Director of Special Populations

Global Citizens Public Charter School•Washington, DC

10h•$90,000 - $120,000

About The Position

We are seeking a Director of Special Populations with experience in early childhood education to lead the management, coordination, and implementation of special education services and English Learner support for our students at Global Citizens Public Charter School (Global Citizens PCS). Global Citizens PCS will be the first dual language immersion elementary school in Washington, DC, to offer language immersion in both Mandarin Chinese and Spanish pathways - exposing students to the top three languages spoken in the world. Paired with a focus on social justice and whole child wellness, Global Citizens PCS will equip children to become empathetic, globally competent, and socially-minded leaders who are prepared for a future we cannot yet imagine. This position offers an incredible opportunity to work in a collaborative environment focused on improving educational opportunities for all students, especially those who are most marginalized and undervalued.

Requirements

At least five years of combined experience as a special education teacher/related service provider or instructional leader
Meet state educational requirements, preferably a valid state-issued teaching license for Special Education in elementary education or meet eligibility, including a Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s degree in Special Education and passing scores on Praxis I & II
Deep experience and knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and their appropriate implementation in public schools
An energetic, flexible, creative, innovative individual who can develop strengths-based, student-centered support plans that support learning for students of various abilities, including those with various identified exceptionalities
Ability to excel as a member of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) and an instructional leadership team (ILT) is critical
Ability to work in a multicultural, multilingual environment
Ability to lead teams and teaching through a lens of diversity, equity, justice, and inclusion
Communication skills (both oral and written)

Nice To Haves

Prior experience as a special education coordinator preferred
Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred

Responsibilities

Collaborate with Global Citizens PCS and Non-Public staff to prepare for all external audits and reviews related to academics and student services (i.e., Compliance Review), support the PMF performance process, manage all IDEA, ESSA, and PCSB requirements; and generally, support successful compliance and operations
Implement and monitor accountability measures to ensure all intensive interventions, specialized instruction services, and related services are implemented with fidelity to ensure compliance
Serve as Special Education POC, English Learner POC, and Transportation Coordinator for all OSSE related matters and data management systems
Attend IEP, Section 504, or other related meetings necessary for student assessment and/or compliance with federal and/or state law
Maintain calendar of the annual review, triennial review, 30-day review, and initial eligibility/IEP meetings to ensure timelines are met
Analyze the results of the Home Language Survey in order to determine which students to assess using the WIDA assessments; provide support to and monitor the progress of English Learners throughout the school year
Administer the beginning-of-year (BOY) and end-of-year (EOY) WIDA assessments
Organize IEP and 504 meetings, including, but not limited to, scheduling and sending invitations, and ensuring all materials are ready for families and faculty at least 5 days prior to the meeting
Write initial, annual and tri-annual Independent Education Plans (IEPs), Section 504 and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
Serve as case manager for students with a 504 accommodation plan
Update IEP, 504s and BIPs as to the achievement of goals and objectives as the end of every quarter
Inform general education teachers of IEP, 504 and BIP goals as necessary; create IEP snapshots
Issue quarterly progress reports on IEP, 504s, and BIPs goals for students & families
Serve as “owner” of interventions and all ELL services, including writing and implementing rigorous, standards-driven goals, managing legal documents and files related to ELL students, liaising with external service providers, ensuring all services are in compliance with mandates
Monitor and support implementation of goals and objectives in content
Maintain continued communication with teachers to ensure knowledge of grade-level standards and concepts through weekly participation in collaborative planning meetings
Address IEP and ILP goals by providing in-class support, small group instruction, and/or pull-out groups
Collaborate with general education teachers and special education teachers to assess every student’s mastery of the content and diagnose areas of student misunderstanding
Utilize culturally sustaining and anti-bias/anti-racist practices (along with data) to inform and guide instructional support; incorporate student cultures, interests, and experiences into lessons and activities
Actively participate in data-analysis cycles and protocols in order to evaluate and increase rigor, coherence, impact, and equity of curriculum, instruction, and assessment
Ensure that each student has equitable access to classroom materials, texts, learning resources and opportunities, academic and social-emotional supports, and other resources in the target language
Use high-engagement strategies, model responses, provide visual anchors to support student learning
Ensure exceptional learners and English Learners are being educated in their least restrictive environment
Oversee the delivery of both instruction and related services as stipulated on IEPs
Provide and/or support modifications and accommodations as needed in classrooms
Co-facilitate the Student Support Team (SST) meetings and convenes multi-disciplinary team meetings (MDT meetings) on a regular basis to address the needs of each student
Maintain a portfolio of student work samples, anecdotal data, and classroom observations
Serve as the Disability Test Coordinator for all standardized assessments (includes PARCC)
Be accountable for students’ mastery of academic standards
Facilitate professional learning and training to teachers, staff, and families
Conduct informal evaluations of teachers within the department; keep anecdotal notes and provide targeted feedback as necessary
Directly manage Dedicated Aides and Related Service Providers
Participate in the interview process of teacher, related service, and dedicated aide candidates
Contribute productively to the school as a whole and as a member of the Leadership Team
Participate in in-service and staff development activities and staff meetings as required or assigned.
Attend and participate in established school-sponsored activities (i.e., back-to-school night, open houses, and other activities)
Manage and monitor the progress of one-on-one dedicated aides; participate in the hiring process
Build rapport with students outside of the classroom (i.e., lunches with students, special events, etc.), so students understand that teachers care about them
Ensure families receive all notifications and evaluation reports in advance of MDT meetings and SST meetings
Promotes relationships among students, faculty, parents, and others that build trust and value individuality and inclusiveness
Implement family and community engagement strategies aligned to our mission and vision:
Maintain open, welcoming communication with stakeholders in service of students and to advance the school mission
Engage parents, families, and the community - especially those who are marginalized or traditionally unable to actively participate - in meaningful, reciprocal, and mutually beneficial ways to promote each student’s social, emotional, and academic development
Provides routine, two-way communication with families and community members about school activities and culture, student performance and development (including students’ progress towards their IEP goals), and school challenges and accomplishments
Plan, implement, and lead student recruitment initiatives, especially during the planning year to ensure we meet our enrollment goal
Evaluate and improve the effectiveness of the student recruitment, family engagement, community outreach, and communications plan
Creates and sustains positive, collaborative, and productive relationships with families and community members for the benefits of students (and their families)