Program Director: Grades 5-8 (BASAS 10) SY26-27

Reports to: Head of School

Melvin H. King South End Academy (MHKSEA) is a 5-12 therapeutic day school dedicated to supporting students with emotional, behavioral, and learning needs. The school offers two distinct programs:

• Melvin H. King Lower School: Serving students in grades 5-8 at the South End Academy site, 90 Warren Ave., with school hours from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Melvin H. King Upper School: Serving students in grades 9-12 at the South End Academy site, 90 Warren Ave., with school hours from 7:20 a.m. to 1:40 p.m.
  
  

The Melvin H. King South End Academy Program Director will receive an additional stipend for professional development per week as determined by School Leadership. This position is for the Program Director role in the Lower School for grades 5-8.

Responsibilities:

• Cultivate a safe and welcoming school environment through predictable rituals, routines and procedures centered on adolescent development and research based practices
• Lead instructional and operational decisions for the 5-8 program in alignment with legal requirements and high-quality practices, in consultation with the Principal/Head of School.
• Supervise and evaluate Teachers, Paraprofessionals, and other staff in the school through routine observation and feedback cycles using the Evaluator as Coach model and Vector platform.
• Implement therapeutic and academic MTSS through the regular use of screening, diagnostic and progress monitoring assessments including MAP, ACCESS, BIMAS and more.
• Observe instruction routinely using the EQL Walkthrough Tool and other tools.
• Cultivate the implementation of HQIM, UDL, SDI in alignment with BPS priorities and students’ IEPs
• Apply Trauma-Informed practices to ensure student and staff wellness.
• Monitor quality and compliance of IEP development and implementation in collaboration with administrators, coaches and the COSE (Coordinator of Special Education).
• Ensure the fair implementation of the Code of Conduct including the use of restorative practices as well as compliance with the Manifestation Determination Review (MDR).
• With the Principal/Head of School, create and implement the QSP (Quality School Plan) outlining the school’s Instructional Focus and Desired Outcomes, Strategic Actions, etc. in the BPS Priority Areas: 1- Equitable Literacy 2- Culture and Climate 3-Attendance.
• Plan and facilitate staff professional development across a range of priority areas.
• Monitor and implement compliance with regulations of the Boston Public Schools, the State Department of Education, and the Melvin H. King South End Academy.
• Participate in Monthly School Site Council and Instructional Leadership Team, Culture & Climate Team, and/or Attendance Team as well as Family Council meetings as invited.
• Manage enrollment of students and class assignments, develop and maintain student, staff, and building schedules, including the scheduling of school partners.
• Participate in the development of the budget and use of funding in service to students
• Perform other duties as requested by the Assistant Superintendent, Principal/Head of School.
  
  

Qualifications Required:

• Licensure as a Special Education Administrator OR Licensure as a Principal/Assistant Principal, Supervisor/Director with a Moderate Disabilities teaching license
• Master’s degree in education, special education, vocational education, social work, or other related fields.
• Three (3) years of education experience in an educational setting similar to the BPS
• Three (3) years supervisory experience
• Knowledge of best current practices in adolescent development and special education and experience developing innovative student programming
• Demonstrated leadership qualities, supervisory skills, and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with staff, students, teachers, administrators, partners, and caregivers to effectively support students.
• Knowledge of legal protections for all students and particularly those with disabilities, students experiencing homelessness, and system involved youth
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Compassionate and inclusive leader with superior interpersonal skills including but not limited to the ability to express disagreement tactfully, sensitively and with cultural insight as well as ability to succession work and collaborate with diverse groups of people
• Ability to develop and coordinate professional development
• Knowledge of Culturally and Linguistically Sustaining Practices (CLSP) and how to implement them at the school and individual levels
• Proficiency in Google Suite. Skilled in the use of technology to support effective communications, presentation design and delivery, and data management
• Current authorization to work in the United States - Candidates must have such authorization by their first day of employment
  
  

Qualifications Preferred:

• More than (3) years of experience developing and supporting community-based transition programs in an urban educational environment
• Demonstrated experience in working with external resources and professional networks to develop
• Experience in collaboration with higher education, the business community and/or government institutions
• Grant writing experience
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish, Cabo Verdean, or Haitian Creole is required to communicate with a diverse student and staff base effectively.
• Familiarity with Boston and Boston Public Schools.
  
  

Terms: BASAS, Group 10, 208 days plus differential for required additional time and work

Please refer to www.bostonpublicschools.org/ohc (under "Employee Benefits and Policies") for more information on salary and compensation. Salaries are listed by Unions and Grade/Step.

The start and end times of BPS schools vary, as do the lengths of the school day. Some BPS schools have a longer school day through the "Schedule A" Expanded Learning Time (ELT) agreement.

The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record, physical or mental disability, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics, natural or protective hairstyle, military status, immigration status, English language proficiency, or any other factor prohibited by law in its programs and activities. BPS does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to work or learn. If you require an accommodation pursuant to the ADA for the application process, please contact the Accommodations Unit at accommodations@bostonpublicschools.org.