Dean of Special Services at KIPP Denver Collegiate (26/27 School Year)

KIPP Colorado•Denver, CO

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dean of Special Services reports to the Assistant Principal of Instruction and is a member of the Campus Leadership Team. This role is responsible for leading the coaching, development, and accountability of Special Education teachers to strengthen instructional quality, legal compliance, and outcomes for students with disabilities. The Dean works closely with the Assistant Principal of Instruction, Principal, and key stakeholders to support strong implementation of programming for students with IEPs and 504 plans, establish strong progress monitoring practices, and build staff capacity to ensure high-quality support for learners with disabilities across the school. This role is grounded in the belief that excellent schools develop and sustain the capacity of teachers and leaders to lead and take ownership of their classroom, department, and school’s success.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree (required)
At least 5-7 years of relevant and aligned experience (required)
At least 4 years of K-12 teaching experience, a provision of special services and/or a strong record of helping underserved students achieve academic success (required)
Past experience (2 years) of leading adults in a school environment (assistant principal, instructional coach, grade level chair, etc) (required)
Deep knowledge of Special Education, Section 504, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) compliance and instruction, with teaching experience and a proven track record of raising student achievement for exceptional learners (required)
A full understanding and Commitment to an Exceptional Student Experience (required)
Outstanding organizational skills and high attention to detail; outstanding written and oral communication skills
Ability to manage the ambiguity and multiple priorities inherent in an entrepreneurial environment
Proactive problem solver who demonstrates initiative and teamwork
Strong work ethic coupled with an enthusiastic and passionate approach to one’s work
Multi-faceted, multi-skilled, resourceful and willing to do whatever it takes to help the school reach a level of academic excellence
High level of detail orientation and sound excellent organizational skills
Strong communication, feedback and facilitation skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Articulate, professional demeanor with strong self-confidence and initiative
Entrepreneurial mindset, with the creativity and versatility to work productively in a fast-paced environment
Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment with a proven ability to meet and complete multiple deadlines and tasks with meticulous attention to detail
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop productive working relationships with stakeholders across functional and organizational lines
Passionate commitment to KIPP Colorado mission and to high standards of excellence

Nice To Haves

Spanish bilingual (preferred)
Licensed special education teacher, social worker, or psychologist in state of Colorado (preferred at time of hire, must be obtained within the first twelve months in the position)

Responsibilities

Lead the coaching, development, and accountability of Special Education teachers.
Support strong implementation of programming for students with IEPs and 504 plans.
Establish strong progress monitoring practices.
Build staff capacity to ensure high-quality support for learners with disabilities.
Manage and evaluate campus-based Special Education teachers and aligned Special Education staff.
Provide continuous coaching and evaluation on all competencies of the KIPP Colorado teacher performance rubrics.
Lead a consistent coaching cycle for Special Education teachers that includes observation, feedback, modeling, lesson and intervention planning support, progress monitoring, and development of strong case management and compliance practices.
Support teachers in monitoring and responding to the growth of students towards individual and school goals through the implementation of data cycles.
Perform performance reviews of a cohort of teachers.
Partner with school social workers, Assistant Principals of Culture, and external supports to support student mental health needs as they intersect with Special Education programming and student access to instruction.
Coordinate contracted service providers (school psychologist, occupational therapists, physical therapist, speech therapist, etc).
Partner with the Assistant Principal of Instruction and other campus leaders to align Special Education processes within the campus MTSS system.
Lead and coach staff to implement Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans with consistency, fidelity, equity, and alignment to student needs and legal requirements.
Collaborate with school leaders to use student data to identify students who may need additional support, intervention, or referral for evaluation.
Manage, develop, and oversee implementation of 504s and the Special Education program, including compliance systems, service delivery, instructional supports, and case management routines for students with disabilities.
Manage reduced caseload of students with IEPs (as needed).
Provide development opportunities for school leaders and teachers to strengthen inclusive practices, clarify roles in Special Education implementation, and partner effectively in support of students with disabilities.
Collaborate with school leaders to plan and implement professional development that strengthens Special Education instruction, compliance, inclusive practices, and staff capacity to support students with disabilities.
Support school-wide and grade level rituals and systems as needed throughout the year including, but not limited to, arrival, dismissal, and lunch.
Provide collaborative coaching for general education and special education teachers as needed with regard to implementation of student services.
Determines the need for and facilitates staff development on legal compliance including, but not limited to, due process requirements, procedures, forms, and timelines in alignment to local, state, and federal law.
Support onboarding of new staff in KIPP Colorado and Denver Public Schools procedures and practices related to Special Education services and compliance.
Provides information to parents regarding the referral/assessment process, special education services, and their rights relative to special education.
Lead weekly Special Education team meetings focused on compliance, progress monitoring, data analysis, curriculum alignment, and planning.
Oversee and ensure accountable implementation of assessment measures aligned to progress monitoring for exceptional learners.
Analyze schoolwide and student level data to recommend instructional improvements for students with disabilities.
Coordinate assessment planning and implementation for students with IEPs in partnership with school leaders.
Coordinate logistics for assessment needed to inform next steps with relevant academic interventions.
Assists the Assistant Principal of Instruction in analyzing, developing, and modifying special education programs to meet the needs of students.
Complete MLE coursework and certification requirements.
Partner with the Assistant Principal of Instruction and Special Education Teachers to ensure proper implementation of 504s, BIPs, IEPs, safety plans, accommodations, modification, and language support for students.
Enforce positive behavior systems and monitor behavior data.
Attend designated school functions outside of school hours (Back to School Night, Report Card Conferences, Community Events, etc.).
Perform necessary support duties including (but not limited to) bus, lunch, and dismissal duties, chaperone field trips. Participate in parent meetings, conferences, and periodic evening events.
Develop strong relationships with the families of students through home visits, participation in school events and phone calls home.
Communicate regularly with families about academic progress and behavior.
Participate in daily duties (i.e. breakfast, lunch, dismissal) to support school operations.
Maintain accurate records, grade books, and data tracking systems.
Assist with both student and staff recruitment.

Benefits

Competitive Market Salary: Starting salary for this role begins at $74,542 and is commensurate with experience
Excellent Healthcare Plan: 100% of employee-only monthly premium paid by KIPP Colorado and options for family enrollment and coverage, through United Healthcare
More than 6 weeks of annual vacation and Paid Time Off (PTO)
Based on hire date, employees are eligible for up to 8 days of Paid Time Off (PTO)
All employees receive summer break through an organization-wide closure, based on work location and position
Access to parental and medical leave: includes 6 weeks paid and 6 weeks unpaid for a total of 12 weeks (after your first year)
Career Trajectory: Access to opportunity to move up, across schools, and grow your career during weekly coaching sessions to refine your craft
Mental Health Care: Immediate and ongoing access to mental health support through our Employee Assistance Program
Technology & Access: Equipment provided: laptop & phone
Retirement Planning: Participation in the Colorado PERA retirement program, including a PERA 401k option
Move to Join Us: Relocation reimbursement (when applicable)
Additional Pay: Most schools offer various stipend opportunities
Wellness reimbursement
Voluntary employee, spousal, and child life insurance
Voluntary long term disability insurance
Voluntary short term disability insurance
Optional Basic Life and AD&D Insurance