Interim Director of Special Education

New London Public Schools; New London (CT); On-site; USD 152,000 - 186,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

New London Public Schools seeks an Interim Director of Special Education to lead district-wide programs, family and community engagement, and pupil personnel services. You will ensure regulatory compliance and oversee staffing, budgeting, and service delivery for students with disabilities.

The role requires CSDE certification in special education, a graduate degree, and at least five years of leadership in education.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of classroom teaching experience
• Graduate degree in special education or related services
• Proven leadership experience in education administration
• CSDE certification in special education or related services
• Strong knowledge of state and federal special education laws and regulations
• Excellent communication and collaboration with diverse families and communities
• Experience with budget management and program evaluation

Responsibilities

• Lead district-wide special education programs and services
• Oversee budgets and resource allocation for support services
• Ensure regulatory compliance for disability and special education laws
• Collaborate with administrators, families, and community partners
• Develop and implement strategic planning for student outcomes
• Provide professional development for staff in special education and related services

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Communication skills

Collaboration

Policy development

ADA/IEP/504 knowledge

Staff supervision

Education administration

Strategic planning

Data analysis

Education

Graduate degree in special education

CSDE educator certificate endorsement 092

Job description

Your next great opportunity starts here! At New London Public Schools, you'll join a welcoming team that celebrates innovation, values every voice, and empowers you to make a lasting impact on students and the community from day one.
Reports to: Superintendent of New London Public Schools
Salary Range: $169,427 per year
Employment Terms: Full-Time, Temporary administrative position. & Other terms are set by the Board of Education in accordance with the New London Administrators' Education Association contract.
Position Overview The Interim Director will provide leadership and oversight for special education, family and community engagement, and pupil personnel services throughout the district. Additionally, they will support policy development designed to provide consistency and equity, compliance with all programs, services, resource distribution, processing and the assignment of special education and related services staff.
Bargaining Unit: NEW LONDON ADMINISTRATORS' EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
Typical Duties And Responsibilities
This description of the position of Interim Director is for identification and administrative purposes only. It is not intended to be a complete statement of all duties, which may be assigned or adjusted by the Superintendent of Schools according to varying needs.

• Effectively lead the public school district, families, and the community in improving educational outcomes for students with disabilities.
• Manage the overall resources and budget analysis/oversight responsibilities for implementation of supports and services for students with disabilities.
• Effectively communicate and collaborate with racially and culturally diverse community members, agencies, organizations, institutions, families, and educators to provide a cohesive and comprehensive system of support for students with disabilities.
• Develop, manage, evaluate, and improve the systemic implementation of policies and procedures regarding special education and pupil personnel supports and services, including the implementation of regulatory compliance measures.
• Ensure regulatory compliance related to disability and special education laws and regulations.
• Support administrators and staff in the implementation of supports and services for students, including special education, related services, and the gifted and talented.
• Review, analyze and evaluate existing programs, including student performance data, to lead strategic planning and implementation designed to achieve greater student success.
• Oversee and manage the roll-out of School Climate initiatives; lead district-based sub committees as assigned.
• Manage Homebound tutoring, medical and nursing services, and special education transportation.
• Oversee the maintenance of student records in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements to include the continuum of settings and an array of tiered instructional services.
• Provide direction for child find, intervention supports, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and the 504 process.
• Develop and lead the strategic planning for improved academic and life outcomes for students with disabilities.
• Develop, support, and manage, in collaboration with the Superintendent, other administrators, and the New London Board of Education the annual budgeting and planning process for special education and related services.
• Manage the development and implementation of standard operating procedures and guidelines for practice.
• Manage data collection, analysis, and utilization of special education and student services.
• Cultivate effective partnerships with racially, culturally, and linguistically diverse families and educators.
• Develop and provide professional development for special education and support services staff, Central Office staff.

Minimum Requirements

• Must hold a valid Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) educator certificate with an endorsement in one or more of the following endorsement areas: 092
• A minimum of five (5) years of successful classroom teaching experience.
• Demonstrated experience in teaching or leading at the secondary school level.
• Graduate degree in special education or related services
• Proven experience in operational and educational leadership
• Certification in special education or related services
• At least five (5) years leadership of building level and/or central office administrative experience, to include direct staff supervision and program evaluation experience
• At least five (5) years of classroom experience in special education or related services
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to be both inclusive and decisive in decision making and actions
• Evidenced skills in complex budget and finance management
• Demonstrated knowledge of
  • State and federal laws, statutes, and regulations pertaining to education overall education broad, special education, and pupil personnel services
  • Staff evaluation and union contracts
  • Strategic planning, policy development, and systems change
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), IEPs, 504 processes, and compliance measures
• Evidenced success in
  • Working collaboratively with Boards of Education, Educators, Families and Community Members to build consensus and foster a positive professional climate of mutual trust and respect
  • Developing and implementing strategic planning, policies, and practices for improved student outcomes
  • Administrating, organizing, and managing systems for delivery of supports and services for students with disabilities
  • Building effective school, family, community partnerships
  • Creating equitable mindset and practices regarding race, English learners, and differences in abilities
  • Working with and engaging educators, community members, and families from culturally and racially diverse backgrounds
  • Placing the interests of students and their families first and foremost
  • Building passion about improvement for student learning performance
  • Providing professional learning opportunities to advance educators' instructional preparedness for working with all students

Preferred Requirements

• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish or Haitian Creole highly desirable.
• Doctorate degree in special education, related services or educational leadership

Benefits: Eligible employees may receive a comprehensive benefits package, which may include health, dental, vision, retirement, paid leave, life and disability insurance, and other fringe benefits. Benefit offerings, eligibility, and terms vary by position and are governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement, Board of Education policy, and/or individual employment agreement. Additional information is available on the District's Human Resources website.
Mandatory Pre-Employment Screening & Compliance Notice: In accordance with Connecticut state law, all offers of employment at New London Public Schools are conditional upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background screening and sexual misconduct background check. Candidates must fully comply with the disclosure and employment verification requirements mandated under Conn. Gen. Stat. 10-222c. Failure to provide the required authorizations, complete the statutory screening process, or meet the district's standards of safety and fitness for employment will result in the immediate disqualification of the applicant or the withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment.
Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO): New London Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with federal and Connecticut state laws, we do not discriminate based on race, color, religious creed, age, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.