Assistant Director of Special Education - Specialized Programming – 1.0 FTE – SY 26/27

Job Goal: To provide leadership in the ongoing development, implementation, coordination and improvement of Special Education related to the behavioral, instructional and methodological alignment of Specialized Programs in WPS. 

Responsibilities:

The Assistant Director of Special Education works collaboratively with the Director of Student Services and other Assistant Directors to: 

• Provide for in-district programming development (K-12), coordination, rationale, and maintenance for special education students.
• Evaluate programs and make proposals for improvement.
• Promote inter and intra-departmental collaboration.
• Apply knowledge of Special Education services and instructional strategies to support the department in implementing specialized program improvements. 
• Oversee training of ABA and restraint training for teachers and paraprofessionals. 
• Support teachers with curriculum development.
• Make recommendations to the Director of Student Support Services on the design of the network of substantially separate programs, including internal referrals. 
• Oversee the coordination of the Extended School Year program for students.
• Manage complex and challenging cases by maintaining effective contact with school staff, PRS Specialists, families, collateral service providers, and stakeholders.
• Participate in the design, coordination and implementation of collaborative instruction and service delivery that values inclusion, social emotional wellness and the provision of education to all students in the Least Restrictive Environment. 
• Provide direct support and assistance to Team Chairs when necessary. 
• Assist in maintaining appropriate records and attending meetings as necessary.
• Ensure compliance with District special education procedures, protocols and guidelines and modify procedures, protocols, and guidelines as needed in accordance with DESE regulations.
• Maintain a responsive inventory/library of assessments reflecting departmental needs, best practices, and ensuring access, consistency, and a reflective continuum of evaluation activity across the district.
• Supervise and/or oversee and evaluate special education staff, including Team Chairs, where appropriate.
• Coordinate programming and service delivery with special education staff and department heads (gr 6-12).
• Gather information, review student performance data, and as needed, recommend changes in programming/curriculum for students with special education needs.
• Screen and interview applicants with school administration for special education positions.
• Support/cultivate professional learning communities among educators and service providers within the district.
• Participate in local and state associations and organizations as deemed necessary.
• Maintain current knowledge of legal decisions and trends, emergent research and innovation, best practices for instruction strategies/techniques and provide leadership in determining implications/recommendations for development / instructional programming.
• Represent the district in mediations. 
• Identify and guide professional development in pertinent areas related to the needs of students in specialized programming.
• Work directly with principals to communicate and support consistent programming and services across the district.
• Assist in the development of the budget.
• Execute other duties as assigned by the Director of Student Services.

Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree or higher.
• Deep knowledge of special education content areas and general education curriculum.
• Massachusetts licensure as a Supervisor/Director or Administrator of Special Education or the ability/willingness to secure this licensure within one year.
• Minimum of five years of teacher experience and three years as an administrator are preferred.
• Experience in planning, evaluating and implementing instructional programs
• Strong instructional leadership skills and a record of showing leadership in a variety of situations, such as in academics, school culture/climate, and operations.
• Must have a current Safety Care (or its equivalent) de-escalation training or be able to pass Safety Care de-escalation training by date of hire.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Commitment to ensuring academic success for all students.
• Belief in the necessity of high behavior expectations and consistency in upholding those expectations.
• A strong commitment to helping a wide variety of culturally diverse students achieve their full potential. 
• Ability to support the development of culturally responsive programs and activities that promote student engagement, family engagement, community involvement and a positive school climate. 
• Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check (C.O.R.I.), Sexual Offender Record Check (S.O.R.I) and fingerprints.

Evaluated by: Director of Student Services

Work Year: In accordance with the Unit B contract, 214 days

Salary/Benefits: In accordance with those provided by the Unit B contract.

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. 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.

Approved by School Committee: July 30, 2024

Salary : $137,938 - $165,310