Special Education Director, Grades K-12

TrulyHired; Fall River (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Atlantis Charter School in Fall River, MA seeks a Special Education Director to lead K-12 programs, oversee IEP development, and ensure compliance with MA DESE and federal regulations. The role reports to the K-12 District Leader and leads Special Education staff, coordinating with school administrators, families, and external partners to promote inclusive practices and high-quality student outcomes.

Strong leadership, policy development, and communication skills are essential to drive program

Qualifications

• Graduate or related professional degrees from an accredited college or university required.
• Certification from the Department of Education in Special Education strongly preferred.
• 3-5 years related experience required.
• Ability to direct and delegate responsibilities to others when appropriate.
• Ability to analyze test scores and determine appropriate changes to correct deficiencies.
• Ability to effectively chair special education meetings
• Ability to develop and write IEPs for eligible students
• In-depth knowledge of public school and special education laws, policies and practices required.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive practices for all students
• Experience teaching and/or coordinating various programs
• Ability to supervise others and communicate clearly in writing and orally
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement policies set forth by MA DESE and federal regulations.
• Assist in formulating a vision and goals for the special education program.
• Coordinate development and evaluation of the Special Education program.
• Ensure safety of students and compliance with ADA, state and federal laws.
• Oversee compliance with disabilities and health-related laws and regulations.
• Prepare state and federal reports as directed by the district leader.
• Lead evaluation meetings (IEP, 3-year reevaluations, manifest determinations) as needed.
• Supervise Special Education staff and coordinate with related service providers.

Skills

Leadership

IEP development

Communication

Policy understanding

Team supervision

Education

Graduate degree

Special Education Certification preferred

Job description

Job Description

The Special Education Director provides leadership to special education personnel in order to develop and help implement curriculum and instruction for Grades K-12. The Special Education Director assists in the ongoing development and improvement of the Special Education Department and assists the Principals in working with the board, administrative team, staff, parents, community groups, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and professional organizations. Also, the Special Education Director is committed to the Atlantis Charter School Board of Trustee's policies regarding equity, human rights and cross cultural understanding and reports directly to the K-12 District Leader or his/her designee.

Atlantis Charter School is committed to recruiting, employing, training, promoting and compensating a diverse team. We will honor and celebrate your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

POSITION

Special Education Director

QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate or related professional degrees from an accredited college or university required.
• Certification from the Department of Education in Special Education strongly preferred.
• 3-5 years related experience required.
• Ability to direct and delegate responsibilities to others when appropriate.
• Ability to analyze test scores and determine appropriate changes to correct deficiencies.
• Ability to effectively chair special education meetings
• Ability to effectively develop and write all facets of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
• In-depth knowledge of public school and special education laws, policies and practices required.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive practices for all students
• Experience teaching and/or coordinating various programs.
• Ability to effectively work with and supervise others.
• Ability to communicate ideas and directives clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Effective, active listening skills.
• Organizational, creative and problem-solving skills.

REPORTS TO

K-12 District Leader

SUPERVISION

Special Education and other support services staff (OT, PT, Speech, Psychologist, Behavioral and SPED records support)

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

While actual roles and responsibilities will vary depending on individual circumstances, the Special Education Director will generally be required to perform some or all of the following tasks. Note that this list is not all-inclusive and that the K-12 District Leader may also assign other tasks he/she deems appropriate.

