Job Description

Job Title: DirectorOf Special Education

Reports to: School Principal

Status:Exempt. 220 Days, 8 Hrs. Per Day

Date last amended: April 1, 2016

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Special Educationis responsible for oversight, accountability, and implementation of special education and English Language Learner programs. The Director of Specialized instruction will develop, support and supervise a team of specialized instructors made up of grade level learning specialists, paraprofessionals and other support staff.

SIZER SCHOOL

Sizer School, now in its 13th year, is located in Fitchburg, MA in a brand new facility and draws from cities and towns in North Central Massachusetts, chartered to serve 400 students in grades 7-12. The school’s faculty and staff are some of the most dedicated professionals in Massachusetts public schools and do whatever it takes to ensure student achievement. The school has recently been renamed in honor of Ted Sizer, and we are known for our commitment to the ten common principles of the Essential School movement. The school boasts small class sizes, a safe and supportive learning environment, and students who outperform their peers from other area public schools. Sizer prides itself on creating a personalized learning plan for each student. Students enter Sizer as early as 7th grade and graduate well prepared for college or furthering their job training skills.

SIZER’S MISSION

Sizer is a public school where students are known personally, challenged intellectually, and participate actively. Guided by its commitment to diversity and inclusiveness, the school seeks to send graduates into the world who THINK for themselves, CARE about others, and ACT creatively and responsibly.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead Special Education Team and coordinate programs for English Language Learners. Member of Student Support Team, Academic Leadership Team, Operations Leadership Team.
  • Coordinate with DESE to meet accountability and program requirements
  • Manage IEP process in collaboration with school staff, state agencies, principal, and parents while assuring compliance with all state and federal guidelines.
  • Coordinate initial evaluation process for all referrals.Plan and schedule reevaluation process for all students.
  • Facilitate re-evaluations, initials, and extended evaluation meetings to assure that students with disabilities are educated in the least restrictive environment appropriate to assure FAPE.
  • Chair manifestation determination meetings.
  • Acts as designee to commit the resources of the district in the provision of services to students.
  • Work with outside agencies to provide appropriate evaluations for special education students.
  • Provides effective and timely supervision and evaluation of learning specialists and paraprofessionals.
  • Completes annual program reviews of ELL and Special Education programs. Leads Coordinated Program Review process.
  • Coordinates tutoring for all students unable to be in school for any reason (home/hospital education needs as determined by a doctor, long term exclusion from school related to discipline, etc)
  • Coordinate ELL student identification, placement, progress monitoring, and reclassification.
  • Manage department budget in collaboration with Business office.
  • Reliably demonstrates and models sound judgment reflecting integrity and fairness. Protects student, family, and staff confidentiality appropriately. Effectively supports all staff to do both as well.

Other responsibilities as defined in partnership with the Executive Director and Principal.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Licensed as a Special Education Adminstrator or license in progress
  • ELL certification or ability to beome certified, preferred
  • Systems thinker – can see the big picture, make a plan, and lead for successful implementation and execution
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • A flexible team player with a growth mindset

TO APPLY

Schoolspring:

Sizer School website:

SIZER SCHOOL is an equal opportunity employer

Sizer School is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.

Sizer School | 500 Rindge Road | Fitchburg, Massachusetts 01420

Phone: 978.345.2701 | Fax: 978.345.9127 |