Campus Special Education Director

Lee Montessori Public Charter School•Washington, DC

1d•$80,000 - $105,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Director leads campus-level efforts to ensure that every child we serve, regardless of academic or physical ability, receives a high-quality education that supports them in acquiring the skills necessary to transform society. The Special Education Director oversees the day-to-day work of campus special educator staff and contractors. Further, they work to ensure strong systems and processes, both for their team and with general education staff. The Special Education Director works closely with the campus and network leadership teams to ensure compliance and quality within the special education program.

Requirements

Master’s degree or certification in Special Education, or commensurate experience.
3 years of supervision experience.
Three years of teaching experience in an urban setting or a Montessori school.
In-depth knowledge and understanding of Special Education law, best practices, and instructional methods.
A track record of success in increasing the achievement of urban students.
Entrepreneurial mindset, with the drive, passion to innovate, and tolerance of ambiguity needed for a startup environment.
Strong process, people, and project management skills with proven ability to train, supervise and coach professional staff in order to foster a cooperative team environment.
Intellectual agility, a commitment to maintaining rigorous standards, and a demonstrated ability to think strategically and execute on multiple priorities simultaneously.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and rapidly-changing environment.
Ability to leverage computer software programs and other technology that will support the learning environment.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of public education and charter schools is desirable.

Responsibilities

Ensure that all students in the special education program are receiving high-quality services through observation, data, and documentation reviews.
Supervise and coach all special education staff, including special education teachers, related service providers, and dedicated aides.
Schedule and coordinate any contractors.
Provide ongoing professional development on special education, including instruction, policies, and procedures, for all faculty and staff.
Research and select evidence-based interventions for reading, math, and behavior, and ensure fidelity of implementation.
Monitor and review draft IEPs and 504s and provide compliance and quality-related feedback to teachers and RSPs.
Facilitate IEP team meetings (referral, evaluation planning, eligibility, annual, amendment, etc.).
Facilitate collaboration between special educators and other staff to ensure compliance with IEPs and 504s, and academic progress for students with formal supports.
Oversee Extended School Year, including assigning sufficient teachers and Related Service Providers, selecting curricula, and managing SLED ESY Module.
Lead the recruitment, hiring, orientation, and retention of special education staff who match the organization's philosophy.
Develop and update the school handbook in keeping with relevant laws and policies, and ensure compliance.
Implement a calendar of deadlines, including federal, state, and network, to ensure that all meetings and reports are completed according to rules and regulations.
Maintain accurate schoolwide documentation of specialized instruction and related services caseloads and schedules.
Coordinate accommodations and alternative testing for network and statewide assessments.
Collaborate in appropriate contracting processes; ensure procurement of specialized materials and technology as needed.
Budget and spend in appropriate categories in compliance with the overall budget, legal requirements, and policy.
Participate in accurate data analysis and validation (e.g. Child Count) for internal and external stakeholders.
Provide families accurate, timely information, proactively and responsibly, both individually and through trainings.
Ensure school staff communicate data-driven student progress information in ways accessible to parents and families.
Actively pursue professional growth and learning; reflect on feedback and outcomes to improve leadership practices and school performance.
Address difficult conversations with bravery and integrity; advocate for equity within the school and broader community.
Lead with an equity lens in all aspects of decision-making and school culture; ensure all students—especially those historically underserved—have access to meaningful learning and support.
Model grace, empathy, and respectful communication in all relationships.
Foster a joyful school environment where children and adults feel valued, celebrated, and connected.
Adhere to the organization's employee handbook and expectations for all staff members.