Boston Public Schools, Henderson K-12 Inclusion School

ORGANIZATION

The Dr. William W. Henderson K-12 Inclusion School is dedicated to providing an exceptional education to students of all abilities. Our school firmly believes that inclusive education goes beyond simply having students with and without disabilities in the same classroom. To intentionally include students with disabilities, we prioritize several essential practices. Firstly, we strive to establish a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment that fosters a sense of value and respect for all students. We understand that each student has unique learning needs, so we ensure that all students have access to a diverse range of academic resources, specialized expertise, and effective instructional strategies. 

Additionally, we actively promote peer interactions, collaboration, and support systems within the classroom to facilitate social inclusion and cultivate positive relationships among all students. By embracing inclusive education, we not only provide a top-quality education but also foster empathy, compassion, and understanding, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and tolerant society.    The Henderson K-12 is a K-0 to transition school (Students range from age 3 to age 22) and utilizes a co-teaching model in most classrooms.

The Dr. William W. Henderson K-12 Inclusion School has committed to the following principles - which comprise the Henderson's Six Principles of Inclusion - the "how" of this school: 

• We will plan and instruct using the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework.
• We will personalize learning for every student. 
• Our K-5 and core content area classrooms will be co-taught, taught with additional adult support for students, or taught by dual-certified teachers; our specialized service providers will deliver student services in the classroom to the extent possible. 
• We will integrate technology and the arts into classroom learning experiences and extended learning opportunities. 
• A fully inclusive education starts when students leave their homes in the morning and must continue until each student is safely home at night. 
• Our students will be fully included in all activities at the Henderson K-12 from their arrival in a KO classroom until they transition beyond our walls to college, career, or the community. 

WHY LEAD IN BPS 

We are committed to our students and have a track record of success. 

As the birthplace of public education in this nation, the Boston Public Schools is committed to partnering with families and communities to transform the lives of all children through exemplary teaching and leadership. We cultivate staff who create safe, welcoming, and affirming environments, celebrate diversity, and confront racism and inequities. Together, we work to develop the knowledge, skill, and character to excel in college, career, and life for all learners. There are many positive indicators for the growth of opportunity for our students in Boston; student performance on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as the national report card, makes BPS the first urban district to meet their marks in both English and Math for both tested grades. In addition, our graduation rates have increased steadily, recently reaching their highest-ever point. 

We serve a richly diverse community of students and families. 

Boston Public Schools is quickly becoming one of the most diverse school districts in the country. As a leader in BPS, you will be immersed in our rich community cultures and have the opportunity to close the opportunity gaps that persist in our city and nation. Our 46,169 students reflect Boston’s vibrant blend of cultures, representing 140 countries and speaking 80 languages. 72% of our students identify as Black, Latinx, or Asian, and 48% have a first language other than English. Our learners hold a wide variety of learning styles and have varying levels of unique needs, with 22% of students having IEPs. Overall, 71% of our students qualify as Economically Disadvantaged. What this means is, as a district, we take pride in centering our work on providing equitable access to opportunity for all students and families through the use of Culturally and Linguistically Sustaining Practices (CLSP) and tools such as Culturally Relevant Instruction Observation Protocols (CRIOP). By leading in our district, you are a key lever in embracing our urgent and mission-driven commitment to serving and empowering all of our kids and coaching others to do their best work to close academic gaps through inclusion, access to native language instruction, and high-quality instructional materials for all students. 

We support our leaders in learning, growing, and succeeding. 

Within the district, our schools are broken into smaller regions that allow our leaders to receive individualized leadership and operational support, job-embedded professional learning, and relevant support from specific departments. Additionally, all leaders take part in Professional Learning Communities of their choice and attend All Leader PD, both of which are focused on different aspects of building and honing anti-racist practices grounded in Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Practices. Newer leaders are supported through a two-year induction program that includes professional learning sessions, cohort support sessions, and mentoring from seasoned and successful leaders in the district. 

We have a highly-supported, world-class teacher and staff community. 

As a leader in Boston Public Schools, you will be surrounded by a team that consistently assists you in supporting students and families. Our schools have multiple school-based staff supporting students throughout their school day. These teams are an integral part of the community and are supported through central office training and support. We are proud to cultivate a talented and dedicated teacher force. We support and develop our teachers through multiple pathways, starting with new teacher development and continuing throughout teachers’ careers. 

