseling staff.
- Impact student achievement in the core academic areas by providing guidance and supporting students who are experiencing difficulty with study habits, attendance, and behavioral expectations.
- Serve as a resource to staff by supporting the school action plan, quality instruction, and implementation of high-quality instructional materials.
- Lead school-wide culture and climate programs such as: School-Wide Positive Behavior Initiatives and the Anti-Bullying Program. Facilitate training for students, teachers, and parents to help strengthen the school and community partnership.
- Develop individualized student plans to support students with making positive choices.
- Create and coordinate education supports to meet the needs of students.
- Support and monitor students regarding academic, behavioral, and social behaviors.
- Facilitate meetings for the purpose of meeting curriculum guidelines and/or ensuring that state mandates are achieved.
- Attend school leadership meetings, and other meetings or professional development opportunities with student support strategies.
- Participate in parent-teacher conferences.
- Monitor student growth and progress.
- Plan and implement talk structures that support student discourse, both academic and behaviorally focused.
- Work with mentor teachers and teachers to ensure that students are being challenged in an academically rigorous setting, while being supported emotionally.
Qualifications
Knowledge/Education/Experience:
- Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree is preferred.
Teaching candidates must hold a valid state of Tennessee Teaching or School Service certification. If you hold a teaching license in another state, you must- for a Tennessee teaching license.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, especially the ability to communicate and collaborate with school age students.
- Effective organizational skills, attention to detail, strong work ethic, and ability to multitask.
- Ability to read and interpret documents, write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups.
- Ability to research and interpret state and LEA student data.
Ability to interpret,- and explain laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and contracts which affect the school.
- Ability to utilize student formative and summative test data with all stakeholders.
- Experience enforcing consequences and upholding high standards.
- Experience working with urban school students and their families in a diverse environment.
- Experience as a teacher, social worker, or school psychologists, preferred.
Skills/Qualifications:
- Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills to deal effectively with
students, educators, parents, and community members.
- Demonstrate excellent planning, organizational, problem-solving, decision-making,
and time management skills.
Compensation
Salary is based on a combination of relevant education and experience.
This position may be eligible for an increase in total compensation. The Differentiated Compensation Plan applies to designated schools and hard-to-staff positions.
