Special Education Director

About the Employer

Director of Special Education (SY 26-27)

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.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership

Oversee all aspects of the special education program by setting a clear vision for academic and cultural excellence, building and supporting 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. Maintain a visible presence in the school's daily life: observe classrooms, build relationships with students, and uphold school norms in a safe and supportive manner. Ensure that classrooms are safe and supportive, and teaching is grounded in culturally relevant pedagogy. Assure effective implementation of any school improvement plans, including measurable long-term goals and short-term objectives around student learning performance.

Special Education Compliance and Procedures

Oversee and lead the full initial special education eligibility process from referral through the eligibility determination meeting, ensuring 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. Advise and collaborate with senior leadership on special education policies, procedures, compliance updates, and programmatic decision-making.

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 special education parent advisory committee (SEPAC). 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.

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