Assistant Principal of Specialized Services - 2027/2028 School Year

Mastery Schools; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 108,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

Mastery Schools in Philadelphia seeks an Assistant Principal of School Services to oversee specialized academic and emotional supports, including SPED, 504 plans, and English language development. You will supervise a team of teachers and specialists while aligning services with school goals and equity for all students.

You will coordinate IEP/504 processes, lead evaluations, and partner with instructional staff to maximize student achievement and well-being across our urban schools.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Federal and State Special Education Laws.
• Knowledge of English Language Development and related programming.
• Experience coordinating SPED, 504 plans, and related services.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Specialized Services programming including SPED, 504, and English Learner services.
• Implement, supervise and facilitate Mastery intervention programs and curricula.
• Oversee IEP and 504 processes.
• Coordinate evaluations and related services for students.
• Lead School Social Work and Mental Health collaborations with partner organizations.
• Chair manifestation determinations and other special education meetings.
• Ensure accommodations in the general education environment and compliance with laws.
• Provide leadership on the school's Administrative Team.
• Coach and supervise special education teachers and staff.
• Support principals in creating a culture of student achievement.

Skills

Strong communication

Leadership & supervision

Student-centered approach

Equity & inclusion

Education

Master’s Degree in Special Education

PA cert in special education & administration

Job description

Founded in 2001, Mastery Schools is a public charter network of 23 K-12 schools in Philadelphia and Camden, serving more than 14,000 students.

At Mastery, we’re on a mission to provide all students with the academic and personal skills they need to succeed after graduation and pursue their dreams. Student achievement is not just a goal for our organization; it's the reason we exist, and every member of our team is dedicated to securing student success. We are also committed to pursuing equity, actively disrupting systemic racism, and addressing the disparities that limit our students' choices.

Our culture is built on respect, service, and the belief that the success of our students, their families, and the communities we serve will help us achieve our mission. We foster a positive, open, and inclusive environment where honesty, humor, and continuous improvement are celebrated.

Join us in creating a model urban school district that serves all students with excellence. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

The Opportunity:

As an Assistant Principal of School Services (APSS) at Mastery Schools, you will ensure the high-quality delivery of comprehensive academic and emotional services for students who require additional support.

Working closely with school leadership and instructional staff, you will manage and coordinate all specialized services, including special education, 504 plans, academic and social-emotional interventions, and English language development. With an unwavering commitment to individualized excellence, you will foster an educational environment where all students are empowered to excel academically and emotionally. Your responsibilities also encompass the development and supervision of a talented team of teachers and specialized services support staff. You will provide guidance and support to enhance their effectiveness and professional growth.

Your impact will not merely be measured in plans and interventions but in the tangible success of students reaching their fullest potential. If you are ready to make a meaningful impact on education and be a driving force behind academic excellence, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of our students.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the Specialized Services programming at a school including all Special Education Services, 504 plans, Academic and Social Emotional Interventions, and English Learner services.
• Implement, supervise and facilitate the Mastery intervention programs and curricula.
• Supervise and coordinate the Individual Education Plan (IEP) and 504 processes.
• Supervise and coordinate evaluations and related services for students.
• Coordinate and monitor the School Social Work services and Mental Health services of partner organizations.
• Chair and conduct manifestation determination meetings and other special education meetings.
• Ensure the implementation of accommodations in the general education environment.
• Ensure that student files are in full compliance with all special education laws.
• Provide leadership on the school’s Administrative Team.
• Conduct informal and formal evaluations for special education teachers and other school staff members.
• Support principal and other assistant principals in leading the school and creating a culture of student achievement.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Federal and State Special Education Laws.
• Knowledge of teaching methods, curriculum, and education programs designed for students with learning, physical and behavioral disabilities.
• Knowledge of Positive Behavior Supports related to individuals with learning, developmental, and/or emotional disabilities
• Knowledge of English Language Development, teaching practices and programming.
• Knowledge of Academic and Social Emotional Interventions.
• Strong communication skills and ability to develop trusting relationships with students, staff, and families.
• A strong sense of personal agency and accountability for student achievement
• A belief that all students should be held to high academic standards
• Demonstrated professionalism and responsibility, and a strong work ethic
• A positive, high-energy attitude and a drive for personal excellence

Education and Experience:

• Master’s Degree in Special Education preferred
• At least five (5) years of urban education experience required
• PA state certification in special education and administration completed or in process

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required such as maneuvering in classrooms and office space-reaching file cabinets, filing, faxing, scanning, coping, typing, mailing, and making phone calls; Must be able to sit for up to two (2) hours looking at a computer monitor, using a keyboard and mouse and typing.

Salary and Bonus Information:

• This role is eligible for a $5,000 bonus as well as up to $5,000 for relocation expenses!
• New‑to‑Mastery Assistant Principals can expect a starting salary between $108,200 and $125,350, based on experience and education.
• The full salary range for this role is $108,200 to $137,025, with opportunities for growth as your career progresses. All offers are reviewed individually to ensure equity in compensation and to reflect relevant experience.

Mastery's Benefits Package:

We offer a full benefits program and opportunities for professional growth. Some of our most popular benefits include our 403(b) retirement plan for PA employees (with a 5% match from Mastery for full-time employees), enrollment in the State of New Jersey Pension Plan for NJ employees, a robust Employee Assistance Program, mental health and counseling programs, an annual Professional Development Fund, and discounts and perks at a myriad of retailers, travel organizations, insurance providers, and so much more, as well as access to the Health Advocate Helpdesk to help you navigate various benefits-related topics. Please go here to see all of our Benefits offerings!

Annual Calendar:

As you plan to make Mastery your new work home, please feel free to review our calendar here. We like to think our calendar is a benefit of working here too!

Why You Should Apply:

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. Mastery may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist Mastery's Talent Acquisition Team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.