What is a Dean? Learn More About How They Help Transform Lives at Mill Creek Academy

For parents not familiar with National Heritage Academies (NHA) schools, you might be wondering about our deans.

Our deans function as administrators who also help in classrooms throughout the day. Deans often work with parents and teachers to find ways to work together for the best outcome for the student. These aren’t vice principals – they’re extra teachers, emotional supporters, professional development instructors, an extra ear for students who need a moment, and they support the education of all scholars.

Deans at NHA oversee a certain segment of each building. At a school like Mill Creek Academy that is starting with kindergarten to fifth graders, there might be a dean of lower elementary (K-2) and dean of upper elementary (3-5). We use this layered approach because it helps our teachers and deans work together with our scholars to resolve issues in the classroom. It also builds better relationships with parents.

Teachers and deans share a special bond. The deans at our schools work to support both teachers and students, and everyone excels when they’re in the classroom. They transform the lives of their peers and students but still are teachers at heart.