Special Education Program Director, Ruth Batson Academy (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. This role assists the Head of Schools and administrative team in ensuring all students with disabilities access the general curriculum in the least restrictive and/or inclusionary setting, maintaining departmental compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, and promoting the growth and professional development of both regular and special education teachers and staff.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head of Schools in carrying out all local, state, and federal regulatory responsibilities, including coordination of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students referred for services.
• Supervise, train, and direct the work of all Special Education professionals and support staff.
• Evaluate the performance of all professional staff assigned to the department in collaboration with the Head of Schools.
• Oversee the development and coordination of curriculum goals and objectives, promote best practices in differentiated instruction, and assist in distributing and training instructional materials to special and regular education teachers.
• Ensure students with disabilities receive appropriate accommodations and modifications in instruction and assessment for success in the classroom and on citywide and statewide tests.
• Maintain timely and accurate student records and reports.
• Maintain responsive communication among students' parents, students, and staff involved in Special Education programs.
• Assist in the development and implementation of the school’s improvement plans.
• Collaborate with other departments and service providers to ensure the inclusion of all Special Education students in subject classes and school programs.
• Assist in planning literacy programs and behavior intervention models to align citywide learning standards with effective teaching practices.
• Develop and implement integrative/inclusive programs in collaboration with the Head of Schools and monitor their effectiveness.
• Assist with Individualized Educational Plans as needed.
• Perform whole-school functions such as discipline, hallway climate, and participation on an administrative team.
• Perform other administrative duties as requested by the Head of Schools.

Requirements

• 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 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.
• Belief that all students can reach proficiency, in inclusion models for Special Education, and in maintaining high standards for all 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as an Evaluation Team Leader or other Special Education administrative responsibilities.
• Fluency in one of BPS' official languages: Spanish, Creole (Cape Verdean), Creole (Haitian), Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese, or Somali.

Schedule

209-day work year (BASAS 9A). Start and end times vary by school, with some schools offering an extended day through the "Schedule A" Expanded Learning Time (ELT) agreement.

Pay

Refer to www.bostonpublicschools.org/ohc (under "Employee Benefits and Policies") for salary and compensation details, listed by Unions and Grade/Step.