Assistant Principal of Specialized Services – On Assignment - 2026/2027 School Year

Mastery PA; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Mastery Schools is seeking an Assistant Principal of Specialized Services On Assignment to participate in a one-year leadership development experience designed to prepare future APSS leaders across our network.

You'll rotate through campus leadership placements, support transitions, and advance strategic priorities related to specialized services and inclusive instruction, while building capacity to lead across diverse school communities.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Special Education required.
• At least five years of experience in historically under-resourced or diverse school communities required.
• Must be certified in special education and administration in PA or NJ.
• Preference given to candidates greenlit through the Mastery Selection Process for the APSS role.

Responsibilities

• Manage the school’s Specialized Services programming, including Special Education supports and services, 504 plans, and Academic and Social Emotional Interventions.
• Implement, supervise, and facilitate the Mastery intervention programs and curricula.
• Supervise and coordinate the IEP and 504 processes.
• Supervise and coordinate evaluations and related services for students.
• Coordinate and monitor the school’s Social Work and Mental Health services of partner organizations.
• Chair and conduct manifestation determination meetings and other special education meetings.
• Ensure the implementation of SDI, accommodations, and modifications in the general education environment.
• Ensure that student files are in full compliance with all state and federal special education laws and regulations.
• 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.

Skills

Special Education Laws

Teaching Methods

Positive Behavior Supports

Academic Interventions

Communication Skills

Accountability

High Standards

Professionalism

Leadership Capacity

Education

Master’s Degree in Special Education

PA or NJ Administrative Certification

Job description

Position Summary:

As an Assistant Principal of Specialized Services (APSS) On Assignment at Mastery Schools, you will participate in a one year leadership development experience designed to prepare exceptional leaders for a permanent Assistant Principal of Specialized Services position within our network. The APSS On Assignment role combines authentic campus leadership with strategic network initiatives, providing opportunities to strengthen instructional leadership, operational excellence, and systems thinking across multiple school contexts. Throughout the year, the APSS on Assignment may serve in temporary campus leadership placements, support leadership transitions, lead network-wide strategic initiatives, and provide high-leverage support aligned to evolving student and organizational needs. Working in close partnership with school and network leaders, the APSS On Assignment will develop expertise in leading specialized services systems that improve outcomes for students with disabilities while building the flexibility, adaptability, and leadership capacity necessary to successfully lead across diverse school communities. This role serves as Mastery's primary leadership pipeline for future APSS vacancies and reflects our commitment to growing exceptional leaders from within.

Purpose of the Role:

• Develop future school leaders through authentic leadership experiences
• Support leadership continuity during vacancies, leaves, and transitions
• Advance strategic network priorities related to specialized services and inclusive instruction
• Strengthen instructional systems that improve outcomes for students with disabilities
• Build organizational capacity through flexible leadership support across campuses

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the school’s Specialized Services programming, including Special Education supports and services, 504 plans, and Academic and Social Emotional Interventions.
• 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’s Social Work and Mental Health services of partner organizations.
• Chair and conduct manifestation determination meetings and other special education meetings.
• Ensure the implementation of SDI, accommodations, and modifications in the general education environment.
• Ensure that student files are in full compliance with all state and federal special education laws and regulations.
• 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 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 required
• At least five (5) years of experience in historically under-resourced or diverse school communities required.
• Must be certified in special education and administration in PA or NJ
• NOTE: For this role, preference will be given to candidates who have been previously greenlit through the Mastery Selection Process for the APSS role.

Other 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
• This role may require frequent travel between multiple locations. Reliable transportation is essential to fulfill job responsibilities.