High School Culture Specialist

High School Culture Specialist

2025-2026

Classification

Exempt, 10-Month Employee

Reports to

High School Principal

Overview

The High School Culture Specialist plays a critical role in fostering a positive, structured, and disciplined learning environment at the high school level. This individual is responsible for:

• Assisting and supporting the HS leaders in implementing school-wide discipline programs, norms of conduct and classroom management practices to ensure the safety, academic success and socio-emotional wellbeing of ALL students and staff.
• Overseeing school daily procedures (arrival, dismissal, transitions), classroom behavior systems (policies and practices) and compliance of school policies throughout the school day and school grounds.
• Monitoring and supporting classroom discipline.
• Training and supporting teachers in implementing effective classroom management strategies to build strong classroom communities conducive to learning.
• Developing and sustaining positive relationships with students, parents and other school stakeholders to reinforce positive discipline and promote an inclusive, engaging learning environment.

Creating/promoting a strong, positive, equitable and inclusive School Culture

• Foster a strong, high achievement school culture rooted in respect, equity, inclusion, and high expectations for all students.
• Working with HS leaders and the culture team to develop, implement, and reinforce clear norms of conduct, classroom management policies, and procedures that ensure the safety, socio-emotional and academic success of all students.
• Assist in creating a tiered, incentive-consequence based, MTSS program with school-wide, small group and individual behavior initiatives, including individualized plans for at-risk, IEP or tier 3 students to address the needs of all students.
• Model positive discipline behavior.
• Lead and oversee Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) programs and Restorative Practices with consistency and fidelity.
• Facilitate restorative conversations to resolve student conflicts, promote reconciliation, and strengthen peer relationships.

Upholding Systems and Compliance

• Create, roll out, and uphold clear systems and procedures for daily school operations, including but not limited to arrival, dismissal, class transitions, bathroom and other out of classroom visits, lunch, recess and dismissal in collaboration with the HS Principal, Assistant Principal and the culture team.
• Maintain and monitor safety and order throughout school grounds, by being accessible and visible in hallways, classrooms, during arrival/dismissal of students, lunch/recess, dean's office, detention, etc.
• Work closely together with colleagues to ensure consistency and discipline across all classrooms.
• Make sure all behavioral practices are fair, equitable and responsive to the diverse needs of students.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to student discipline and behavior management.

Classroom Management and Discipline

• Ensure the consistent implementation of school-wide policies, daily procedures and effective classroom management strategies to create strong classroom environments conducive to learning.
• Serve as the primary contact for teachers needing removal and/or intervention with student discipline.
• Conduct investigations into behavioral incidents and recommend appropriate consequences in alignment with school policies.
• Address student behavioral issues through restorative practices, counseling, and disciplinary actions as needed.

Supporting Instruction: Teacher Support and Professional Development

• Model and provide training to teachers on effective discipline strategies and Teach Like a Champion techniques.
• Assist teachers in developing proactive classroom behavior plans that include a system of rewards and consequences to minimize disruptions.
• Conduct classroom observations, and provide non-evaluative peer coaching to teachers on effective classroom management techniques, conflict resolution, and positive behavior reinforcement.
• Support in norming classroom management best-practices school-wide.
• Analyze school-wide data to design responsive student interventions.

Promoting Parent and Community Engagement

• Communicate effectively with parents/guardians regarding student behavior, interventions, and discipline policies to help deter misbehavior and focus students on the right path.
• Organize parent workshops on student discipline and positive reinforcement strategies at home.
• Foster relationships with teachers, leadership, school stakeholders and community organizations to support student behavior initiatives.
• Work closely with school counselors, special education staff, and administrators to address special student populations' needs.
• Supports grade-appropriate, application-oriented activities/ assemblies/ initiatives that bolster student engagement and positive school culture.
• Attend grade team meetings as needed, and when it relates to student behavioral trends and academic needs (ie: during grade KidTalk conversations).

Administrative, Reporting and Other Duties

• Document and maintain up to date accurate records of disciplinary actions, student behavior trends, and intervention outcomes.
• Prepare monthly reports on discipline data for school administration.
• Meet weekly with HS Principal (and culture team) to discuss school-wide issues, trends, and possible solutions to address students' needs as it relates to discipline, engagement and positive participation in the school community.
• Complete any other tasks or duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling, or a related field required (Master's Degree/NYS Teaching Certification is a plus)
• Minimum of 2-3 years experience in classroom teaching, dean and/or student behavior management experience in an urban high school or high-needs school setting.
• Strong understanding of behavior management strategies, restorative justice practices, and school discipline policies.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices and social-emotional learning (SEL) strategies, and Teach Like a Champion techniques, a plus.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, conflict resolution, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and data analysis to track student behavior trends.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, teachers and staff, and parents/ guardians.
• Bilingual/Spanish preferred

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities but will serve as a model for the associate deans

and peer coach for teachers.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time 10-month position. This role is a fully in-person role serving students. The regular hours and workdays are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm in addition to any special events to which all staff are expected to attend.

Salary Range

$75,000 - $90,000 annually (Based on Experience)

Travel

Minimum to no travel required

EEO Statement

Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health and Science Charter School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.