Director of Specialized Curriculum and Instruction

The Director of Specialized Curriculum and Instruction for Exceptional Learning oversee the development, implementation, and assessment of curriculum and instructional methods for PreK through grade 12 students with exceptional learning needs with an Individual Educational Program (IEP). The director ensures adherence to state and federal regulations, supports educators and staff, and promotes ongoing improvements in educational outcomes for these learners. They provide leadership and expertise to support, enhance, monitor, and ensure the use of high-quality instructional materials for exceptional learners within Springfield Public Schools. They lead staff in adopting research-based, effective teaching practices and creating quality learning environments that boost student achievement. 
 
Additionally, the director offers school administration research-backed tools and insights to evaluate instruction, language, and practices of early childhood staff and programs, aiming to improve language and literacy development. They assist leadership teams in building capacity to maintain consistent instructional practices and language across preschool, kindergarten, and grades one through three. 
 
Day to Day Responsibilities

• Reports to the Chief of Exceptional Learning 

• Lead the design, development, and alignment of specialized instructional programs, curriculum, and assessment for exceptional learners, ensuring alignment with Massachusetts frameworks and IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). 

• Evaluate and recommend curricula, instructional materials, and resources that reflect evidence-based practices to support the learning needs of exceptional learners 

• Oversee curriculum review cycles and coordinate adoption of new instructional materials. 

• Provide leadership and professional development opportunities for teachers, instructional coaches, and support staff working with exceptional learners. 

• Mentor and support educators in implementing differentiated instruction, multi-tiered systems of support, and inclusive classroom practices. 

• Organize ongoing training on IEP (Individualized Education Program) development and implementation, data-driven instruction, and progress monitoring. 

• Oversee the development, maintenance, and monitoring of IEPs and related documentation using data collected through use of high-quality instructional materials within the classroom. 

• Prepare and submit required reports to state and federal agencies. 

• Collect and analyze student achievement data to evaluate program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. 

• Implement strategies for closing achievement gaps and improving educational outcomes for exceptional learners. 

• Serve as a liaison between the Exceptional Learning Department, Academics and other district departments, school administrators, families, and community agencies. 

• Facilitate communication and collaboration among teachers, specialists, and families. 

• Assist in budget development and resource allocation for exceptional learning programs. 

• Supervise and evaluate instructional coaches and other staff supporting exceptional learning staff as needed 

• Participate in the recruitment, hiring, and retention of high-quality staff. 

• Regularly review the implementation and effectiveness of specialized curriculums within exceptional learning programs. 

• Foster a culture of continuous professional growth and high expectations. 

• Perform any other related duties assigned by the Chief of Exceptional Learning & Related Services 

 QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Master’s degree (or higher) in Special Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, or a related field 

• Valid Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) administrative license, such as Supervisor/Director or Principal/Assistant Principal, and appropriate Special Education licensure. 

• Minimum 5 years of successful teaching experience in special education or a related field 

• Minimum 3 years of administrative, supervisory, or curriculum leadership experience, preferably in special education 

• Demonstrated knowledge of state and federal special education laws, regulations, and compliance (IDEA, Section 504, MA regulations) 

• Proven experience in curriculum development, instructional design, and program evaluation within special education 

• Experience with data-driven decision making, assessment, and progress monitoring for students with disabilities. 

• Strong understanding of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and inclusive practices 

• Excellent leadership, communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills 

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion for all students 

Preferred: 

• Doctorate in Education, Special Education, or a related field 

• Experience with Springfield Public Schools or similar urban school districts 

• Knowledge of current trends and research in exceptional learning and best practices for supporting diverse learners 

• Experience supervising and evaluating personnel in accordance with the MA Educator Evaluation System 

"If you BELIEVE, we have a place for YOU on our team!? Come work for us!" 

About our District 

Springfield Public Schools is a cultural gem in Western Massachusetts, committed to providing a learning environment that opens the door to infinite possibilities for our amazing students and staff. We strive to equip each of our approximately 24,000 students with learning experiences that enhance their knowledge and critical thinking skills. We are the 3rd largest district in Massachusetts. Our district has over 44 languages spoken and over 60 countries represented by both students and staff. We foster a positive and professional environment in our schools and worksites where people feel valued, respected, supported, seen, and heard. Our students and staff share their ideas and perspectives, learning from and appreciating each other. We are a district that is committed to equity and excellence. 

Join a team that Empowers Educators. 

In addition to offering competitive salaries and benefits, we provide numerous cutting-edge professional development opportunities for all staff. We let our data shape the district's professional development; therefore, it is relevant and actionable. We support our teaching staff with mentors, such as instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches, who work with them throughout the year on lesson planning, data analysis, and management. Our district offers career advancement opportunities and is invested in “Grow our Own” and educational pipeline programs. These programs help our staff earn a college degree or pursue certification pathways. 

If there is something that you would like to know specifically about the position that you are applying for or assistance with matching your skills to a position, Carmen Molina-Figueroa will be happy to assist you at molina-figueroac@springfieldpublicschools.com. 

The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, or military service, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation. The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or homelessness. 

NONDISCRIMINATION EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT 

The Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status. 

NOTICE OF SEX NONDISCRIMINATION 

Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment. 

Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the Springfield Public Schools’ Title IX Coordinator, titleix@springfieldpublicschools.com, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights at https://ocrcas.ed.gov/contact-ocr, or both. 

The Springfield Public Schools Title IX Coordinator is Jeremy Saint Laurent, Chief Legal Counsel in Legal Services, 1550 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103, 413-787-7100 ext. 55325, titleix@springfieldpublicschools.com.  

Springfield Public School’s sex nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can be located on the Springfield Public Schools website, www.springfieldpublicschools.com/non-discrimination 

To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please refer to titleix@springfieldpublicschools.com 

Salary : $104,262 - $131,448