Uncommon Schools

Middle School Dean of Special Education

Uncommon Schools$93K — $130K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Passionate about improving student outcomes in a challenging environment.
  • Demonstrated success in driving academic achievement.
  • Strong content knowledge and enthusiasm for teaching.
  • Proven ability to collaborate and work effectively in a team.
  • Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred.
  • At least five years of experience in urban or charter school education.
  • Special Education certification necessary.
  • Alignment with Uncommon's educational philosophy is essential.

Responsibilities

  • Ensure high-quality services for students with IEPs through regular assessments.
  • Coordinate and manage Behavior Intervention Plans with various support staff.
  • Support general education teachers in implementing IEPs and provide professional development.
  • Communicate with families to initiate evaluations for new IEPs as needed.
  • Oversee Special Education Coordinators and manage paraprofessionals and service providers.
  • Collaborate with school leaders to foster a positive and achievement-oriented school culture.
  • Lead Special Education Team meetings and coach teaching staff.

Benefits

  • Generous paid time off including holidays and extensive breaks.
  • Comprehensive training and professional development opportunities.
  • Full health, dental, and vision insurance, including spending and savings accounts.
  • 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching.
  • Parental, medical, and disability leave options.
  • Mental health support and wellness benefits.
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Dean of Special Education (DOSS) is passionate about supporting the students with disabilities who
are at-risk for academic underperformance due to emotional and/or physical challenges so that they can
succeed in the school's rigorous academic program. The DOSS holds primary responsibility for the
ongoing development, implementation, and leadership of the school's special needs program. As part
of the administrative team, the DOSS plays a central role in the success of the school. The DOSS also
works closely with the Principal and Director of Operations of his or her school and other schools
supported by Uncommon. Specific Responsibilties are as follows:

Student Support Compliance and Coordination
  • Ensure the quality of the services provided to students with IEPs, through walkthroughs of Special Education settings across the school and managing and ensuring ensure testing accommodations are being met
  • Coordinate Behavior Intervention Plans planning and execution, with support of Special Education Coordinators, Dean of Students & Social Workers including the use of monitoring tools and re-evaluation multiple times throughout the school year as well as running weekly meetings to develop support plans for individual students who are struggling
  • Facilitate support for general education teachers on their responsibilities towards student with Individual Education Programs (IEPs), including leading professional development sessions and assisting in the implementation of classroom modifications and accommodations
  • Communicate with families to request initial evaluations for potential new IEPs

Student Support Management, Leadership, and Collaboration
  • Manage and oversee the Special Education Coordinators to coordinate paraprofessionals and Related Service Providers and provide updates to the grade level team about student progress
  • Work closely with the Dean of Student to establish a positive, structured, achievement-oriented, and creative school culture
  • Run Special Education Team and coach Special Education teachers, Social Workers, and the English New Language Teacher
  • Collaborate with the Director of Special Education, Leaders within the school and Special Education Leaders across Uncommon Schools to maximize the ability of the school to support students' academic and socio-emotional development
  • Support teachers to hold all students to high and consistent behavioral expectations

Cultural Leadership and General School Support
  • Demonstrate a relentless drive to improve the minds, characters & lives of students both in and out of school
  • Show unwavering commitment to urban youth achieving greatness
  • Create a positive, structured learning environment to ensure that students observe the school's core values, high expectations, and strict code of conduct
  • Oversee implementation of curricula and activities to meet academic standards
  • Use assessment data to refine curriculum and inform instructional practices
  • Teach classes or small groups, as necessary


Qualifications
  • Drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom.
  • Proven track-record of high achievement in the classroom.
  • Mastery of and enthusiasm for academic subjects.
  • Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player.
  • Bachelor's degree is required; Master's degree is preferred.
  • Minimum of five years teaching and leading experience in an urban public school or charter school setting.
  • Special Education teaching certification required
  • Belief in and alignment with Uncommon's core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-
    negotiable.


Additional Information

Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent.

Compensation

Compensation for this role is between $93,000 to $130,000. Most candidates who meet job description requirements will receive an offer of $93,000 - $97,400.

Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant professional development, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools.

Benefits
  • Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time, paid holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer).
  • Extensive, best-in-class training and development
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA)
  • Financial Planning
    • 403(b) retirement savings program + employer match
  • Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
  • Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits

*A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE.

At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve---with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.

Videos To Watch

About Uncommon Schools

Uncommon Schools (UNCG) is a non-profit organization that manages a network of public charter schools in the northeastern United States. The organization was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in New York City. UNCG operates 55 schools in New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, serving over 20,000 students. The organization's mission is to prepare low-income students for college and to provide them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life. UNCG has received numerous awards and accolades for its work, including recognition as a leader in the charter school movement.
Learn more about Uncommon Schools
Size
2,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1997

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