Michigan School For The Deaf Head Of School - Department Manager 15

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) provides leadership, resources, support, and guidance to approximately 200,000 school district staff serving approximately 1.5 million students in public and non-public schools and 39,000 students in special education transition services. In addition, MDE provides administrative support and supervision for the Michigan School for the Deaf and the Library of Michigan.

MDE is responsible for state education leadership in a local control state and works to implement state and federal education laws, disburse state and federal resources, license educators, develop state summative assessments and accountability systems, create state academic standards, and coordinate school health and nutrition programs. In addition, in developing and promoting the state's Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, MDE works with partner education entities and stakeholders to improve public education for children across the state. MDE's role in the improvement of public education extends to providing information and feedback to public policy-makers, convening educators on public policy issues, recommending draft language on legislation, and developing guidance to districts on statutory changes adopted at the state and federal levels.

Join a team of highly trained and educated individuals committed to supporting learners and learning in Michigan. Serving students, parents, families, educators, and communities within a culture that promotes excellence and respects diversity, our work is meaningful and impactful.

As a State of Michigan employee, you will receive a competitive wage and benefit package that values your experience and skills. You will join a team of more than 400 professionals at the department and almost 50,000 in state government who are committed to excellence in public service.

Michigan School for the Deaf (MSD) is a bilingual school, with a residential component, for students who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH). MSD provides a language rich environment in the least restrictive environment for students who are DHH, guaranteeing each student a free appropriate public education (FAPE). MSD ensures academic and social excellence - rich in ASL and English literacy for all students from infancy to graduation. An American Sign Language (ASL)/English bilingual approach is used to support the acquisition, development, and use of ASL and English.

Students are placed at MSD through the individualized education program (IEP) process by their resident school district and either attend school as a day student or live residentially. All students are transported to MSD by their local school districts. Students whose families choose for them to live residentially through the week are immersed in deaf culture and participate in student life opportunities to develop self-advocacy, personal growth, leadership, and teamwork. MSD staff work collectively to empower students with a positive deaf identity so when they graduate from MSD each student possess knowledge, confidence, and leadership to become contributing citizens in a diverse, technological, and democratic society.

Primary Physical Work Address

• Position is located at the Michigan School for the Deaf, 1235 W Court Street, Flint, Michigan.  

Position Summary

• This position directs and manages all functions of the Michigan School for the Deaf (MSD) campus including direct programs and services to MSD students, statewide outreach services to students of the deaf or hard of hearing community, campus central office functions, and facility maintenance.  Additionally, this position also manages and facilitates all MSD communication between intermediate school districts (ISD), local school districts, student's parents and the deaf and hard of hearing communities and serves as the point of contact for the Office of Special Education (OSE).

Head of School

• Department Manager 15 Position Description

Department Manager Job Specification

State of Michigan Benefits:

Education

Possession of a bachelor's degree in any major.

Experience

Four years of professional experience, including two years equivalent to the experienced (P11) level or one year equivalent to the advanced (12) level.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis. 

ASL strongly preferred.

Some positions may require a current or past possession of a Michigan's teacher's certificate or one comparable to the one issued in Michigan.

Your submittal is considered complete with the following required documents:

• Completed Application

• Resume (entered or attached to the job posting)

• Official copy of transcripts (when necessary)

The Michigan State Employees Retirement System (MSERS) is separate from the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS). If you are currently a MPSERS retiree, there should be no impact to your MPSERS pension due to employment with the Michigan Department of Education. If you are currently eligible for a MPSERS retirement benefit and become the successful candidate for this position, you should contact the Office of Retirement Services (ORS) to determine any impact if you elect to immediately begin receiving your MPSERS retirement benefit.   

This is a continuous posting, the department will begin reviewing applications on May 31, 2024, however, the posting will remain open until the position is filled.