Special Education Program Director, New Mission [BASAS 9A] (SY26-27)

About the role

The Special Education Program Director will provide leadership in managing and supervising a large and diverse Special Education Department. They will assist the Head of Schools and his administrative team in ensuring that all students with disabilities have access to the general curriculum in the least restrictive and/or inclusionary setting.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head of Schools in carrying out all local, state, and federal regulatory responsibilities required and maintaining compliance with Federal and State regulations and orders of the Court, including but not limited to the coordination of the development of Individual Education Plans for students referred for services.
• Supervises, trains, and directs the work of all Special Education professionals and support staff.
• In collaboration with the Head of Schools, evaluates the performances of all professional staff assigned to the department with a special emphasis on ABA staff.
• Oversees the development and coordination of curriculum goals and objectives, promotes best practices in differentiated instruction across the school community, and assists in the distribution and training of instructional materials to special and regular education teachers in conjunction with the Instructional Coaches, with a special emphasis on ABA classrooms.
• Ensures that all students with disabilities are given the appropriate accommodations and modifications in instruction and assessment for them to be successful in the classroom and in all citywide formative and state-wide tests.
• Maintains responsive lines of communication among students' parents, students, and staff involved in Special Education programs.
• Aids in the development and implementation of the school's improvement plans.
• Collaborates with other departments and service providers within the school to ensure the appropriate inclusion of all Special Education students in all subject classes and school programs and activities.
• Aids in planning the implementation of literacy programs and behavior intervention models to support the alignment of citywide learning standards with effective teaching practices across the school.
• Develops and implements integrative/inclusive programs in collaboration with the Head of schools and monitors the effectiveness and quality of services to students with disabilities within the least restrictive environment.
• Aids in the building of ETF with Individualized Educational Plans as needed.
• Performs whole-school functions such as discipline, hallway climate, and participates on an administrative team.
• Performs other administrative duties as requested by the Head of schools.

Qualifications

• Education: Master's Degree in Education
• Three (3) years of urban teaching experience in special education at the secondary level
• Massachusetts Teacher Certification in Special Education and at the secondary level
• Massachusetts Supervisor/Director OR Administrator of Special Education license
• Demonstrated leadership qualities, interpersonal skills, and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with students, teachers, administrators, and parents
• A belief that all students can reach proficiency, in inclusion models for Special Education, and in maintaining high standards for all of our students
• Ability to establish a culturally sensitive atmosphere that enhances individual growth, promotes a positive self-image, and ensures equity for all members of the school community