Qualifications: Masters degree in Special Education or related field. Thorough knowledge of Massachusetts and federal special education regulations; Possess and maintain a MA DESE licensure as a special education teacher, related service provider, psychologist, or related field; A minimum of three (3) years working with Special Education students and facilitating Team meetings in public education.Job Summary: To serve as the designee of the Director of Pupil Personnel Services to carry out many of the duties for the Administration of Special Education. He/She will assist with monitoring department compliance with Federal and State Special Education Regulations with regard to referrals, re-evaluations, Team meetings, and the development of IEPs. In conjunction with building team leaders and department heads, s/he will assist with curriculum development and help facilitate the daily operations of the department (scheduling of staff/students, etc.).
Knowledge: 1. Establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with students, their families, colleagues and supervisors.2. Ability to administer and interpret diagnostic instruments3. Ability to apply common sense understanding and to communicate options and solutions when several variables exist.
4. Communicate effectively, orally and in writing; ability to read, write, speak and understand English5. Commitment to remain current in field of knowledge, best practices and laws governing behavioral supports for students with disabilities6. Team player with strong consensus building skillsResponsibilities: 1.
Chair/facilitate all Initial, Annual, Re-evaluation, and ManifestationDetermination Meetings2. Works with the Special Education Clerk to schedule all IEP meetings within mandated timelines3. Ensure all IEP paperwork is provided to parents within required timelines4. Supervise and help to coordinate and complete all IEP paperwork, including progress reports, within required timelines5.
Oversee the implementation of IEPs that have been accepted by parents6. Collaborate with the Principal and Director of Pupil Personnel Services in providing FAPE, LRE, and specialized instruction and services for students with disabilities, and differentiated instruction for all students7. Provide expertise and assistance regarding the implementation of state and federal Special Education laws for students with disabilities8. Review student assessment data, including but not limited to: MCAS, district-wide assessment programs, various interim assessment data results, and analyze/interpret result trends for students with disabilities (SWD) in order to facilitate IEP meetings.9.
Coordinates and chairs Out of District referrals, as directed 10. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with regular education teachers, special education teachers, paraprofessionals and school and district administrators11. Collaborate with building department heads to conduct regular meetings with special education staff to provide guidance and technical assistance12. Assume an active role in promoting and maintaining sound relationships with parents to strengthen home/school relationships 13.
Serve as consultant to building staff with respect to timelines and procedures for Team meetings in accordance with the regulations.14. Assist families in navigating the special education process15. Works with respective principals to monitor various special education services as well as review protocols regarding the interface between regular and special education support models/frameworks (i.e. MTSS, IST, Tiered Instructional Models, regular education intervention programs, etc).16.
Actively participates in helping the district prepare for regularly scheduled audits17. Attends district meetings and professional development sessions to keep abreast of changes in current special education, local, state and federal reporting requirements18. Maintain appropriate DESE licensure19. Attend monthly Team Chair meetings with Director of Pupil Services20.
Perform any other duties as assigned by the Director of Pupil Personnel ServicesEvaluation: In accordance with the Teachers contractSalary & Benefits: In accordance with the Teachers contractEmployment Terms: In accordance with the Teachers contract