Our Mission“Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” Martin Luther King, Jr.Martin Luther King, Jr. Charter School of Excellence prepares kindergarten-through-5th grade students of Springfield for academic success and engaged citizenship through insistence on rigorous, challenging work. The school incorporates Dr. King’s commitment to the highest standards in scholarship, civic participation and the ideal of the beloved community.Background on MLKCSEMartin Luther King, Jr. Charter School of Excellence (MLKCSE) is a stand-alone free and public charter school serving 360 students in grades K through 5 in Springfield, Massachusetts. MLKCSE was founded in 2006 and is dedicated to fighting the opportunity gap in Western MA. We are committed to providing each and every one of our students with the quality education they deserve.MLKCSE is a Title I school. Our MLKCSE students are 28% African American and 64% LatinX. 100% of our students qualify for free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch. 25% of our students are Emerging Bilingual students and 14% of our students have special needs.Our school is meeting or exceeding targets for most (93%) accountability measures. Overall, our school performs better than 60% of elementary and middle schools statewide at the 61st percentile. MLKCSE is ranked one of the six charter schools in Massachusetts to be meeting more than 75% of the criterion-reference targets. MLKCSE ranked as the 4th highest charter school in the State for our math performance.The Role Serve as an Organizational and Community LeaderServe as a member of the Executive Cabinet team, Crisis Response team, and the Student Interventions Committee (SIC)Collaborate with the SIC team to ensure intervention plans are created for students who need additional behavioral supportWork closely with the Executive Director and Academic Director to establish a positive, structured, and achievement-oriented school cultureCollaborate with the Academic Leadership Team to plan and facilitate professional development for educators, parents, or studentsCoordinate with the Director of Infrastructure and Technology to ensure the data management system for Special Programs is properly configuredOversee all aspects of the program from grades K-5, managing a comprehensive vision and strategy for meeting the unique needs of Tier 2 and Tier 3 studentsConsult with the Academic Director on the implementation of MA Dyslexia Screener guidanceSecure and maintain outside vendors/related service providers based on student needOversee and Provide Staff and Student SupportCollaborate with the Executive Director for the purpose of implementing and maintaining services and/or programsDirect the Special Education staff, for the purpose of delivering services which conform to established guidelinesCommunicate information on programs, services, and regulations to school personnelCollaboratively develop and procure special education curriculum materials to support students and teachersCollaboratively design and coordinate special education services based on IEPs and 504 plans which comply with DESE and federal requirementsMonitor and evaluate the implementation 504 plansCollaborate with teachers to identify the needed instructional practices to sustain and increase student achievement of special education students including ways to effectively educate special education students that include co-teaching, consultations, observations and feedback, differentiation, accommodations, and interventions among many others Lead Documentation and ComplianceCoordinate the evaluation of referred children. Ensure evaluations are completed and implemented within the required timeframe and oversee the development of new IEPs in accordance with state and federal lawEvaluate the school’s Special Education programs and monitor the implementation of special education and compliance with all state and federal regulationsServe as the District Representative for and lead IEP meetings. Develop all Individualized Education Programs in accordance with the new MA IEP. Ensure all students at MLKCSE receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE)Ensure MLKCSE provides special education services in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA-97 and IDEA 2004), 603 CMR 28.03 and selected state special education requirements pursuant to M.G.L.c.71B (Chapter 766 of the Acts of 1972)Serve as the school’s contact liaison with DESE for special education and 504 plansPrepares accurate required reports and maintains all appropriate recordsMaintain a high level of knowledge regarding developing special education issues, changes in the laws and case law, and educational methods of educating students with disabilities, for the purpose of managing an excellent special education programMaintain records/files of special education data, service models and hours, and communication with families of special education students that is easily accessible and in compliance with DESE and charter requirements.Our community and students are diverse, and we are committed to reflecting that diversity in our staff. We strive to have the most diverse applicant pool possible and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply for any position at MLKCSE. By fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, we provide the best educational experience to prepare our students for a future reflective of the world we live in.