Job Goal

The Special Education Department Head provides instructional and administrative leadership for all special education programming at the middle school level. Under the direction of the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, the Department Head is responsible for the development, implementation, supervision, evaluation, and continuous improvement of special education programs and services while ensuring compliance with state and federal special education laws and regulations. The Department Head collaborates with school leaders, educators, families, and community partners to ensure students with disabilities receive high-quality educational programming in the least restrictive environment.

Performance Responsibilities

Leadership and Program Development

• Provides instructional and administrative leadership for all middle school special education programming, including classroom-based, Learning Center, substantially separate, and community-based programs, as applicable.
• Leads the continuous improvement of special education programming through collaboration, coaching, data analysis, and implementation of evidence-based instructional practices.
• Uses student achievement, progress-monitoring, compliance, and program data to evaluate program effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and strengthen special education programming.
• Assists in the planning, development, and implementation of specialized programs that reflect changing student needs, district priorities, and evidence-based practices.
• Collaborates with other Special Education Department Heads, Assistant Directors, and district administrators to ensure effective transitions between schools and programs.

Staff Supervision and Professional Learning

• Recruits, recommends for hire, supervises, coaches, and evaluates special education teachers, Team Chairs, instructional assistants, behavior technicians, and other assigned special education personnel in collaboration with the building principal and the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services.
• Provides leadership, supervision, consultation, and support to Team Chairs in the implementation of instructional programming, special education procedures, case management, and compliance.
• Coordinates professional learning for special education teachers, related service providers, and support staff in collaboration with district leaders and under the direction of the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services.
• Promotes high-quality instructional practices, collaborative problem-solving, and continuous professional growth among special education staff.

Program Management and Compliance

• Oversees caseload assignments, service delivery schedules, and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to ensure compliance with IDEA, Massachusetts special education regulations, and district procedures.
• Ensures students receive appropriate special education services in the least restrictive environment.
• Oversees implementation of academic instruction, speech-language services, counseling, occupational therapy, physical therapy, adaptive physical education, social-emotional supports, behavioral programming, and contracted related services.
• Ensures each student's educational program reflects district priorities, evidence-based practices, and all applicable state and federal regulations.
• Provides consultation, guidance, and case management support to Team Chairs and participates in IEP Team meetings, as appropriate.
• Maintains timely and accurate documentation, parent communication, reports, and case management responsibilities for assigned students.

Collaboration and Family Engagement

• Collaborates with the principal, vice principals, counselors, general education staff, and related service providers to strengthen inclusive practices and support student access to grade-level curriculum whenever appropriate.
• Builds collaborative partnerships with families and serves as a resource throughout the special education process.
• Consults with teachers, administrators, and families regarding instructional programming, accommodations, behavioral supports, and student progress.
• Communicates regularly with the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services regarding program implementation, staffing, student needs, and emerging concerns.

Fiscal and Administrative Responsibilities

• Collaborates with the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services in budget development, fiscal management, staffing, and resource allocation.
• Assists in planning for staffing, specialized programming, and service delivery based upon changing student enrollment and program needs.
• Participates with the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services in mediations, resolution sessions, and hearings conducted through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required; advanced degree (e.g., CAGS, Ed.D., or Ph.D.) preferred.
• Appropriate Massachusetts DESE licensure required, including Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) Endorsement.
• Massachusetts Administrator of Special Education licensure preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of successful teaching experience with demonstrated success improving outcomes for students receiving special education services.
• Demonstrated knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, Massachusetts special education regulations, and current evidence-based instructional practices.
• Demonstrated instructional leadership skills with experience leading teams, improving programs, coaching staff, and supporting continuous improvement.
• Strong organizational, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with students, families, colleagues, and community partners.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, culturally responsive practices, and ensuring high levels of achievement for all students.
• Must be, or become upon hire, Safety-Care certified.
• Successful completion of CORI, SORI, and fingerprint-based background checks.

Evaluated By: Assistant Superintendent of Student Services

Work Year: 214 days, in accordance with the Wellesley Educators Association – Unit B Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Salary/Benefits: In accordance with the Wellesley Educators Association – Unit B Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Physical Demands

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, and/or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands or arms, climb or balance and stoop.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee is required to have the cognitive ability and focus to manage multiple detailed tasks at once with frequent interruptions.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed in an educational environment. The majority of the work is performed in a moderately noisy environment with frequent interruptions.

Non-Discrimination Statement:

Applicants for employment are considered without regard to age, physical, mental or psychiatric disability, genetics, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, or military status.