THS Special Education Department Head Office/On-site #260806-9190VS-002

Join the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) as a Special Education Department Head at Windham Technical High School in Windham, CT. This role is ideal for an experienced special education professional passionate about transforming the lives of Connecticut’s youth through exemplary trade and academic programming.

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.

Education and Qualifications

To be considered for this position, candidates must possess 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) Qualifications

Alternatively, candidates may be eligible for a State of Connecticut teaching certificate in the subject area, including ARC candidates.

Schedule

• First shift, full time (35 hours per week)
• Monday through Friday
• 10-month academic calendar (188 days per year)

Pay

Salary: VS03, derived from the State Vocational Federation of Teachers.

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 feedback.
• Advancing student achievement through instructional coaching, collaborative leadership, and operational oversight.
• Overseeing the implementation and monitoring of IEPs, ensuring compliant service delivery and scheduling.
• Chairing Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meetings and reviewing/finalizing special education documents.
• Monitoring departmental practices to ensure adherence to state and federal mandates.
• Utilizing student performance and program data to support continuous improvement in partnership with school administration and Central Office.
• Leading professional learning, coordinating staffing and service assignments, and overseeing departmental budgeting, scheduling, and compliance systems.
• Serving as a liaison among students, families, staff, administration, community agencies, and district personnel to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities.

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 and improve outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through presentations, reports, 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 IEPs.
• Knowledge of and experience with monitoring compliance with federal and state special education regulations.
• Experience coordinating student schedules and service delivery based on IEP requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a liaison among families, staff, administration, 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 Certification Regulations Concerning State Educator Certificates, Permits, and Authorizations, with a secondary school endorsement.

Benefits

At the State of Connecticut, we offer 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, performing meaningful work, and encouraging a healthy work/life balance.