• Develop, and work with the Administrative Team to implement, appropriate policies and procedures set forth by the MA DESE and federal regulations.
• Assist in the formulation of a vision and goals for the special education program.
• Assess special education programs and services for improvement and development
• Coordinate development and evaluation of the Special Education program.
• Ensure safety of students and compliance with ADA, State, and Federal Regulations.
• Oversee compliance of federal and state special education and other applicable disability, and health related laws and regulations.
• Establish, and revise as needed, procedures for the identification, educational placement, and IEP development for eligible students.
• Develops education plans for special education students who are in danger of not meeting school and graduation requirements.
• Keeps current with research and evidenced based practices as it relates to special education.
• Prepare needed reports as directed by the K-12 District Leader, including state and federal reports.
• Advise K-12 District Leader on program/service issues and needs
• Participate in legal meetings on needed cases with the K-12 District Leader and school attorney.
• Participate in committees, and other applicable meetings as assigned by the K-12 District Leader.
• Provide coverage as requested and needed for the District Leader when absent.
• Assist the administrative Team with budget development and grant responsibilities for programming.
• Work as a collaborative member of the Leadership Team.
• Consult with school psychologist and outside service providers when needed and appropriate.
• Coordinate and serve as liaison with state and area social service agencies, courts, clinical personnel and hospitals, including student transition services.
• Maintain liaison and active participation with educational leaders in special education at the local, state, regional and national level.
• Monitor student records for all special education students through ongoing training, evaluation, and collaboration with the Special Education Records Clerk(s).
• Ensure special education student records are maintained as required by regulations.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all special education records and issues.
• Assist with student referrals, observations, screening, and the SST process as needed.
• Support and collaborate with the Special Education Parent Advisory Council.
• Chair initial, review, 3-year re-evaluation, and manifest determination meetings. Complete all needed documents related to chairing IEP and manifest determination meetings, as needed.
• Assist the administrative team in recommending employees for contract renewals, interviewing and hiring staff.
• Assist new special education staff with special education policies and documentation.
• Conduct classroom observations and instructional coaching with teachers and staff to support skill development and help student outcomes.
• Completes mid-year and end of year evaluations, reviews evidence, provides timely feedback and coaching notes for staff.
• Plan and deliver professional development for staff related to special education.
• Interact in a positive manner with students, families, staff and the public.
• Attend meetings and in-services as appropriate.
• Collaborate with Business Office regarding establishment and oversight of special education transportation, as needed.
• Submit and maintain purchasing of supplies, materials and equipment as it relates to the special education program.
• Assume other duties as may be assigned by the K-12 District Leader.

Additional Requirements

Performs other duties as assigned.

Cultural Standards

• Establishes and maintains cooperative and effective working relationships with all members of school community to carry out responsibilities;
• Interacts professionally with a diverse range of constituents;
• Maintains an attendance record that meets or exceeds an acceptable standard as defined by ACS policy.
• Takes responsibility and accountability for assigned tasks, projects, and duties while maintaining a professional manner.
• Makes efficient use of time by organizing and prioritizing work efficiently.
• Presents a professional appearance by adhering to ACS dress code.
• Is actively engaged in job/career growth by attending inservice programs, professional development, educational courses and seminars.
• Actively listens and responds in a respectful non-confrontational manner to the opinions of others.
• Fosters positive attitude in the workplace.
• Maintains and respects strict confidentiality of any sensitive information related to Atlantis Charter School, its faculty, staff and students.
• Responds to concerns and requests of direct reports in a timely, respectful and courteous manner.

EVALUATION

Evaluation of the Special Education Director will be conducted by the K-12 District Leader.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

12 month position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Ability to walk, sit and stand for long periods. Regularly uses computer keyboard, requiring eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity. Will need to travel occasionally for off-site meetings and professional development.

Welcome to ATX Learning

Atlantis Charter School, based in Fall River, Massachusetts, is a leading public charter school that serves nearly 1,400 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across the SouthCoast region. Founded in 1995, its mission is to provide students with an education second to none, yielding life-long academic excellence and learning skills. Today, Atlantis is ranked among the highest‑performing public charter schools in the Commonwealth.

In 2017, Atlantis launched five (5) ground‑breaking career academies designed to prepare an educated 21st century workforce and drive economic development. The high‑school academy program, which was strategically designed in collaboration with industry and high‑education partners, serves as the school's organizational and operational career development platform. Students can choose to study a desired career path, engage in hands‑on instruction and gain exposure to real‑life…??

The academies currently include:

• Business and Entrepreneurship
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
• Arts, Culture and Design
• Teacher Development
• Health, Med‑Tech, Sports Medicine

In the Spring of 2018, Atlantis has completed construction of a new state‑of‑the‑art campus. The 98,000-square‑foot, multiple building facility sits on 46 acres of land overlooking South Watuppa Pond, and includes a new gymnasium and community athletic complex with a track and field.