Special Education Assistant Principal- SMS

Watertown Public Schools; Unicorn (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Watertown Public Schools is seeking a Special Education Assistant Principal at Swift Middle School. The role supports the Principal and Director of Special Education in delivering high-quality, compliant services for students with disabilities, combining instructional leadership with staff oversight and day-to-day operations.

The successful candidate will lead instructional initiatives, monitor student progress, and coordinate services with related service providers, ensuring inclusive practices

Qualifications

• Experience in a teacher-leader/department chair or administrative role in special education.
• Experience working with families in complex or contentious situations.
• Knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, and state special education regulations.

Responsibilities

• Provide instructional leadership for students with disabilities and support MTSS/RTI frameworks.
• Collaborate with teachers and service providers to plan instruction, accommodations, and progress monitoring.
• Participate in PPT/IEP meetings and ensure high-quality IEPs with clear documentation.
• Supervise and develop special education staff in line with district priorities.

Skills

Teacher-leader experience

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Strong communication

Problem-solving

Education

CT Intermediate Administrator Certification

CT Special Education Certification

Job description

Special Education Assistant Principal- SMS JobID: 2628

• Position Type:
  Administration/ Assistant Principal-Special Education
• Date Posted:
  8/21/2026
• Location:
  Swift Middle School
• Date Available:
  ASAP
• Closing Date:
  09/11/2026

Special Education Assistant Principal

Position Title:Special Education Assistant Principal

Location: Swift Middle School

Position Reports To:Building Principal and Director of Special Education and Related Services

Job ID: #2628

Internal Close Date:August 28, 2026

External Close Date:September 11, 2026

Anticipated Start Date: Immediately

Position Overview

The Special Education Assistant Principal supports the Principal and Director of Special Education in leading high-quality, legally compliant special education services and inclusive practices for students with disabilities. The role combines instructional leadership, staff supervision, and day-to-day operational management to ensure that students receive appropriate services in the least restrictive environment.

Required Certifications & Qualifications

• Current State of Connecticut Intermediate Administrator Certification #092
• Current State of Connecticut Special Education or Related Service Provider Certificat e #065, #165 or #265, #070, #061, #068

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in ateacher-leader, department chair, coordinator, or administrative role in special education.
• Experience working with families in complex or contentious situations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of:
  • IDEA, Section 504, and Connecticut special education regulations
  • IEP development, implementation, and progress monitoring
  • Evidence-based instructional and behavioral practices for students with disabilities
• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams (teachers, related service providers, school psychologists, social workers, BCBA, etc.).
• Strong communication, problemsolving, and organizational skills.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional leadership and student support

• Promote high expectations and rigorous, standards-aligned instruction for students with disabilities in both general and special education settings.
• Collaborate with teachers and related service providers to support effective instructional strategies, differentiation, accommodations, and modifications.
• Monitor student academic, behavioral, and social-emotional data to guide interventions, progress monitoring, and placement decisions.
• Support the implementation of MTSS/RTI frameworks and behavior intervention systems as they relate to students with IEPs and 504 plans

Special education program oversight

• Assist in ensuring that special education services are implemented in accordance with IDEA, Section 504, state regulations, and district policies.
• Participate in or chair PPT/IEP meetings as assigned, ensuring appropriate team participation, high-quality IEPs, and clear documentation.
• Support scheduling and coordination of special education services, related services and paraprofessional assignments.
• Help monitor compliance with timelines for evaluations, annual reviews, triennials, and progress reporting.

Staff supervision and development

• Supervise and evaluate special education teachers, related service providers, and paraprofessionals in accordance with district evaluation systems.
• Provide instructional coaching, feedback, and professional learning aligned to district priorities and the needs of students with disabilities.
• Address staff performance concerns in collaboration with the principal, Director of Special Education, and Human Resources.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive culture among general education and special education staff.

Family and community collaboration

• Build and maintain positive, respectful relationships with families of students with disabilities, including during challenging or high-conflict situations.
• Communicate clearly with parents/guardians about services, progress, behavior plans, and school expectations.
• Partner with community agencies and outside providers as needed to coordinate services and supports.

School operations, climate, and safety

• Assist with school-wide student management systems, including discipline, restorative practices, and behavior supports, ensuring appropriate application for students with disabilities.
• Participate in crisis response, safety planning, and functional behavior assessments/behavior intervention plans as appropriate.
• Support the principal in implementing building procedures, schedules, and supervision duties, with attention to accessibility and inclusion.

Additional Duties

• Serve on school and district committees as assigned.
• Perform other related responsibilities as assigned by the principal or Director of Special Education.

Terms of Employment

• Work year, salary, and benefits as outlined in the WAA contract.

* District reserves the right to close the posting if a suitable candidate is found prior to the external closing date.