Description

Do you want to grow your career in An American Classical Education, helping students to live responsible, courageous, and virtuous lives? Ascent Classical Academies is currently seeking school leaders who share a passion for our mission to grow the classical liberal arts education movement and to play a key role in significant expansion throughout the Carolinas, and beyond.

Join Ascent Classical Academy as the director of student services to support the development of students' moral character and civic virtue in their pursuit of the True, Good, and Beautiful. The director of student services will support the mission and vision of Ascent Classical Academies and the ideals of classical, liberal arts education and its value in the development and formation of young people. As a leader in the school, he or she must have high moral character and embrace the virtues of a free and just society.

The director leads a team comprising special education teachers, and apprentices (as well as any paraprofessionals, and special services providers) to serve K-12 students across special education and general education populations who require universal, targeted, and intensive intervention. The successful candidate will have the knowledge, skills, and commitment needed to provide direct and indirect services that help students and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally, as well as the understanding and empathy necessary for working with students and their families. 

The successful candidate will have knowledge of special education students’ needs within general education and special education settings, ensure the proper services and support for students who need supplemental programming, and understand compliance with state and federal laws.

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Oversee the education of students with IEP, ELL, and 504 plans, consistent with Ascent Classical Academies’ content-rich curriculum:
  • Track timelines for IEP and MET meetings
  • Collaborate with academy staff to set up IEP/MET meetings and send out Meeting Notices
  • Collaborate with academy staff, related service providers, and parents to collect student information to prepare IEP/MET documents
  • Prepare IEP/MET Documents
  • Lead IEP/MET meetings
  • Finalize compliant IEP/MET documents, write and distribute PWNs within expected timelines
  • Collaborate with academy staff and related service providers on progress reports
  • Write and distribute progress reports to parents
  • Update caseload documents, and maintain SPED programs in the Student Information System (PowerSchool)
• Assist and supervise general education teachers to meet individual educational goals for students with IEPs and ELLs
• Ensure compliance with state and federal laws pertaining to student services programming
• Collaborative work with the headmaster to recruit and hire the best SPED staff for positions that will meet the individual needs of students
• Coordination with outside providers including itinerant services with approval by ACA and the Governing Board, to ensure services align with student needs
• Management and monitoring of progress tracking within the school information system
• Supervision of paraprofessionals and student services staff to pursue excellence, the Core Virtues, and professionalism at all times
• Management and monitoring of student documentation within the school information system
• Engage in effective communication with parents and teachers
• Appropriately facilitate formal student meetings with parents or other attendees
• Work collaboratively to design formal educational plans for students that support academic growth and positive social interactions for learning to promote educational access
• Set budget priorities for the student services department and have general knowledge of the department’s fiscal status
• Oversee and ensure accurate reporting of students with specialized programming
• Close coordination with the Dean of Operations regarding services for incoming students
• Educate school faculty and staff regarding student services programming, including by preparing and presenting written and oral information
• Maintain academic integrity and mission alignment in modifications and accommodations for students in specialized programming
• Maintain regular, punctual attendance
• Maintain professional appearance and adhere to relevant health and safety procedures

Requirements

The Director of Student Services position offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a unique organization changing K-12 education in this country while also providing for personal and professional growth. The ideal candidate will be results-driven, have the capacity to manage multiple projects and thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. 

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Masters Degree (preferred)
• Current South Carolina special services provider or director licensure 
• Campus leadership experience in Special Education (two years)
• Three or more years of relevant experience including familiarity with special education laws and regulations
• Eligibility to work in the United States
• After an offer is accepted, a satisfactory background check as required by state law and the South Carolina Department of Education
• Conviction in the values of a rigorous liberal arts education
• Commitment to model moral character in line with the school’s core virtues and the pursuit of the True, Good, and Beautiful
• Adherence to all ACA policies, including but not limited to the Employee Handbook, Family Handbook, and all applicable school and board policies

Desired Start Date: July 2024

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Benefits Available:

• Competitive compensation package including performance pay and stipends available
• Employee-only coverage for group medical, dental, and vision plan; dependent coverage available for full-time employees
• Health savings account with employer contributions for full-time employees
• Short- and long-term disability and life insurance plans
• Retirement investment account with a 5% employer match
• Paid time off for employees and dependents including qualifying events under the Family Medical Leave Act
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Free employee benefits and healthcare guidance
• Robust teacher training and development