Supervisor of Special Education - Upper School

The Vanguard School, founded in 1959 and located on a beautiful 28-acre campus in Malvern, PA, is dedicated to the growth and development of children and young adults with a variety of special needs through a collaborative and holistic approach.

About the role

The Supervisor of Special Education is directly responsible for the effective management of the daily operation of the special education program by implementing state regulations, organizational policies, and curriculum in a manner that promotes the educational and behavioral development of each student and the professional development of each staff member.

The role involves leading, empowering, and nurturing all members of the school staff while emulating the VSS mission and core values, and communicating effectively with colleagues, parents, and representatives from school districts and other outside agencies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain special education programs consistent with the needs of the student population and in compliance with federal and state laws.
• Provide leadership in planning, implementing, and evaluating instructional programs.
• Represent building administration on committees as assigned.
• Supervise, observe, evaluate, approve time off, and review the work of assigned staff.
• Conduct staff meetings regularly to ensure clear communication and meet with classroom teams to develop and maintain effective working relationships.
• Orient new staff members regarding students, general building practices, instructional programs, and goals.
• Participate in the enrollment process for referred students.
• Implement and maintain the school-wide positive behavior support system and ensure the safety and well-being of all students at all times.
• Develop the master schedule of classes, individual student rosters, and staff assignments; work with teachers, academic specialists, and student services staff to group students appropriately and assign teachers.
• Serve as a resource for parents and stakeholders; maintain ongoing communication with school districts, intermediate units, and other outside agencies regarding student programs, placements, and transportation.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure staff receive appropriate and well-rounded professional development.
• Assist in developing proposals, new programs, budgets, and grants collaboratively as part of the administrative team, and manage the fiscal budget to meet student needs.
• Interview applicants and make hiring recommendations in conjunction with Human Resources.
• Supervise year-end obligations of students and staff members; report building and maintenance needs for the upcoming school year.
• Oversee the safety, maintenance, and appearance needs of the school buildings and surrounding property; order furniture/equipment as needed.
• Demonstrate competency in each of the VSS core values: Communication and Listening, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Ethics, Professionalism, and Teamwork.
• Comply with all organizational policies and procedures.
• Maintain a professional, confidential, and ethical relationship with all constituents (administrators, colleagues, faculty, parents, students, and others).
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, leadership meetings, in-service activities, and other required meetings.
• Maintain proper credentials for assignment and remain educationally informed in all related areas, including PDE regulations and state/national standards, through continued professional study and attending workshops and conferences.
• Perform related duties, special assignments, and projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Educational Leadership or a related field.
• Current, valid Pennsylvania teaching certification and five years' experience teaching.
• Certification and teaching experience in Special Education is strongly preferred.
• Current, valid Pennsylvania Principal or Supervisor of Special Education certification is required.
• Ability to plan, organize, and administer a school program with expectations of growth.
• Strong understanding of the nature and needs of special needs children and young adults.
• Ability to recognize the individuality and uniqueness of each student and treat them with respect and dignity.
• Ability to engage intellectually and physically in all components of the educational process.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with all constituents (administrators, colleagues, students, parents, and others).
• Proficient use of the English language, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Ability to use technology and perform clerical skills at a proficient level.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Full comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off (PTO).
• 100% short and long-term disability coverage.
• Robust Employee Assistance Program.
• Generous annual contribution to each employee's 403(b) retirement plan.
• Team-building events and staff outings.

Schedule

Monday to Friday, 7:45 AM to 3:30 PM (12-month, full-time position).