JOB DESCRIPTION
Assistant Principal for Bridges Elementary/Middle School Program
Job Title: Assistant Principal for Bridges Elementary/Middle School Program Date: February 8, 2016
Reports To: Director of Educational Services
Position Summary: The Assistant Principal for Bridges Elementary/Middle School Program is responsible to support special education teachers by facilitating best practices in the area of teaching and learning.
GENERAL REPONSIBLITIES:
1. Ensure teacher, paraprofessional licensure & certifications are up to date.
2. Chair annual reviews, eligibility conferences, and other IEP meetings for elementary/middle school students in assigned classrooms.
3. Promote meaningful professional development opportunities for special education teachers, paraprofessionals.
4. Overall supervision of elementary/middle school classrooms.
5. Evaluate with Curriculum Committee and approve curriculum material requests in accordance to budget and necessity for implementation of students Individual Education Plans.
6. Support teachers in the area of curriculum implementation, appropriate lesson planning, and measurable and meaningful assessment of learning.
7. Consult with alternative state assessment coordinator to ensure required state assessments are completed by elementary/middle school special education teachers.
8. Support teachers in the area of best practices implementation through classroom observations, team meetings, evaluation, and teacher coaching.
9. Provide teacher support for creating differentiated lessons, based on multisensory methodology.
10. Engage in research to maintain knowledge of current best practices and trends in special education.
11. Communicate with Director of Educational Services and behavior therapists regarding student performance, behavior, and concerns for elementary/middle school students.
12. Guide teachers in writing PLOP and identifying SMART goals and objectives for Individual Educational Plans.
13. Assist teachers with supervision and utilization of paraprofessional skills.
14. Participate in professional development opportunities to improve job competency.
15. Attend School Leadership Team meetings.
16. Represent the school’s administrative team at evening events.
17. Perform other duties as assigned by Director of Educational Services.
SPECIFIC DUTIES:
Supervision
• Hire special education teachers and paraprofessionals for the elementary/middle school program.
• Supervise paraprofessionals (assignments, sharing information regarding Elim policies and expectations, training, providing support, staff evaluations, etc.).
• Oversee daily interactions and activities and give feedback .
• Help maintain a safe and healthy atmosphere by overseeing the use of common areas (lounge, cafeteria, playgrounds, multi-purpose rooms, hallways, etc.).
• Provide disciplinary action for elementary/middle school staff (paraprofessionals and special education teachers) as needed.
• Approve time off requests for elementary/middle school staff (paraprofessionals and special education teachers).
• Supervise administrative assistant for the elementary/middle school program.
Training
• Assist classrooms with the implementation of scheduled program activities as needed for the purpose of modeling appropriate strategies and materials to use when working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Promote appropriate staff training as needed.
• Provide parent and special education support and information in regard to transition planning and self-determination for students in the elementary/middle school program.
Direct
• Make regular contact with students and staff to remain informed of current performance and needs of the program.
• Respond to staff requests for assistance with students as needed.
• Assist other personnel with related tasks as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities and for the enhancement of daily operations of the school.
Other
• Attend conferences/seminars to increase professional knowledge and stay informed of current literature and best practices in special education.
• Attend and participate in weekly devotions, BRC meetings, staff meetings, in-service activities, crisis team meetings, injury review board meetings, and committees as needed.
• Maintain professionalism by modeling appropriate behavior for students (manners, attitude, dress, language, gestures).
• Strictly adhere to confidentiality requirement regarding all matters pertaining to students, parents, parent communications, and classroom activities.
• Attend and assist with all school related functions as requested.
• Ensure and support special education teachers in the completion of necessary paperwork for SSI benefits.
• Respond to parent contacts and concerns.
• Respond to school district contacts and concerns.
• Collaborate with program secretary and Local Education Agency representatives to schedule necessary student meetings.
• Oversee the completion and distribution of progress reports.
• Assist in overseeing student classroom assignments and schedules (student and staff assignments, classroom locations, etc.).
• Prepare professional staff prior to student meetings (expectations, review goals, answer staff questions, assure necessary paperwork is completed and filed correctly, etc.).
• Consult with Local Education Agency representatives as needed regarding: equipment, behaviors, IEP amendments.
• Participate in individual collaboration meetings for students as needed.
• Collaborate with behaviorist and RBT regarding paraprofessional assignments regularly and professional staff (substitute teacher) assignments as needed.
• Consult with transportation staff about appropriate coverage for parent lane and bus related issues.
• Consult with volunteer coordinator in placing observers, student teachers, and interns.
• Consult with HR regarding FMLA, injuries, medical issues and disciplinary actions.
• Approve field trips that are age appropriate and support the educational outcomes of student learning.
• Maintain the physical space of the elementary/middle school program by overseeing the use of common areas (lounge, cafeteria, playgrounds, multi-purpose rooms, hallways, etc.).
• Create a climate of collaboration within the elementary/middle school program and beyond.
• Lead and coordinate formal monthly meetings with paraprofessionals.
• Promote a healthy work environment within the elementary/middle school program as it relates to morale.
• Monitor safety needs within the elementary/middle school program.
• Consult with elementary/middle school special education teachers regarding programming for the elementary/middle school’s pre-vocational educational environment.
• Consult with elementary/middle school special education teachers regarding programming for community integration of skills.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (example as follows, modify to fit the job)
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop; kneel; crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
• Master’s degree in educational administration or related field and Illinois license in Administration (Type 75) and LBS I.
• Five years teaching experience in early childhood through middle school special education classrooms.
• School administration experience preferred.
• Knowledge of cognitive, physical, and social/emotional impairments and their effect on learning.
• High degree of interest in working with students with developmental disabilities.
• Supervisory and organizational skills.
• Ability to initiate and work independently.
• High degree of flexibility and dependability.
• Excellent communication and writing skills.
• Ability to interact in a positive and collegial manner with fellow staff members.
Signatures:
I have read this job description and fully understand the requirements set forth therein. I accept this position and agree to abide by the requirements set forth, and will perform all duties and responsibilities to the best of my ability.
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Employee Signature Date
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Supervisor Signature Date