Special Education Assistant Principal

Rocketship Public Schools•Washington, DC

About The Position

Rocketship Public Schools seeks an Integrated Special Education (ISE) instructional leader to improve instruction, case management, and student outcomes for students with IEPs and 504 Plans. The role is part of the school's instructional leadership team and works closely with the Principal and Director of Integrated Special Education. It coaches special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers; leads collaboration, classroom observation, feedback, co-planning, data analysis, and professional development; and supports compliant, high-quality special education services and MTSS. The position aims to help students achieve 1.5 years of annual growth in math and literacy, based on NWEA. The role leads school case-management practices, including IEP and 504 Plan processes, meeting facilitation, progress monitoring, service tracking, documentation, and compliance with federal and state requirements. It also supports crisis intervention, family and staff consultation, student supports through MTSS, and partnerships with parents and the broader school community. The position reports to the school principal and is supported by the Director of ISE.

Requirements

Valid special education teaching credential or administrative license.
At least 3 years of experience teaching and/or leading in an urban city classroom.
Demonstrated track record of improving academic outcomes for students with disabilities.
Knowledge of federal and state special education laws and regulations.
Experience working with students with a range of disabilities, including learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, and autism.
Experience implementing student supports through a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS).
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Commitment to Rocketship Education's mission and inclusive approach to serving students with disabilities.
Strong leadership skills, personal drive, and ability to inspire, motivate, and develop others.
Deep knowledge of elementary instruction and planning, specialized instruction, differentiation, and intervention.
Results-oriented, data-driven approach and commitment to high expectations.
Adaptability and ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Ability to engage and empower parents and families.
Excellent time management, organizational, verbal communication, and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Special Education or a related field.
Experience working with elementary-aged students.
Special education certification.

Responsibilities

Coach special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and school-based related service providers in content expertise and effective co-teaching and small-group instruction.
Collaborate with service providers, contractors, the School Leadership Team, general education teachers, and other school teams to deliver effective, compliant special education services.
Observe classrooms, provide feedback and in-the-moment coaching, co-plan units and lessons, and develop coaching plans for special education team members.
Lead data-driven instruction and assessment cycles to personalize instruction and support student progress, with a goal of at least 1.5 years of annual progress for all Rocketeers.
Provide or coordinate professional development on special education practices, trauma-informed education, social-emotional supports, crisis intervention, and community resources.
Model and develop effective case-management systems and practices.
Coach case managers on IEP drafts, meeting facilitation, goal progress monitoring, service tracking, time management, and meeting and evaluation deadlines.
Serve as the LEA Representative at IEP meetings.
Monitor student progress toward IEP goals and review the IEP database and files, providing coaching and feedback.
Provide crisis intervention for students with IEPs and 504 Plans and build staff capacity to provide crisis intervention.
Consult with parents, teachers, and other staff about special education programs and needed adaptations or materials; coach case managers in effective communication.
Lead the campus 504 Plan process, including writing plans, facilitating annual meetings with families, supporting implementation, developing staff understanding, and maintaining records.
Ensure adherence to federal and state requirements for special education and 504 Plans.
Coordinate with regional and national ISE teams and engage with advocates and attorneys in collaboration with school and regional or national teams.
Build parent involvement in student achievement through home visits, community meetings, and parent and family meetings.
Promote a collaborative, high-achieving professional culture, participate in cross-school learning, and respond constructively to feedback.
Perform other duties as assigned.