Special Education Team Lead
About the Employer
Job Summary
Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School seeks an experienced, collaborative, and energetic team lead to join the district as the Special Education Evaluation Team Leader (ETL). Under the supervision of the Director of Special Education, the ETL maintains compliance with federal and state regulations and AKFCS policies for students with disabilities, and acts as an expert resource for special education instruction, assessment, and programming. The selected candidate will possess an optimistic, growth-oriented mindset and adhere strictly to all Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DISE) guidelines, ensuring our diverse student body receives the highest quality of support. This job description outlines core duties but is not exhaustive; the ideal candidate must remain flexible and adaptable to the evolving compliance and operational needs of the district.
Qualifications
• Education: Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Special Education or a related field, with documented coursework or experience in administration, supervision, special education, psychology, or guidance.
• Licensure: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DISE) certification as a Special Education Teacher or related Service Provider.
• Endorsement: SEI Endorsement is required.
• Experience: Strong background working with students with diverse learning needs (including emotional, cognitive, or physical disabilities). Proven expertise in educational testing, evaluation data, and compliance management.
• Skills: Exceptional communication, conflict-resolution, and organizational skills. Ability to work effectively with parents, educators, and administrators in a collaborative, culturally responsive environment.
Work Environment
The work environment is typically inside school buildings, classrooms, and meeting spaces across the district’s elementary, middle, and high schools. Noise levels vary from moderate to occasional higher noise levels due to student and school activities. Local travel between district school buildings is required. The role requires the ability to move educational files/materials and actively engage in meetings and school-based environments.
IEP Team Leadership
Serve as the K-6 representative and chairperson for IEP team meetings. Review documents and evaluation data, facilitate team discussions, and oversee the development and implementation of IEPs. Authoritatively commit district resources during meetings as qualified.
Compliance Oversight
Oversee the special education evaluation process, IEP development, and school-based compliance with Massachusetts DISE regulations. Monitor IEP implementation, progress reports, and record-keeping required for DISE reporting.
Referrals & Transitions
Coordinate the referral process for special education evaluations. Coordinate transition planning across all school levels (PreK to elementary, middle, high school, and post-HS) and design procedures to support student and parent transition programs.
Policy & Regulation
Implement procedures, plans, and directives required by state and federal laws. Assist the Special Education Team with the interpretation of federal and commonwealth laws regarding eligibility determinations and Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) requirements. Implement or assist with regulatory requirements related to the discipline of special education students.
Staff Consultation
Serve as an instructional expert regarding educational assessments, curriculum modifications, and accommodations for school-based staff. Assist building principals and the Director with program evaluations, state-mandated testing, and the preparation of MCAS alternate portfolios.
Community & Agency Liaison
Assist parents, guardians, staff, and community members in understanding the special education process and available services. Coordinate with state agencies (e.g., DCF, DMH) as needed.
Professional Development
Actively participate in ongoing professional development (workshops, courses, in-service training) to remain current on special education methods, legal updates, and general curriculum standards.
Collaboration
Meet regularly with the Special Education Leadership Team regarding resource allocation and service delivery within the schools. Perform other duties consistent with the role as assigned by leadership.
Additional Requirements
• Background Check and Fingerprinting: As required by Massachusetts State Regulations.
• Ability to Work in Compliance with Federal, State, and District Policies and Regulations: Required.
• Completion of Any Required Professional Development or Certifications: As mandated by the district.
Important Note
Applicants who are hired for this position and are found to have provided falsified or inaccurate information during the application process are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
Compensation and Benefits
Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School is an Affirmative Action Employer, ensuring that its programs and facilities are accessible to the public. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, religion, disability, gender identity, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related medical conditions, national origin, homelessness, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other status or class protected by state or federal law.
• Full-time exempt salary position in accordance with the established teacher’s salary scale. AKFCS also provides a comprehensive benefits package which includes:
• Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System (MTRS): Eligible
• Medical/Dental/Vision
• Life Insurance
• 403(b) & Roth403(b) with Match
• Stipend for Professional/Personal Development
• Dash Pass (Doordash)
• YMCA Discounts
• Comprehensive Private Leave of Absence Program (PFML)
• Sick Time with Sick Bank
• Personal Days
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) & Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School Mission
The mission of Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School is to assist families in their role as primary educators of their students by providing a liberal arts education representative of diverse works and global perspectives and aimed at academic excellence, musical competence, and character formation.