Head Teacher Devens Public Day Special Education SchoolDEFINITION:The Head Teacher supports the Principal in advancing the mission and vision of a therapeutic day school serving students in grades K-12 with diverse learning and behavioral needs, including autism spectrum disorder, emotional and behavioral disabilities, ADHD, and related challenges. The Head Teacher serves as a model educator and instructional coach, partnering with staff to enhance lesson planning, differentiated instruction, classroom structures, student engagement, and the integration of therapeutic strategies into daily practice. Through collaboration, coaching, and modeling, the Head Teacher supports educators in creating responsive classrooms that foster student regulation, independence, academic growth, and overall success.
Required Qualifications: - Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Special Education
- Minimum Master's Degree in School Administration from an accredited institution
- Massachusetts State License as Principal / Assistant Principal k-8 or 5-12
- Massachusetts State Teaching License Moderate Disabilities k-8 or 5-12
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in special education or therapeutic/alternative education settings
Preferred Qualifications: - Experience in therapeutic day school or substantially separate classroom settings
- Experience working with students with emotional disabilities, autism, and/or behavioral challenges
- Training in trauma-informed practices and de-escalation strategies (CPI, TCI, Safety-Care, etc.)
- Experience supporting or mentoring other educators
- Strong understanding of UDL, PBIS, and structured literacy or math interventions
Candidates should possess: - The ability to lead a complex, comprehensive school
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to support and advance school-wide initiatives in a diverse educational setting
- Extensive knowledge of curriculum development, including experience with program design, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement
- Knowledge and understanding of special education regulations, referral processes, IEP development, and compliance requirements
- The ability to coach and support educators through collaborative, professional, and reflective feedback practices
- A deep understanding of student behavior, emotional regulation, and trauma-informed approaches to supporting diverse learners
- Strong communication skills and the ability to foster a collaborative, team-oriented culture among educators, clinicians, and support staff
- Flexibility, sound judgment, and the ability to problem-solve effectively in complex and dynamic situations
- A commitment to inclusive, equitable, and trauma-informed education that supports the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth of all students
Duties: - Support the day-to-day operations of the school, ensuring effective implementation of schedules, routines, procedures, and school-wide expectations
- Conduct regular classroom walkthroughs to observe instructional practices, classroom environments, and student engagement; provide non-evaluative feedback, coaching, and support to strengthen teaching practices
- Provide ongoing instructional coaching to teachers related to lesson planning, differentiated instruction, classroom management, student engagement, and alignment with IEP goals
- Support the implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of curriculum, including the development of course outlines, instructional objectives, and learning expectations aligned with student needs and school goals
- Collaborate with teachers and related service providers to ensure instruction reflects students' academic, behavioral, and therapeutic needs
- Support the consistent implementation of special education practices, including accommodations, modifications, progress monitoring, and IEP-driven instruction
- Assist in developing and maintaining systems that promote student regulation, safety, engagement, and success within a TCIS-aligned, trauma-informed environment
- Support teachers in analyzing student data and using information to adjust instruction and interventions
- Facilitate collaborative planning, professional learning, and the sharing of effective instructional and behavioral practices among staff
- Serve as a resource and thought partner for educators in addressing academic, behavioral, and classroom-based challenges
- Assist with student programming, placement considerations, and problem-solving related to student needs
- Collaborate with the Principal and school leadership team on school improvement initiatives, compliance requirements, and program development
- Support communication and collaboration among educators, clinicians, families, and other stakeholders as appropriate
- Perform other duties and assume additional responsibilities as assigned by the Principal
- In collaboration with building principal plan and facilitate professional development opportunities through CPT and PLC
Salary:Salary for this position will be in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Everett School Committee and the Everett Teachers Association. SY 26-27. $65,178 - $125,654.
