Full Job Description
Position Overview Reporting to the Senior Director of Academics, the Director of Special Education oversees all aspects of the Special Education program for grades 6-12, guiding a comprehensive vision and strategy to meet the unique needs of our students with disabilities. Responsible for ensuring the quality of Salem Academy's Special Education programming for students with IEPs, the Director of Special Education must possess expertise in best practices for addressing students' academic and social/emotional needs in an inclusion context, expertise in Massachusetts and federal Special Education regulations, and outstanding interpersonal and written communication skills. The Director of Special Education provides shared leadership for our culture of achievement and must be able to promote a culture of excellence and collaboration between Special Education and general education instructional and support staff. In addition, the Director of Special Education works closely with the Senior Director of Academics to focus on organizational priorities, program development, and financial expenditures for the Special Education program. The ideal candidate is committed to prioritizing the unique needs of each student and family to support them in reaching their highest levels of academic, social, and/or emotional growth. This individual should be organized, have strong communication skills, and bring an equity-based mindset to their work each day. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Organizational Leadership: Oversee all aspects of the Special Education program by setting a clear vision for academic and cultural excellence, building and supporting a strong, responsive team through high-quality professional development, effective performance management, and motivational, mission-aligned leadership. Lead the Special Education Team in creating a mission-driven, inclusive college-going culture of achievement that permeates the school and builds students' academic skills and social and emotional competencies. Maintain a visible presence in the school's daily life: observe classrooms, build relationships with students, and uphold school norms in a safe and supportive manner. Ensure that classrooms are safe and supportive, and teaching is grounded in culturally relevant pedagogy. Assure effective implementation of any school improvement plans, including measurable long-term goals and short-term objectives around student learning performance. Use data to design professional development. Participate in recruiting and hiring processes for all Special Education staff, including contractors for service delivery and eligibility evaluation. Oversee compliance with DESE's model educator evaluation system for Special Education staff. Prepare and manage Special Education Grants, e.g., 240, 274; ensure appropriate usage of funds Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations for staff training. With the Senior Director of Academics, develop a budget that best supports our students by aligning the use of funds to support research-based strategies that improve teaching and learning; monitor spending in Special Education program areas Oversee the allocation of Special Education staffing and resources across the school. Special Education Compliance and Procedures Oversee and lead the full initial special education eligibility process from referral through the eligibility determination meeting, ensuring alignment with MTSS data, coordination of all required assessments (academic, behavioral, functional, and related services), and facilitation of compliant, student-centered, and family-focused meetings. Manage systems and protocols to ensure full compliance with all state and federal special education laws and regulations, including IDEA, Section 504, and Massachusetts DESE requirements. Advise and collaborate with senior leadership on special education policies, procedures, compliance updates, and programmatic decision-making. Partner with general education leadership to ensure timely, high-quality delivery of all special education and related services-including Extended Year Services (EYS/ESY)-through strategic development of staffing plans, service schedules, and instructional programming. Prepare and submit all required DESE reports, including annual, mid-cycle, and coordinated program review documentation, ensuring accuracy and timely completion. Lead and manage all mediation, resolution, and due process procedures, collaborating with families, evaluators, legal counsel, and school leadership to ensure compliance and uphold student rights. Program Development and Evaluation Supervise and evaluate Special Education staff; conduct annual performance reviews in accordance with the DESE Model Educator Evaluation system. Lead DESE-mandated Special Education program review and evaluation processes, e.g., Tiered Focus Monitoring (TFM). Conduct trend analysis of key student performance metrics (e.g., interim assessments, graduation rates, college matriculation and completion, attendance, discipline, and attrition); use this information to inform programmatic choices to increase growth and achievement of students with disabilities. Implement school-wide inclusion practices that meet state and federal requirements, align with SACS mission, provide appropriate rigor, and address the diverse needs of all students. Collaboratively develop and ensure implementation of programming (services and supports) in the domain of postsecondary transition. Provide comprehensive training for all Special Education and general education staff in best practices for inclusion and collaboration/consultation. Family and Community Engagement Facilitate Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC). Ensure Special Education parents and community stakeholders are proactively engaged and invested in the school's culture and vision. Develop community partnerships, particularly in support of Special Education programming, services, and opportunities for students. Serve as an ambassador and advocate of Salem Academy, articulating the mission and program with clarity and enthusiasm. Attend both school and community events as needed (e.g., prospective student information sessions, SACS Family Picnic, Salem Education Foundation events). The Director of Special Education may also take on other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Senior Leadership Team. QUALIFICATIONS Unwavering belief in our mission and vision: that all students can achieve at high levels Ability to promote a structured, orderly, safe, and respectful school environment that fosters student-centered learning Demonstrated ability to connect with diverse students and families Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and collaborate with adults from a diverse range of perspectives and backgrounds Openness to change, willingness to problem-solve, and an interest in developing new ideas and programs Self-awareness, humility, and integrity in all interactions, personally and professionally Outstanding written and oral communication skills Five or more years of Special Education teaching experience with adolescents preferred Five or more years of Special Education leadership experience preferred Master's degree required Massachusetts licensure as a Special Education administrator preferred Charter school experience preferred Background clearance Fluency in Spanish is a plus Salem Academy Charter School values a school culture that celebrates learning, and we believe that the adult culture is the foundation of the school's success. The culture is based on mutual respect, integrity, professionalism, a commitment to excellence, a collaborative spirit, and a sense of human kindness, particularly in relation to age-appropriate adolescent development.
