Special Education Assistant Principal

Rocketship Public Schools•Washington, DC

12d•$107,000 - $117,000

About The Position

Rocketship Public Schools seeks an Integrated Special Education (ISE) instructional leader to improve the quality of special education services and support students with IEPs and 504 Plans. The role works closely with the school principal and the Director of Integrated Special Education, coaches special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers, and leads instructional collaboration, case management, compliance, and MTSS practices. The position reports to the school principal and receives support from the Director of ISE. The ISE Coach develops educators through classroom observation, feedback, in-the-moment coaching, co-planning, data analysis, and professional development. The role supports compliant IEP and 504 Plan practices, monitors student progress and services, leads SST processes, and helps ensure students receive effective, high-quality support. The school’s stated goal is at least 1.5 years of annual growth in math and literacy, based on NWEA. The position also builds partnerships with families and contributes to a collaborative, high-achieving professional culture. Compensation is $107,000–$117,000 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus health and wellness benefits, a 403(b) retirement plan, a flexible spending account, and paid time off.

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 Systems of Support (MTSS).
Strong leadership skills and personal drive.
Deep knowledge of elementary instruction and planning.
Strong specialized instruction, differentiation, and intervention skills.
Results-oriented and data-driven approach.
Ability to inspire, motivate, and develop others.
Adaptability and ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Ability to engage and empower parents and families.
Excellent time management and organizational skills.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Bachelor of Arts degree from an accredited college or university.
Commitment to Rocketship Education's mission and inclusive approach to serving students with disabilities.

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 Humanities or STEM content expertise for co-teaching and small-group instruction.
Consult and collaborate with service providers and key contractors as needed.
Work with the School Leadership Team and general education teachers to provide exemplary, compliant special education services.
Foster a rigorous, college-preparatory culture and high student achievement.
Use data-driven instruction and assessment cycles to inform planning and personalize instruction.
Develop and support coaching plans for special education team members to improve instructional practice.
Manage and plan to support at least 1.5 years of annual student progress.
Ensure special education teachers receive the support and training needed to deliver instruction effectively.
Provide professional development on special education practices, trauma-informed education, social-emotional supports, crisis intervention, and community resources, as needed.
Model effective case management systems and practices.
Coach case managers on IEP drafts, meeting facilitation, goal progress monitoring, and service tracking.
Support case managers' time management and ensure IEP meetings and evaluations meet compliance deadlines.
Serve as the LEA Representative at IEP meetings.
Coordinate with school, regional, and national teams regarding advocate and attorney engagement on campus.
Monitor student progress toward IEP goals.
Monitor and provide coaching and feedback on the IEP database and IEP files, including virtual and applicable physical records.
Provide crisis intervention for students with IEPs and 504 Plans and build staff capacity to provide crisis intervention.
Consult with parents, teachers, and appropriate staff about students' special education programs and needed adaptations or materials; coach case managers in communicating with these stakeholders.
Maintain effective relationships and communication with school leaders, teachers, and families.
Follow applicable federal and state special education and 504 requirements.
Collaborate with Regional and National ISE team members to share best practices, coordinate efforts, and support the department.
Lead the campus 504 Plan process, including writing plans, facilitating annual family meetings, developing staff understanding, supporting implementation, and maintaining records.
Build a school community that involves parents in student achievement through home visits, community meetings, and family meetings.
Demonstrate professional commitment, self-reflection, responsiveness to feedback, and participation in collaboration across schools.
Perform other duties as assigned.