Director of Elementary Special Education

Job Description

Department: Student Services
Job Title: Director of Elementary Special Education
FLSA Status: Exempt
Reports To: Assistant Superintendent of Student Services

General Description

The Director of Elementary Special Education leads and manages special education services across Newton's elementary schools and comprehensive preschool Newton Early Childhood Program (NECP). This includes oversight of all citywide and specialized programs at these levels and collaboration with key district stakeholders to develop aligned, inclusive practices. The Director works in tandem with the Director of Secondary Special Education to ensure consistency and strong student transitions across all grade levels.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Education or related field (advanced degree/licensure preferred)
• Massachusetts DESE licensure as Administrator of Special Education or Pupil Personnel Services Director
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with students, families, staff, and external agencies
• Commitment to staying current in educational leadership, evaluation, and compliance practices
• Familiarity with local and state support services for students with disabilities
• Extensive knowledge of federal and state special education laws, including IEP development and due process
• Other qualifications as determined by the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services in accordance with state licensure

Essential Job Duties

• Direct oversight and supervision of all preschool and elementary-level special education programs
• Ensure compliance with federal and state education laws, regulations, and School Committee policies
• Collaborate with school and district leaders to design inclusive staffing and service delivery models
• Supervise referral, evaluation, and placement procedures for students with disabilities
• Manage personnel and operations within the Elementary Student Services Department
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Secondary Special Education on alignment from Pre-K to Post Secondary
• Serve as liaison with City Hall and other partners to align policies and programs
• Ensure students' access to the full district curriculum, including electives
• Supervise citywide specialized programs from Pre-K through elementary
• Partner with the Out-of-District Coordinator to monitor placements and develop inclusive in-district options
• Prepare and manage program budgets; ensure fiscal responsibility and grant compliance
• Support recruitment, hiring, supervision, and evaluation of special education staff
• Coordinate and submit required state, federal, and district reporting
• Coordinate and manage PRS and OCR complaints and Integrated Monitoring Reviews
• Partner with families and SEPAC to strengthen home-school collaboration and inclusive practice; Ensure training and development opportunities for families
• Collaborate with NPS senior leadership team members
• Design and ensure provision of professional development opportunities to staff
• Perform additional duties as needed or assigned

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Work Environment

• Requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to manage diverse stakeholder groups
• Ability to lead in a fast-paced, multi-site educational setting
• Requires discretion, critical thinking, and sound decision-making
• Strong written and verbal communication essential

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift or move items up to 25 pounds
• Requires a valid driver’s license and ability to travel within the district and region

Newton Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We actively seek to recruit, hire, and retain a diverse and inclusive workforce. If you need support to apply, please contact Human Resources.