Assistant Principal of Specialized Services – On Assignment - 2026/2027 School Year

Mastery Schools•Philadelphia, PA

About The Position

The Assistant Principal of Specialized Services (APSS) On Assignment is a one-year leadership development role intended to prepare exceptional leaders for permanent APSS positions within Mastery Schools. The position combines campus leadership with strategic network initiatives and provides experience in instructional leadership, operational excellence, and systems thinking across multiple school contexts. The APSS On Assignment may serve in temporary campus leadership placements, support leadership transitions, lead network-wide initiatives, and provide high-leverage support aligned with student and organizational needs. Working with school and network leaders, the role develops expertise in specialized services systems that improve outcomes for students with disabilities and builds the adaptability needed to lead across diverse school communities. The position is Mastery’s primary leadership pipeline for future APSS vacancies. The APSS manages specialized services programming, including special education supports and services, 504 plans, and academic and social-emotional interventions. The role oversees related processes and services, ensures compliance with applicable special education laws and regulations, provides leadership on the school’s Administrative Team, evaluates staff, and supports the principal and other assistant principals in leading the school and fostering student achievement. This role requires a master’s degree in Special Education, at least five years of experience in historically under-resourced or diverse school communities, and special education and administration certification in Pennsylvania or New Jersey. The role may require frequent travel between multiple locations, and reliable transportation is essential. It is for the 2026/2027 school year and is described as a one-year experience.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Special Education.
At least five years of experience in historically under-resourced or diverse school communities.
Certification in special education and administration in Pennsylvania or New Jersey.
Knowledge of federal and state special education laws.
Knowledge of teaching methods, curriculum, and educational programs for students with learning, physical, and behavioral disabilities.
Knowledge of Positive Behavior Supports for individuals with learning, developmental, and/or emotional disabilities.
Knowledge of academic and social-emotional interventions.
Strong communication skills and ability to develop trusting relationships with students, staff, and families.
Strong personal agency and accountability for student achievement.
Belief that all students should be held to high academic standards.
Professionalism, responsibility, and a strong work ethic.
Positive, high-energy attitude and drive for personal excellence.
Ability to perform the physical duties and work in the environmental conditions required, including maneuvering in classrooms and office spaces and handling tasks such as reaching file cabinets, filing, faxing, scanning, copying, typing, mailing, and making phone calls.
Ability to sit for up to two hours while looking at a computer monitor, using a keyboard and mouse, and typing.
Reliable transportation to fulfill responsibilities that may involve frequent travel between multiple locations.

Nice To Haves

Preference will be given to candidates previously greenlit through the Mastery Selection Process for the APSS role.

Responsibilities

Manage the school’s Specialized Services programming, including Special Education supports and services, 504 plans, and Academic and Social Emotional Interventions.
Implement, supervise, and facilitate Mastery intervention programs and curricula.
Supervise and coordinate Individual Education Plan (IEP) and 504 processes.
Supervise and coordinate student evaluations and related services.
Coordinate and monitor the school’s Social Work and Mental Health services provided by partner organizations.
Chair and conduct manifestation determination meetings and other special education meetings.
Ensure implementation of SDI, accommodations, and modifications in the general education environment.
Ensure student files comply with state and federal special education laws and regulations.
Provide leadership on the school’s Administrative Team.
Conduct informal and formal evaluations of special education teachers and other school staff members.
Support the principal and other assistant principals in leading the school and creating a culture of student achievement.
Serve in temporary campus leadership placements, support leadership transitions, lead network-wide strategic initiatives, and provide flexible leadership support across campuses as needed.