Director of Special Education

Sutton Public SchoolsSutton Massachusetts POSITION TITLE: Director of Special Education REPORTS TO: Superintendent of Schools SUMMARY: The Director of Special Education advocates for high expectations for all students through a myriad of effective programs services and curricula that support the achievement of students with diverse learning needs cost-effectively. The Director develops and coordinates services to support the needs of eligible students from ages 2.9 to 22 in a collaborative inclusive and educationally responsible manner. The Director implements policies and directives as assigned by Sutton Public Schools the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the federal government. Working closely with the Superintendent the Director implements policies and procedures promoting the success of students with disabilities English language learners students who are homeless and students who require individualized support. The Director supports program accountability in all schools. The Director also works closely with the Business Manager and Director of Technology and Operations in ensuring fiscally responsible TYPE: Full-time 12-monthESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:The essential functions or duties listed below are illustrations of the type of work that is performed and are not an exhaustive list of the duties performed by this position. Other duties may be assigned by the Superintendent and/or the Superintendents closely with all District Principals in meeting the needs of students with disabilities students who are homeless and students who require individualized supportWorks closely with the Superintendent Principals special education teachers and other teachers in developing enriching and modifying special education programs to meet student needsImplements special education policy and directives of the Sutton Public Schools the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the federal governmentDevelops recommends and provides ongoing evaluations and modifications to policies and programs essential to meeting the needs of students with disabilities English language learners students who are homeless and students who require individualized supportOversees the work of staff and contracted service providers required to provide services specified in the students Individual Education PlansUnderstands the fiscal constraints of the district budget and works closely with staff members in providing programs that are fiscally responsible efficiently administered and effective in meeting students needsOversees out-of-district placements to ensure that students needs are met and district fiscal concerns are addressedThoroughly understands district policy state statutes and federal law revolving around special education homelessness and serves as the district resource concerning individual student needsServes as the district spokesperson at special education hearings mediations and arbitration sessionsAssists in the recruitment selection and placement of all special education staffWith the school building the Principal supervises evaluates and recommends for professional teacher status and/or contract renewal the Districts staff members including special education administratorsAssumes responsibility for compiling maintaining and filing all reports and records legally required and administratively used for special education homelessness and health issuesWrites administers and monitors special education and other entitlement grantsCompletes and submits yearly Commonwealth Special Education Reimbursement Program (Circuit Breaker)Serves as the 504 Coordinator and McKinney-Vento LiaisonWorks closely with the Business Manager Director of Technology and Operations and the Superintendent in ensuring solid fiscal practices with all personnel and programsPrepares administers and monitors fiscally responsible budgets and budget requestsWorks with the Superintendent or their designee to coordinate in-service workshops training and professional development programs focusing on special education ELL homelessness and health issuesEstablishes and maintains positive relationships with staff students parents local community groups and individualsOversees the Early Childhood administration and Preschool Program with the elementary building-based principal and assistant principal Exercises general supervision over the identification referral evaluation and program planning for special education studentsOversees the collection of relevant data and compliance with reporting as required by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary EducationEnsures that current records are kept of all information relating to special education evaluations required by regulationsProvides leadership for the districts TEAM processesArranges for and monitors the transportation of students receiving special education servicesOther duties as required by the Superintendent or their designeeSUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skills and/or abilities required. The Superintendent may waive or modify the qualification KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES:-Possess a thorough working knowledge of the complexities and nature of educational disabilities-Possess the ability to work cooperatively with all personnel of the school for the early identification and remediation of educational disabilities -Maintain currency with applicable state and federal laws and regulations related to special and general educationEDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:Masters degree from an accredited institution with at least ten graduate-level courses in the psychology of learning diagnosis and correction of learning difficulties development evaluation and appraisals of learning disability programs and a clinical or laboratory practicum in learning disabilitySuch alternatives to the above qualifications as the Sutton School Committee may find appropriate and acceptableLICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS:DESE Special Education Administrator Licensure SEI Endorsement PHYSICAL DEMANDS:The employee must be able to remain stationary for extended periods and occasionally move throughout the school building as needed. Regular use of hands for typing handling objects and operating tools is required along with sufficient grip strength for various tasks. The role involves frequent use of a computer and standard office equipment such as a calculator copier and printer. The employee must be able to enter data read from screens and review handwritten or printed materials with or without visual aids. Clear and effective communication with students parents and colleaguesboth in person and over the phoneis essential. Strong visual and auditory awareness is necessary to ensure student safety and provide meaningful ENVIRONMENT:The employee will be working in a normal school environment with an acceptable level of noise. The employee interacts with students parents and other staff members. The employee is directly responsible for the safety well-being and work output of students. While the majority of the workday is spent inside the employee must spend time outdoors for fire drills and/or special activities. The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.

Required Experience:

Director