Assistant Director of Special Education

Job Summary:

The Assistant Director of Special Education provides leadership in the development, placement, implementation and evaluation of Special Education programs and services for students with educational disabilities and English Language Learners. Additionally, this role maintains a hyper focus on both compliance and instruction as it pertains to appropriate services provided to Students with Disabilities.  The Assistant Director of Special Education also streamlines student service processes and protocols in collaboration with the Assistant Director of Pupil Services in an effort to sustain continuity in practice across the Propel Network as it pertains to all Pupil Services.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Compensation: Propel provides a competitive salary for Assistant Director-level positions. Relevant prior work experience will be considered when determining placement within our salary range.
• Relocation Allowance: A relocation allowance for new hires moving to the area from 90 miles away or further. 
• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision plan options at a low cost for individual employees and families. 
• Retirement: New hires participate in a 403(b); Propel contributes 5% automatically and matches up to 4%. This increases after 5 years. 
• Paid Leave: In addition to 16-19 paid holidays annually, the Director will receive 5 sick days and 10 Personal Days as well as accrue 6 hours of vacation time per pay period. 
• Tuition Assistance: Reimbursement of up to $3,000 annually upon completion of course and receipt of grades for coursework that meets our eligibility requirements. 
• Wellness Benefit: Reimbursement of $20 per month for wellness activities including Gym Memberships, health programs, etc. Additionally, staff have the ability to earn up to $300 for participation in a Wellness Program each year.
• Professional Development: At Propel, we believe in supporting staff growth and provide substantial school-based and network-wide professional development support for all staff. The Director will participate in Professional Development throughout the school year. 

Key Job Elements: 

• Coordinates and supervises services provided to students identified as eligible for special education; oversees the development and implementation of individual education programs (IEPs) and monitors compliance with all state and federal regulations
• Coordinates and supervises services provided to students identified as English Language Learners (ELL)
• Evaluates the provision of Special Education programming across Propel and develops long and short-range plans to improve the delivery of Special Education programming
• Collaborates with staff to ensure the appropriate inclusion of students with IEPs in all subject areas, school programs, and activities
• Articulates and implements a clear vision of ensuring that students with IEPs are included to their fullest extent and receive educational services and Special Education programming in the least restrictive environment (LRE)
• Gathers, maintains, and is a source of guidance as it relates to the appropriateness of testing and classroom accommodations and modifications for students with disabilities and ELL students
• Monitors the placement of students in off-site special education programs. Acts as LEA at IEP meetings for students eligible for special education whose services are provided by public or private schools. Engages in ongoing program planning in order to develop on-site classroomsdesigned to meet the needs of students previously placed in more restrictive settings
• Monitors compliance of discipline procedures for students eligible for special education, including adherence to requirements surrounding suspensions and manifestation determinations 
• Coordinates and monitors the Pennsylvania Alternative State Assessment testing accommodations for students who qualify for this assessment; coordinates staff training for PASA 
• Coordinates activities required for the Special Education Cyclical Monitoring for Continuous Improvement process
• Completes and submits Special Education yearly reporting as determined and required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education
• In conjunction with the Director of Pupil Services oversees the implementation of School Psychological Services ensuring the adherence of special education timelines related to Special Education evaluations and reevaluations
• In collaboration with the Assistant Director of Pupil Services oversees compliance with Pennsylvania School Code regarding attendance regulations, specifically pertaining to Students with Disabilities

• Oversees Positive Behavioral Support Intervention Planning initiatives, including Positive Behavior Support Plans and Crisis Prevention/Intervention

• Coordinates and supervises services provided to students receiving enrichment services
• In collaboration with the Director of Pupil Services, coordinates and supervises the development of Chapter 15/504 Service Agreements. Oversees and monitors compliance with state and federal mandates
• Coordinates and supervises Homebound Instruction, including related reporting procedures for students with IEPs
• In collaboration with the Director of Pupil Services coordinates and supervises services provided to English Language Learners, including adherence to regulations and reporting requirements as determined by the Department of Education
• Serves as the testing coordinator for the PASA and WIDA Network-wide
• Provides Professional Learning and Education Network-wide to ensure knowledge of the LRE as it pertains to Students with Disabilities and English Language Learners

Qualifications & Skills: 

Required:

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in special education, pupil services, administration and supervision
• Certification in Special Education and/ or Supervisor of Special Education Certification
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Special Education leadership 
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of effective principles, practices, and trends within special education and student services
• Knowledge of Special Education Law, particularly LRE
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Superior organization, documentation, prioritization, and self-motivation skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Valid PA Driver’s license                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Preferred:

• K-12 Principal Certification or Supervisor of Special Education Certification

Organization Overview:

Propel Schools is the largest network of public charter schools in Allegheny County consisting of 12 schools and approximately 3,000 scholars. Our mission is to provide high-quality schools to underserved communities. Each of our schools provide a rigorous academic environment and small class sizes where educators focus on providing each scholar with support and individualized attention. With one of the top starting teacher salaries in Allegheny County, a customizable benefits package and extraordinary career and professional  development opportunities, Propel Schools is one of the area’s premier education organizations.