Director of Special Education
About the Employer
Qualifications
Unwavering belief in our mission and vision: that all students can achieve at high levels Ability to promote a structured, orderly, safe, and respectful school environment that fosters student-centered learning Demonstrated ability to connect with diverse students and families Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and collaborate with adults from a diverse range of perspectives and backgrounds Openness to change, willingness to problem-solve, and an interest in developing new ideas and programs Self-awareness, humility, and integrity in all interactions, personally and professionally Outstanding written and oral communication skills Five or more years of special education teaching experience with adolescents preferred Five or more years of special education leadership experience preferred Master's degree required Massachusetts licensure as a Special Education Administrator preferred Charter school experience preferred Background clearance Fluency in Spanish is a plus
Organization Overview
Salem Academy Charter School (SACS) is a nationally ranked public charter school north of Boston that offers a rigorous college-preparatory program to 480 students in grades 6-12. Since 2004, SACS has been committed to serving Salem's diverse population. Through a unique integration of rigorous college preparatory classes with service to the community, Salem Academy graduates informed, articulate, and proactive individuals of strong character.
Position Overview
Reporting to the Senior Director of Academics, the Director of Special Education oversees all aspects of the special education program for grades 6-12, guiding a comprehensive vision and strategy to meet the unique needs of our students with disabilities. Responsible for ensuring the quality of Salem Academy's special education programming for students with IEPs, the Director of Special Education must possess expertise in best practices for addressing students' academic and social/emotional needs in an inclusion context, expertise in Massachusetts and Federal special education regulations, and outstanding interpersonal and written communication skills.
Organizational Leadership
• Oversee all aspects of the special education program by setting a clear vision for academic and cultural excellence,
• Build and support a strong, responsive team through high-quality professional development, effective performance management, and motivational, mission-aligned leadership.
• Lead the special education team in creating a mission-driven, inclusive college-going culture of achievement that permeates the school and builds students' academic skills and social and emotional competencies.
Special Education Compliance and Procedures
• Oversee and lead the full initial special education eligibility process from referral through the eligibility determination meeting,
• Ensure alignment with MTSS data, coordination of all required assessments (academic, behavioral, functional, and related services), and facilitation of compliant, student-centered, and family-focused meetings.
• Manage systems and protocols to ensure full compliance with all state and federal special education laws and regulations, including IDEA, Section 504, and Massachusetts DSE requirements.
Program Development and Evaluation
• Supervise and evaluate special education staff; conduct annual performance reviews in accordance with the DSE Model Educator Evaluation System.
• Lead DSE-mandated special education program review and evaluation processes, e.g., Tiered Focus Monitoring (TFM).
• Conduct trend analysis of key student performance metrics (e.g., interim assessments, graduation rates, college matriculation and completion, attendance, discipline, and attrition);
• Use this information to inform programmatic choices to increase growth and achievement of students with disabilities.
Family and Community Engagement
• Facilitate the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SE PAC).
• Ensure special education parents and community stakeholders are proactively engaged and invested in the school's culture and vision.
• Develop community partnerships, particularly in support of special education programming, services, and opportunities for students.