Director of Student Support (SPED/Diverse Learners) (Immediate & 26-27 SY)

KIPP•Albany, NY

7d•$85,500 - $94,500•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Student Support is passionate about supporting students at risk for academic underperformance due to emotional and/or physical challenges or language acquisition barriers so that they can succeed in the rigorous academic programs within KIPP Capital Region Public Schools.

Requirements

Strongly committed to the mission of KIPP and investment in our vision of being an equitable and anti-racist organization
Strong DEI lens with exceptional creative power in leading anti-racist practices
Passionate commitment to improve the minds, characters, and lives of students both in and out of school
Team player with strong interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams in a rapidly changing environment.
Demonstrates a growth mindset and a desire to continually improve through feedback
Strong work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, and flexibility to accommodate the high level of responsibility, multiple priorities, and rapidly changing environment. Thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented, mission-driven culture
Must be able to work a flexible schedule outside of regular business hours.
Ability to create and work within an inclusive environment that honors and supports a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives.
Please note: Infrequent travel to different KIPP Capital Region schools is required
Must be willing and able to take a Criminal History Background Check
Bachelor’s Degree required. Master’s Degree preferred from an accredited College or University
Certified as a Special Education Teacher or Administrator
4+ years of professional experience, working within a classroom with Special Education and/or ELL students
The employee needs to read, write, and speak English fluently.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, use fingers to type, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, balance; stoop/bend and reach, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk, hear.
Dexterity requires writing and operating standard office machines such as computers, printers, copiers, fax machines, phones, and calculators.
Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 20 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working in schools (preferably in the charter, private, or public school environment) and urban communities is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Coordinate summer and academic year staff professional development in the areas of special education, English Language Learner instruction, and at-risk student services.
Identify, train, support, and coach school-based special education coordinators, special education teachers, providers of related services (e.g., occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, social workers, counselors), and English Language Learner instructors.
Train, support, and coach general education teachers in the areas of special education, English Language Learner instruction, and at-risk student services.
Coordinate, in collaboration with the KIPP Cap Region Principals, the recruitment of full-time and part-time staff in the areas of special education, English Language Learner instruction, and at-risk student services.
Provide support to the school-based special education coordinators in the following areas:
Conducting “Child Find” activities in accordance with State and Federal law.
Identifying incoming students’ needs for special education, English Language Learner instruction, and at-risk student services as indicated by family questionnaire responses.
Reviewing the results of intake assessments of new students to identify students in need of special education, English Language Learner instruction, and at-risk student services
Pre-referral and referral processes for special education, English Language Learner instruction, and at-risk student services.
Coordinating classroom observations and testing (i.e. psychological) as needed using service providers when appropriate.
Participating in the development and maintenance of IEPs & 504s.
Implementing IEPs and 504s, including managing the provision of direct services by the schools.
Ensuring that all general education teachers know, understand, and implement all classroom accommodations and modifications required by IEPs and 504s.
Designing curricula and differentiating instruction to best serve students in need of special education, English Language Learner instruction, and at-risk student services.
Complying with Special Education regulations and maintaining accurate special education records and reports per state and federal law.
Help to create a culture of order, structure, humanity, and academic rigor in the classrooms and schools within KIPP Capital Region.
Collaborate with teachers, other school staff, and administrators to ensure that all our students climb the mountain to high school and college.
Work with the Principals to ensure sharing of best practices across KIPP Capital Region in the areas of special education, English Language Learner instruction, and at-risk student services.
Document KIPP Capital Region protocols and best practices in the areas of special education, English Language Learner instruction, and at-risk student services.
Perform other duties as outlined by the Principal, Regional Director of Special Education and MD of Schools Principal Manager.
Committed to furthering anti-racism, equity, and racial justice in all our efforts, and expect all our stakeholders to participate in this work so that we can create a future without limits for our students together.
Complies with all charter, federal, state, and local laws, and regulations, including the NYS Department of Education, Department of Health, and NYS Office of Children and Family Services
Adheres to organization policies and procedures; promotes and supports mission, vision, and values, including developing and participating in internal surveys and data collection for continuous improvement initiatives.