REPORTS TO: Executive DirectorDirector of Student ServicesWORK YEAR: 205 daysTHE ROLE: The Program Director of TEC Phoenix Academy is an experienced, skilled, dynamic leader responsible for the instructional leadership and daily operation of this DESE approved public day school. With a strong commitment to the success of every student, the Program Director will shape the programs educational vision and professional culture; hire, supervise and evaluate staff; collaborate effectively with caregivers and relevant community partners/human service agencies; and ensure that TPA effectively adapts to support our member districts needs. Notably, the Program Director will expand TPA by designing and implementing a new lower campus that serves elementary age students. The Program Director is a member of the TEC Administrative Leadership Team and participates in TEC organizational planning and decision making.OUR ORGANIZATION: The Education Cooperative (TEC) is an educational collaborative and 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in E.
Walpole, MA that develops and coordinates educational and organizational programs to meet the needs of our 17 member communities and their students in a way that complements and strengthens their school programs and expands opportunities for their students, educators and communities in the most cost effective manner.TEC Phoenix Academy (TPA), one of three DESE approved public special education day schools within TEC, is designed for students with academic, emotional and/or behavioral challenges that necessitate a small, structured educational setting. TPA students may struggle with emotional dysregulation associated with mental health diagnosis or past/persistent trauma. At TPA, experienced, licensed classroom teachers and special educators provide students with an academic curriculum aligned with the MA Curriculum Frameworks. Working as an integrated team, teachers, counselors, and related service providers keep students social-emotional needs at the forefront so that students can access their learning, achieve the goals on their IEPs, and develop the prosocial and emotional regulation skills that will help them be successful in their post-secondary experiences.
TPA currently serves approximately 30 students grades 7 through 12. However, beginning in 2024-2025, the school will begin an incremental expansion; the current campus will serve grades 6-12 and a new lower campus will serve approximately 6 students in grades K-2 as TEC begins to build an elementary program.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES Instructional Leadership: Articulate a vision for teaching and learning at TPA that serves our diverse student population in a personalized, highly supportive environment, including establishing a new lower campus that serves students in grades K-2.Lead the instructional, behavioral and therapeutic programmatic activities of the school.Support and assist assigned staff in providing all students with an effective instructional program through frequent classroom visits, provision of professional development, and frequent staff briefings/consultation regarding student successes and challenges.Lead staff in implementing all special education requirements, including but not limited to: TEAM meetings, IEP compliance, appropriate instruction and modifications, implementing behavioral plans, assessments and progress reports.Actively participate in the resolution of student academic and behavioral issues as needed by conferring, communicating and coordinating with counseling staff, teachers, students, and parents.Use data to flexibly and effectively respond to and support student needsManagement and Operations: Perform all aspects of the admissions process: recruit, screen referrals, accept appropriate students, enroll and provide orientation to students and their parents/ guardians.Work directly with Human Resources on staffing needs including: recruitment and hiring strategies; reviewing applications, interviewing, and hiring potential candidates; assisting in onboarding and training new staff.Work collaboratively with representatives from referring school districts, including out-of-district coordinators and Student Services DirectorsExecute a fiscally sound budgetPlan and oversee scheduling and other structures to support student learningInterpret and ensure compliance with state laws, DESE regulations, TEC policies and procedures.Maintain accurate student and staff records.Disseminate annual Student Handbooks in accordance with DESE, state and federal regulations.Administer and enforce all school policies and procedures and recommend changes as neededAdhere to all relevant legal processes and procedural timelines when addressing student discipline issuesFamily and Community Engagement: Develop and sustain positive, culturally responsive relationships with all stakeholders, including students, families, staff, and district partners.Promote open, sustained, responsive communication to forge a partnership with students families, guardians, and caregivers. Ensure regular communication with sending school districts, families and appropriate human service agencies.Represent the school in the educational and wider community, particularly within TECs regional special educator network.Promote greater understanding of the school program and its curriculum to member school districts and the greater regional community, as well as prospective families during the referral processCollaborate with Massachusetts agencies such as the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Youth Services, and the Department of Mental Health.Work collaboratively with the Walpole Police Department and students' home police departments to expand their understanding of the needs of TPA students.Professional Culture: Develop and promote a professional culture focused on a shared vision and sustained commitment to achieve the mission of TPA.In collaboration with TECs Director of Student Services, design and lead professional development for TPA staff in alignment with identified needsEvaluate personnel in accordance with DESE guidelines Facilitate the daily communication between staff members in order to support the complex needs of every student.REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Masters Degree in Special Education or related fieldAt least 5 years experience leading in a school or district setting (experience with substantially separate or therapeutic programs is highly desirable)Appropriate MA DESE licensureKNOWLEDGE, ABILITY, & SKILL Deep knowledge of curriculum, assessment, and effective instructionDemonstrated ability to successfully supervise and evaluate staffExcellent communication skills, both written and verbalA thorough understanding of special education law and significant experience with the special education processAbility to work collaboratively as part of TECs leadership teamExperience successfully building special education programsDemonstrated ability to think flexibility and creatively, both to solve problems and to innovateProven ability to lead change processesAbility to development strong community partnerships to expand academic, social and career based opportunities for studentsStrong organizational skillsExperience managing budgetsExperience with DBT, CBT or related therapies and/or behavioral analysisExperience with Safety Care, CPI, or other similar trainingProficiency in using digital tools and platforms for communication and documentation.JOB ENVIRONMENT Work takes place in classrooms and other school rooms/areas, including offices, within a school building setting, primarily indoors.