Director of Special Education

Pioneer Charter School of Science (PCSS), a highly ranked National Blue Ribbon public charter school network, is searching for a hardworking, dedicated, creative, and innovative Director of Special Education. As a college prep public charter school focusing on STEM, PCSS makes sure the zip codes students live in do not determine their future. Our high expectations ensure our graduates are ready for the rigor of college education.

We believe that every student has the potential to succeed, and it's our job as educators to unlock that potential to help them reach their goals. As a PCSS staff member, you will have the opportunity to work with a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to making a difference in the lives of our students.

The Director of Special Education is responsible for the development, placement, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services for students with disabilities. The Director arranges for providing appropriate services for all students with disabilities in accordance with individualized educational plans; designs, implements, evaluates, and maintains a high-quality program of special education services with the goal of closing opportunity and achievement gaps between students with disabilities and their general education peers; and is responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable state and federal regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Develop, monitor, supervise, and manage all aspects of Special Education and Section 504 processes.

Work with central office administrators and principals to provide leadership, professional development, and support for integrating special education services and programs within the regular education environment.

Manage the pre-referral and referral process for students not yet identified as having a disability.

Evaluate district and school special education programs and monitor the implementation of services to ensure compliance with regulations.

Monitor and review the academic performance of students with disabilities and implement strategies for improvement where necessary.

Oversee the delivery of differentiated curriculum and instructional practices within the educational program for students with disabilities.

Collaborate with teachers, counselors, and the leadership team to develop, implement, and track intervention support plans to address student needs.

Coordinate and lead professional development for special and general educators to showcase best inclusionary practices, provide support in modifying student work and assessments, and ensure student success among other things.

Provide instructional leadership for special education service delivery, including data analysis and development and implementation of data-based action plans.

Provide feedback and coaching on planning, instruction, pull-out and push-in support sessions, compliance, co-teaching partnerships and materials, and modifications to special educators.

Work with special educators to develop inclusion curriculum (scope and sequence, lesson plans, modification of materials and student work, grading structures).

Ensure that students with disabilities have full access to the curriculum so that all students can earn proficient scores on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS).

Participate in dispute resolution meetings, hearings, and mediation settlement meetings as needed.

Work with special educators and paraprofessionals to develop and implement behavior plans.

Lead the Special Education Parent Advisory Councils.

Manage Speech and Language Pathologists and contracted service providers such as Occupational Therapists and ABA Therapists as needed and directed.

Supervise and coordinate educational services for home and hospital programs as needed.

Assists in the arrangement of special education and homeless transportation services.

Prepare and submit all required federal, state, and local reports.

Performs other duties as assigned.

PCSS, in accordance with its non-discrimination policy, does not discriminate in its programs, activities, facilities, employment and educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, disability, sex, religion, homelessness, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation, and does not tolerate any form of coercion or harassment that insults the dignity of others and interferes with their freedom to learn or work.

Qualifications

At least 3-5 years of experience in the field of education, as a special education teacher/administrator, as a school psychologist, or in a related special education position.

Deep knowledge of the IEP process and Special Education policy.

Experience in inclusionary models for service delivery, ensuring all students have access to the least restrictive environment.

Track record of improving academic outcomes and closing achievement gaps for students with disabilities.

Demonstrated effectiveness in overseeing the delivery of differentiated curriculum and instructional practices within the educational program for students with disabilities.

Demonstrated ability to drive student growth and achievement and to create a warm, inclusive, rigorous learning environment.

Highly developed interpersonal and organizational skills.

An Undergraduate or Graduate Degree (highly preferred) in a related area of study.

Eligible for certification in Massachusetts as a special education administrator.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person