HS Special Ed Program Lead — Transition & IEP Leadership

North Andover High School; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 50,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

North Andover Public Schools North Andover High School in North Andover, MA, seeks a High School Special Education Program Coordinator for a long-term substitute role from December 2026 to March 2027. The position oversees secondary special education programming, staff supervision, IEP leadership, and transition planning for grades 9–12, ensuring compliance with IDEA and MA DESE.

Collaboration with the LAUNCH (18–22) program is essential to support seamless transitions.

Responsibilities

• Leadership & supervision: Provide administrative oversight of special education programming at the high school level; supervise and evaluate high school special education teachers and paraprofessionals.
• Secondary Transition (Ages 14–18): Lead the development and implementation of Transition Planning Forms (TPFs) for all eligible students beginning at age 14, ensuring that IEP goals are aligned with post-secondary visions for education, employment, and independent living.
• LAUNCH Program Collaboration: Work in close partnership with the Special Education Coordinator for the LAUNCH (18–22) program to coordinate the transition of students requiring extended services, ensuring data sharing, family orientation, and continuity of care.
• IEP Leadership: Chair complex IEP meetings, including initial eligibility, re-evaluations, and Manifestation Determinations.
• Graduation & MCAS: Collaborate with the high school guidance department to monitor progress toward graduation, coordinate MCAS accommodations and appeals, and ensure students are meeting state requirements for a high school diploma.
• Service Delivery Models: Support the implementation of diverse secondary service models, including co-teaching (inclusion), academic support centers, and therapeutic programs.
• Scheduling & Placement: Partner with high school administration on the complex scheduling of special education services within a departmentalized secondary setting and make data-driven student placement decisions.
• Communication & Liaison: Act as a primary liaison for parents and advocates, ensuring clear communication regarding high school services and the various pathways available to students as they approach age 18.
• Compliance: Ensure consistent compliance with IDEA, MA DESE, and 603 CMR 28.00, with a specific focus on secondary level timelines and documentation.
• Professional Development: Plan and deliver instructional coaching for staff on secondary-level modifications, executive functioning support, and evidence-based transition practices for the 14–18 age cohort.
• Resource Management: Commit district resources in accordance with special education planning and fiscal responsibility.

Job description

North Andover Public Schools North Andover High School in North Andover, MA, seeks a High School Special Education Program Coordinator for a long-term substitute role from December 2026 to March 2027. The position oversees secondary special education programming, staff supervision, IEP leadership, and transition planning for grades 9–12, ensuring compliance with IDEA and MA DESE.

Collaboration with the LAUNCH (18–22) program is essential to support seamless transitions.