Director of Special Education

About the role

WHIN Music Community Charter School is the first school of its kind, built on the principles of El Sistema. WHIN is a place where children learn, grow, and make music together, fostering a community where staff, families, and students collaborate to prioritize learners’ needs. We are seeking a high-performing Director of Special Education (DSE) to help grow this unique school community where compassion, kindness, and curiosity drive each day.

The Director of Special Education reports to the Principal and ensures all students thrive by supporting teachers to perform at a high caliber.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary liaison between district, CSE, and school personnel for special education services.
• Coordinate and oversee special education services and personnel to ensure students’ needs are met.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations (ADA, IDEA, IEPs).
• Oversee and implement the School’s Response to Intervention program; monitor and document progress toward goals.
• Provide specialized instructional support, progress monitoring, student observations, and consultation for special and general education teachers.
• Support the development of students’ IEPs and curriculum.
• Observe and coach teachers daily; assume teaching responsibilities as needed.
• Help teachers develop instructional strategies and provide real-time coaching feedback.
• Monitor and implement the school’s Special Education Program, including timely responses to parent inquiries, student assessments, and reporting.
• Lead the Child Study Team (CST) in determining when external Related Services Providers are needed.
• Ensure external Related Service Providers meet individual student needs.
• Contribute to the Principal’s evaluation of academic staff.
• Prepare and conduct high-quality professional development, data review sessions, and Special Education team meetings.
• Determine and coordinate professional development opportunities for staff.
• Lead the development and administration of school-wide policies and procedures for students with special needs.
• Participate in staff recruitment.
• Compile, analyze, and share student data with the Principal in a timely manner.
• Partner with related service providers to progress monitor, schedule sessions, and push-in to music classes for occupational therapy when applicable.

Requirements

• NY State (or equivalent) Certification in Special Education.
• Minimum Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education (Master’s preferred).
• Two years (minimum) of classroom experience.

Skills

• Demonstrated success ensuring students with disabilities meet established goals.
• Ability to work well on a team and communicate effectively.
• Ability to work autonomously and accept coaching as needed.
• School leadership, teacher mentorship, or coaching experience preferred.
• Experience in urban schools and/or communities.
• Sense of humor and kindness toward colleagues.
• Advanced proficiency in one or more of the following is strongly preferred:
  • Bilingual (Spanish).
  • Music performance.

Benefits

• Retirement Plans:
  • Tier 1: 1-2 years of service at WHIN = 5% match.
  • Tier 2: 2-5 years of service at WHIN = 7.5% match.
  • Tier 3: 5+ years of service at WHIN = 10% annual match.
• Up to four medical plans through Cigna’s Open Access Plus Network, all including free preventative care.
• Life insurance, short-term disability, optional pet insurance, and Norton Lifelock.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $100,000 - $130,000.