Special Education (K-6) Evaluation Team Lead (ETL)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 56,079 - 105,077; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

MTRS Eligible

Life Insurance

403(b) & Roth 403(b) with match

Professional development stipend

Health benefits

Job summary

Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School seeks an experienced Team Lead for the Special Education Evaluation Team Leader role. Under the Director of Special Education, you will ensure compliance with DESE and advocate for students with disabilities, guiding assessment, programming, and instruction.

The role requires collaboration with families, staff, and district leadership to maintain high-quality services and adapt to evolving regulatory requirements across Elementary through High School.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Special Education or related field and admin/supervision coursework or experience.
• DESE certification as Special Education Teacher or Related Service Provider.
• SEI Endorsement required.
• Experience with diverse learners, testing, evaluation data, and compliance management.

Responsibilities

• Lead IEP Team meetings as K-6 representative and Chairperson.
• Oversee evaluation process, IEP development, and DESE compliance.
• Coordinate referrals for evaluations and transitions across school levels.
• Interpret federal and state laws on eligibility and LRE requirements.
• Support staff with assessments, modifications, and accommodations.

Skills

Communication

Conflict resolution

Organizational skills

Bilingual (encouraged)

Education

Master’s degree in Special Education

DESE certification as Special Education Teacher

SEI Endorsement

Massachusetts DESE Admin license preferred

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

FT Eligible Personal & Sick Only Worcester, MA, US

8 days ago Requisition ID: 1228

Salary Range: $56,079.00 To $105,077.00 Annually

Job Summary

Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School seeks an experienced, collaborative, and energetic Team Lead to join the district as the Special Education Evaluation Team Leader (ETL). Under the supervision of the Director of Special Education, the ETL maintains compliance with federal and state regulations and AKFCS policies for students with disabilities, and acts as an expert resource for special education instruction, assessment, and programming.

The selected candidate will possess an optimistic, growth-oriented mindset and adhere strictly to all Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) guidelines, ensuring our diverse student body receives the highest quality of support. This job description outlines core duties but is not exhaustive; the ideal candidate must remain flexible and adaptable to the evolving compliance and operational needs of the District.

Key Responsibilities

• IEP Team Leadership: Serve as the K-6 representative and Chairperson for IEP Team meetings. Review documents and evaluation data, facilitate Team discussions, and oversee the development and implementation of IEPs. Authoritatively commit district resources during meetings as qualified.
• Compliance Oversight: Oversee the Special Education evaluation process, IEP development, and school-based compliance with Massachusetts DESE regulations. Monitor IEP implementation, progress reports, and record-keeping required for DESE reporting.
• Referrals & Transitions: Coordinate the referral process for special education evaluations. Coordinate transition planning across all school levels (PreK to Elementary, Middle, High School, and post-HS) and design procedures to support student and parent transition programs.
• Policy & Regulation: Implement procedures, plans, and directives required by state and federal laws. Assist the Special Education Team with the interpretation of federal and Commonwealth laws regarding eligibility determinations and Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) requirements. Implement or assist with regulatory requirements related to the discipline of special education students.
• Staff Consultation: Serve as an instructional expert regarding educational assessments, curriculum modifications, and accommodations for school-based staff. Assist building principals and the Director with program evaluations, state-mandated testing, and the preparation of MCAS Alternate Portfolios.
• Community & Agency Liaison: Assist parents, guardians, staff, and community members in understanding the special education process and available services. Coordinate with state agencies (DCF, DMH) as needed.
• Professional Development: Actively participate in ongoing professional development (workshops, courses, in-service training) to remain current on special education methods, legal updates, and general curriculum standards.
• Collaboration: Meet regularly with the Special Education Leadership Team regarding resource allocation and service delivery within the schools. Perform other duties consistent with the role as assigned by leadership.

Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Special Education or a related field, with documented coursework or experience in administration, supervision, special education, psychology, or guidance.
• Licensure: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) certification as a Special Education Teacher or Related Service Provider.
• Endorsement: SEI Endorsement is required.
• Experience: Strong background working with students with diverse learning needs (including emotional, cognitive, or physical disabilities). Proven expertise in educational testing, evaluation data, and compliance management.
• Skills: Exceptional communication, conflict-resolution, and organizational skills. Ability to work effectively with parents, educators, and administrators in a collaborative, culturally responsive environment.
• Bi-lingual applicants are highly encouraged to apply.
• DESE Special Education Administrator license is preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Background check and fingerprinting as required by Massachusetts state regulations.
• Ability to work in compliance with federal, state, and district policies and regulations.
• Completion of any required professional development or certifications as mandated by the District.

The work environment is typically inside school buildings, classrooms, and meeting spaces across the district's Elementary, Middle, and High schools.

Noise levels vary from moderate to occasional higher noise levels due to student and school activities.

The role requires the ability to move educational files/materials and actively engage in meetings and school-based environments.

Applicants who are hired for this position and are found to have provided falsified or inaccurate information during the application process are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Compensation and Benefits

Full-Time Exempt Salary Position in accordance with the established Teacher’s Salary Scale. AKFCS also provides a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:

• Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System (MTRS): Eligible
• Life Insurance
• 403(b) & ROTH403(b) with Match
• Stipend for Professional/Personal Development
• YMCA Discounts
• Comprehensive Private Leave of Absence Program (PFML)
• Sick Time with Sick Bank
• Personal Days
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) & Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School is an affirmative action employer, ensuring that its programs and facilities are accessible to the public. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, religion, disability, gender identity, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related medical conditions, national origin, homelessness, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other status or class protected by state or federal law.

Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School Mission

The mission of the Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School is to assist families in their role as primary educators of their students by providing a liberal arts education representative of diverse works and global perspectives and aimed at academic excellence, musical competence, and character formation.