The Special Education Director provides leadership to special education personnel in order to develop and help implement curriculum and instruction for Grades K-12. The Special Education Director assists in the ongoing development and improvement of the Special Education Department and assists the Principals in working with the board, administrative team, staff, parents, community groups, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and professional organizations. Also, the Special Education Director is committed to the Atlantis Charter School Board of Trustee's policies regarding equity, human rights and cross cultural understanding and reports directly to the K-12 District Leader or his/her designee.
POSITION:Special Education DirectorQUALIFICATIONS: Graduate or related professional degrees from an accredited college or university required.
Certification from the Department of Education in Special Education strongly preferred.
3-5 years related experience required.
Ability to direct and delegate responsibilities to others when appropriate.
Ability to analyze test scores and determine appropriate changes to correct deficiencies.
Ability to effectively chair special education meetings
Ability to effectively develop and write all facets of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
In-depth knowledge of public school and special education laws, policies and practices required.
Demonstrated commitment to inclusive practices for all students
Experience teaching and/or coordinating various programs.
Ability to effectively work with and supervise others.
Ability to communicate ideas and directives clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Effective, active listening skills.
Organizational, creative and problem-solving skills.
REPORTS TO: K-12 District Leader
SUPERVISION: Special Education and other support services staff (OT, PT, Speech, Psychologist, Behavioral and SPED records support)
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:While actual roles and responsibilities will vary depending on individual circumstances, the Special Education Director will generally be required to perform some or all of the following tasks. Note that this list is not all-inclusive and that the K-12 District Leader may also assign other tasks he/she deems appropriate.
- Develop, and work with the Administrative Team to implement, appropriate policies and procedures set forth by the MA DESE and federal regulations.
- Assist in the formulation of a vision and goals for the special education program.
- Assess special education programs and services for improvement and development
- Coordinate development and evaluation of the Special Education program.
- Ensure safety of students and compliance with ADA, State, and Federal Regulations.
- Oversee compliance of federal and state special education and other applicable disability, and health related laws and regulations.
- Establish, and revise as needed, procedures for the identification, educational placement, and IEP development for eligible students.
- Develops education plans for special education students who are in danger of not meeting school and graduation requirements.
- Keeps current with research and evidenced based practices as it relates to special education.
- Prepare needed reports as directed by the K-12 District Leader, including state and federal reports.
- Advise K-12 District Leader on program/service issues and needs
- Participate in legal meetings on needed cases with the K-12 District Leader and school attorney.
- Participate in committees, and other applicable meetings as assigned by the K-12 District Leader.
- Provide coverage as requested and needed for the District Leader when absent.
- Assist the administrative Team with budget development and grant responsibilities for programming.
- Work as a collaborative member of the Leadership Team.
- Consult with school psychologist and outside service providers when needed and appropriate.
- Coordinate and serve as liaison with state and area social service agencies, courts, clinical personnel and hospitals, including student transition services.
- Maintain liaison and active participation with educational leaders in special education at the local, state, regional and national level.
- Monitor student records for all special education students through ongoing training, evaluation, and collaboration with the Special Education Records Clerk(s).
- Ensure special education student records are maintained as required by regulations.
- Maintain the confidentiality of all special education records and issues.
- Assist with student referrals, observations, screening, and the SST process as needed.
- Support and collaborate with the Special Education Parent Advisory Council.
- Chair initial, review, 3-year re-evaluation, and manifest determination meetings. Complete all needed documents related to chairing IEP and manifest determination meetings, as needed.
- Assist the administrative team in recommending employees for contract renewals, interviewing and hiring staff.
- Assist new special education staff with special education policies and documentation.
- Conduct classroom observations and instructional coaching with teachers and staff to support skill development and help student outcomes.
- Completes mid-year and end of year evaluations, reviews evidence, provides timely feedback and coaching notes for staff.
- Plan and deliver professional development for staff related to special education.
- Interact in a positive manner with students, families, staff and the public.
- Attend meetings and in-services as appropriate.
- Collaborate with Business Office regarding establishment and oversight of special education transportation, as needed.
- Submit and maintain purchasing of supplies, materials and equipment as it relates to the special education program.
- Assume other duties as may be assigned by the K-12 District Leader.
Additional Requirements - Performs other duties as assigned.
Cultural Standards - Establishes and maintains cooperative and effective working relationships with all members of school community to carry out responsibilities;
- Interacts professionally with a diverse range of constituents;
- Maintains an attendance record that meets or exceeds an acceptable standard as defined by ACS policy.
- Takes responsibility and accountability for assigned tasks, projects, and duties while maintaining a professional manner.
- Makes efficient use of time by organizing and prioritizing work efficiently.
- Presents a professional appearance by adhering to ACS dress code.
- Is actively engaged in job/career growth by attending inservice programs, professional development, educational courses and seminars.
- Actively listens and responds in a respectful non-confrontational manner to the opinions of others.
- Fosters positive attitude in the workplace.
- Maintains and respects strict confidentiality of any sensitive information related to Atlantis Charter School, its faculty, staff and students.
- Responds to concerns and requests of direct reports in a timely, respectful and courteous manner.
EVALUATION Evaluation of the Special Education Director will be conducted by the K-12 District Leader.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT 12 month position.
WORK ENVIRONMENT Ability to walk, sit and stand for long periods. Regularly uses computer keyboard, requiring eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity. Will need to travel occasionally for off-site meetings and professional development.