Who we are looking for: 

A great leader in every building is essential to ensuring that students get the education they deserve. Here in Boston, our leaders are passionate about equity and inclusion, furthering student achievement, providing safe spaces to learn and grow, and having a laser focus on closing opportunity gaps. They reflect the racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity of our students, and they have a strong commitment to their greater school

communities and the City of Boston. We seek leaders who are culturally, instructionally, and operationally proficient and are able to utilize and develop these competencies to best serve all students and staff in their buildings. 

What skills and attributes are we looking for?

The Principal/Head of School at the Dr. William W. Henderson K-12 Inclusion School  must engage skills and competencies consistent with the following: 

Visionary Leadership: 

The Henderson K-12 Inclusion Head of Schools works collaboratively with the staff and Governance Board to develop and implement a clearly defined vision of inclusion that honors and acknowledges the assets, fund of knowledge and cultural wealth of students and families. The vision maintains a clear focus on achieving sustainable success for every student, providing access to equitable opportunities, and building an inclusive and culturally responsive school culture and environment. 

Culture & Community Building: 

The Henderson K-12 Inclusion Head of School creates and maintains an inclusive, supportive, and sustaining school community and an environment for learning in which all students and their families feel welcome. 

Creating a safe environment:

The Henderson K-12 Inclusion Head of School creates, supports, and maintains structures and systems that allow a physically and psychologically safe space for all students, families, and staff, where they feel consistently heard, seen, valued, and respected regardless of their race, class, ethnicity, religion, or disability. 

Instructional Leadership: 

The Henderson K-12 Inclusion Head of School implements new initiatives grounded in inclusive practices and equity to accomplish sustainable results. They have the knowledge and experience to build, support and empower their staff to create healthy and sustaining learning environments and consistently deliver excellent, inclusive, and equitable instruction at every grade level. 

Team Building: 

The Henderson K-12 Inclusion Head of Schools will purposefully recruit, select, and support an experienced, culturally competent, and diverse team who can work together to ensure the success of all students in the building.

Leadership in Equity: 

The Henderson K-12 Inclusion Head of Schools believes deeply in the potential for every student to succeed and works tirelessly each day to create an anti-racist school environment that is built around high expectations, an inclusive and welcoming culture, and an expectation of excellence for all.

Requirements

• Masters in Education or Similar Fields 
• Experience with inclusive education 
• Experience working with students with moderate or severe disabilities 
• Possession of a valid Massachusetts School Principal License or proof of successful completion of MA-PAL 
• Current authorization to work in the United States—candidates must have such authorization by their first day of employment 
• Preferred 
• Valid MA Special Education Teacher License 
• Experience working with elementary age students, middle school students, and high school students 
• Teaching experience in an urban public school setting 
• Bilingual 
• ESL endorsement 
• Experience in managing people, systems, and/or projects 
• Master scheduler experience 
• Boston education context

Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range and robust benefits. More details can be provided upon request.

Base pay for School Leaders is determined by school enrollment as follows:

• 0 - 300 students = $147,122
• 301 - 600 students= $148,523
• 601 - 899 students = $149,924
• 900+ students = $151,325

Leaders will also be eligible for a salary differential based on their educational attainment and, beginning in their second year of leadership, performance. Leaders of transformation schools will also be eligible for a salary differential. 

Teachers/Leaders within the Boston Teachers Union (BTU) will be compensated according to the BTU contract rather than the terms noted here. Regional School Leaders will also be compensated according to separate terms from those listed here. 

Leaders shall work a twelve (12) month calendar, from July 1 to June 30. Leaders shall be entitled to receive paid time off for all nationally recognized or local holidays reflected on the Boston Public Schools calendar. The work year shall include 183 school days (student and staff-facing days) as outlined in the BPS school calendar, in addition to forty (40) days that shall be worked outside of student and staff-facing days.  The schedule for these days shall be agreed upon by the School Superintendent and the School Leader.

For additional questions about this position or to speak with someone about your interest, please contact Toren Triepke at ttriepke@edgilityconsulting.com

The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record (inquiries only), disability, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work. #LI-TT1