Director of Education

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Education/Principal provides visionary leadership and strategic oversight for the operation of a state-approved Keshet’s Therapeutic Day Schools. This role ensures the provision of high-quality, individualized educational and therapeutic programming aligned with Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) regulations and best practices in special education and behavioral health. The Director of Education is a key external face of Keshet in the community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership

• Provide leadership, direction, and supervision of the Therapeutic Day School program in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Illinois State Board of Education.
• Provide instructional mentoring and supervision to teachers, including instructional coaching, data collection and assessment, and behavior management.
• Act as initial contact for intake process and oversees all Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
• Coordinate with ESY staff for those students who are attending our program
• Oversee all transitional and mainstreaming activities in coordination with the principals of all cooperating school public schools.
• Supervise the highly individualized special education curriculum and staff; coordinates all facets of the multi-disciplinary team approach.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a commitment to and passion for the mission of Keshet.

Team Management and Development

• Recruit, hire, and oversee training, orientation, supervision, development and performance review of all staff members.
• Cultivate relationships directly with Parents, Teachers and Staff on a daily basis
• Develop and maintain positive and effective relations with local school districts
• Report regularly on results achieved and district improvement plans
• Ensure that all staff attend Professional Development meetings initiated by Keshet
• Ensure that Keshet is continuing to execute Best Practices in within the Programming Curriculum

Program Operational Management

• Provide leadership in the planning, development, implementation, review and evaluation of administrative procedures.
• Maintain structure teaching within all classrooms or search for Best Practices within the field of Special Education
• Assist with all financial matters as they relation to budget management, cost benefit analysis, forecasting needs and securing of new funding.
• Implement the approved budget and is responsible for and supervises the preparation of all required reports and legal records.
• Develop and maintain a safe and attractive school environment.
• Oversee the development of curriculum and approval of textbooks.
• Develop school policies consistent with agency policies.
• Evaluate the program on a continuous basis
• Successfully completes training in Safety Care Training successfully complete all requirements to maintain certification.
• Effectively intervenes in student’s disruptive behavior, both verbal and physical; including using TCI prescribed methods to de-escalate critical situations.
• Performs other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Masters’ degree in Special Education, Education, or related field required; with a Professional Educator License (PEL) with General Administrative or Principal Endorsement required.
• At least five years of teaching in regular and special education and three years of school administration. Experience in the principal role is highly desirable.
• Must be able to successfully complete Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training.
• Strong knowledge of ISBE regulations, IEP compliance, and trauma-informed educational practices

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• The candidate is expected to have strong project management skills managing complex, multifaceted projects resulting in measurable successes and program growth.
• The candidate should exude strength in hiring, recruiting, managing, developing, coaching, and retaining individuals and teams, empowering them to elevate their levels of responsibility, span-of-control and performance including understanding human resources, employee performance improvement plans, and corrective action policies.
• Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.
• Respect diverse cultures and provides culturally appropriate, competent and individualized support according to each individual’s age, race, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs and culture
• Embrace a culture of collaboration and teamwork

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to access and navigate the facility
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times

Keshet offers a robust Employee Benefit Program which includes:

• Affordable healthcare plans

• Dental

• Vision

• Short-term and long-term disability

• Life insurance

• 401k plan with employer matching contributions

• Holiday Pay

• Paid Sick Time

• PTO

• Tuition reimbursement

ABOUT KESHET

Keshet is a one-of-a-kind organization that brings classroom experiences, camps, sports, residential, social, and vocational activities for 600 people with disabilities each year. From the very start, Keshet has grown alongside our participants, creating a community of belonging where people of all abilities learn, play, work, live, and grow together.

Today, Keshet continues to flourish, with over 75 programs in the Chicago and Wisconsin area, four residential homes, 200 dedicated staff and lay leaders, dozens of community and corporate partners, and thousands of engaged donors around the world. Nurtured by respect, creativity, tenacity and unconditional love, Keshet makes a powerful difference in the lives of each child and adult with disabilities, their families, the community and beyond.