Special Education Department Head (Durational) Department Head #260806-9190VS-001
Are you an experienced special education professional passionate about educating the future of the field and transforming the lives of Connecticut’s youth? The Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) is recruiting for an anticipated durational Special Education Department Head position at Harvard H. Ellis Technical High School in Killingly, CT.
About Us
For over 100 years, CTECS has been the leading force in Career Technical Education (CTE) in Connecticut. The system operates 17 diploma-granting technical high schools, one technical education center, and two airframe mechanics and aircraft maintenance programs, providing a direct employment pipeline for high school students and adult learners.
Qualifications
To be considered for this position, candidates must possess or be eligible for an active State of Connecticut teaching certificate in one of the following areas:
- 092 Intermediate Administration or Supervision or 105 Department Chairperson AND Special Education (Instructor)
- Eligibility for a State of Connecticut teaching certificate in the subject area (includes ARC candidates)
Responsibilities
The Special Education Department Head serves as both a teacher and instructional leader, promoting student achievement for identified students, facilitating department operations, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. Key responsibilities include:
- Developing a shared understanding of purposeful planning and progress monitoring to help special education students access curriculum, meet trade and academic competencies, and master IEP goals and objectives.
- Planning and conducting regularly scheduled department meetings to set goals, facilitate tasks, communicate administrative decisions, and gather department feedback.
- Advancing student achievement through instructional coaching, collaborative leadership, and operational oversight.
- Ensuring compliance with state and federal special education regulations, including IEP implementation, service delivery, and scheduling.
- Chairing Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meetings, reviewing and finalizing special education documents, and monitoring departmental practices for legal compliance.
- Serving as a liaison among students, families, staff, administration, community agencies, and district personnel to ensure effective delivery of special education services.
- Utilizing student performance and program data to support continuous improvement, lead professional learning, and coordinate staffing and service assignments.
- Overseeing departmental budgeting, scheduling, compliance systems, and operational procedures to ensure legally compliant and effective special education programming.
Preferred Qualifications
- Minimum of four (4) years of experience in a high school setting (grades 9-12).
- Experience with trade and career pathways for students with disabilities.
- Experience using assessment measures and student data to inform instruction, monitor progress, and improve outcomes.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through oral presentations, written reports, meeting facilitation, and collaborative problem-solving.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and related educational technology platforms.
- Experience scheduling and chairing Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meetings.
- Experience in the development, review, and finalization of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
- Knowledge of and experience with monitoring compliance with federal and state special education regulations and timelines.
- Experience coordinating student schedules and service delivery based on IEP service hours and program requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to serve as a liaison among families, school staff, administration, Central Office personnel, and outside agencies.
Special Requirements
Incumbents must possess, at the time of appointment, a valid certificate issued by the Connecticut State Board of Education in accordance with the Certification Regulations Concerning State Educator Certificates, Permits and Authorizations, with a secondary school endorsement.
Schedule
- First shift, 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday.
Pay
Salary range: VS01-VS02, derived from the State Vocational Federation of Teachers.
Benefits
The State of Connecticut offers a competitive benefits plan, including:
- Option to maintain State of Connecticut Teacher Retirement Plan or enroll in the State Employee Retirement System.
- A variety of medical and dental plans.
- Sick and personal leave.
- Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness after 10 years of service.
- Tuition reimbursement for CTECS employees.
- Opportunities for extra income, professional development, and career growth within the system.
The State emphasizes hiring for diverse perspectives, meaningful work, and a healthy work/life balance.
Position Details
- Location: Harvard H. Ellis Technical High School, Killingly, CT.
- Durational position: November 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027.