Director of Special Education

Manhattan Charter School; New York (NY); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Manhattan Charter School is seeking an experienced Special Education Director to lead and oversee our special education programs, ensuring compliance with laws and developing innovative strategies to support students with diverse needs.

The role requires strong leadership, exceptional communication, and a commitment to equity and access in education, with collaboration across administrators, teachers, families, and community partners.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in special education with demonstrated leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership in development and implementation of special education policies and initiatives.
• Supervise and support special education staff including teachers and therapists.
• Collaborate with administrators, teachers and parents to develop IEPs for students with disabilities.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal special education laws (IDEA) and mandates.
• Manage the special education budget and procurement of materials and services.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Data-informed decision making

Equity & inclusion

Collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in special education or educational leadership

Doctorate preferred

Job description

Manhattan Charter School is a high-performing charter school located on the Lower East Side in New York City. The School is committed to providing its students with the tools and support necessary for success. Since its founding in 2005 as a 501c3 nonprofit organization, Manhattan Charter School (MCS) has consistently achieved high levels of success.

Job Title: Special Education Director

Our vision is to offer a high-quality, public school education that will help close the opportunity, imagination, and achievement gaps for our high-need students by empowering, inspiring, and equipping them to fulfill their potential.

Our mission is to teach our students how to learn and love doing it, how to cultivate their curious minds for the rest of their lives, and how to develop a solid foundation on which to base wise choices and build meaningful lives.

Job Overview:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Special Education Director to lead our special education programs and services within our educational institution. The Special Education Director will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of special education, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, developing and implementing innovative strategies to support students with diverse learning needs, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership abilities, exceptional communication skills, and a passion for promoting equity and access in education.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Administration:

  • Provide visionary leadership in the development and implementation of special education policies, programs, and initiatives.
  • Supervise and support special education staff, including teachers, paraprofessionals, therapists, and support personnel.
  • Collaborate with school administrators, teachers, and parents to develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities.
  • Ensure compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and mandates related to special education, including IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).
  • Manage the special education budget, allocate resources effectively, and oversee the procurement of necessary materials and services.

• Program Development and Evaluation:

  • Develop and implement evidence-based instructional strategies and interventions to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities.
  • Coordinate the assessment and evaluation of students to determine eligibility for special education services and to monitor progress.
  • Monitor and analyze data related to student outcomes, program effectiveness, and compliance to inform decision-making and improve practices.
  • Stay abreast of current research, best practices, and trends in special education and incorporate findings into program development.

• Professional Development and Training:

  • Provide ongoing professional development and training for special education staff to enhance their knowledge, skills, and abilities.
  • Facilitate collaboration and communication among educators, support staff, families, and community stakeholders to promote a holistic approach to supporting students with disabilities.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement and reflective practice among special education personnel.

• Collaboration and Advocacy:

  • Collaborate with general education teachers and administrators to ensure the inclusion and accommodation of students with disabilities in the general education setting.
  • Serve as a liaison between the school district, families, community organizations, and agencies involved in providing services to students with disabilities.
  • Advocate for the rights and needs of students with disabilities within the school community and in broader educational forums.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in special education, educational leadership, or a related field (Doctorate preferred).
• Valid state certification or licensure in special education administration.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience working in special education, with demonstrated leadership experience.
• In-depth knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to lead and motivate a diverse team of professionals.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice in education.

This position offers an exciting opportunity for a visionary leader to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students with disabilities and to contribute to the advancement of inclusive education practices within our school community.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Manhattan Charter School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.