Special Education Director

The Director of Special Education is a member of the Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School Instructional Leadership Team. The Director of Special Education provides the leadership and expertise needed to oversee quality Special Education programming for students in grades 7 - 12. This includes ensuring adherence to all state and federally mandated regulations governing the delivery of services to students with disabilities, supervising department personnel, overseeing the eligibility process, managing all aspects of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team process, and assuring the fidelity and implementation of services. The Director of Special Education position is a full-year position to start on August 1, 2024. Director of Special Education Responsibilities/Requirements include:

• Supervise and evaluate all Special Education staff

• Support Special Education Teachers in creating effective programs, practices, and instructional strategies to meet the needs of all learners within the least restrictive environment

• Assign Special Education staff to meet the needs of all students with IEP's

• Provide instructional consultation to teachers regarding curriculum enhancement and classroom techniques for all students

• Chair all initial evaluation and re-evaluation Team meetings

• Assign all evaluators, including contracting consultants as needed, for initial evaluations and re-evaluations

• Communicate regularly with parents

• Serve on the Instructional Leadership Team, the Student Services Team, and the Academic Support Team

• Review and provide feedback on all evaluation reports, IEPs, and IEP Progress reports prior to dissemination

• Provide professional support and role modeling for teachers in handling challenging situations, and responding to parent requests and/or questions related to Special Education services

• Develop and monitor Special Education grants in collaboration with the Business Office

• Design in-service and staff development programs for Special Education staff

• Provide thorough and timely reporting to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) as required

• Coordinate the Tiered Focused Monitoring System for Special Education

• Maintain all Special Education records

• Review records of incoming Special Education students, and manage communication with families of incoming students with IEPs prior to placement, when possible

• Some direct service responsibilities may be included: i.e., student observation, consultation, teaching, and/or testing

• Must have excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills

• Must have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

• Must have excellent organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently

• Must be creative and flexible

Requirements:

• Master's Degree in Special Education or a related field

• Massachusetts DESE Certification: Special Education Administrator (All Levels)

• At least 5 years of relevant experience preferred