Director of Specialized Curriculum and Instruction

The Director ofSpecializedCurriculum and Instruction for Exceptional Learningoverseethe development implementation and assessment of curriculum and instructionalmethods forPreK through grade 12students withexceptional learning needswith an Individual Educational Program (IEP). The director ensures adherence to state and federal regulations supports educators and staff and promotes ongoing improvements in educational outcomes for these learners. They provide leadership andexpertiseto support enhancemonitor and ensuretheuse ofhigh-qualityinstructional materials for exceptional learnerswithin Springfield Public Schools. They lead staff in adopting research-based effective teaching practices and creating quality learning environments that boost student achievement.

Additionally the director offers school administration research-backed tools and insights to evaluate instruction language and practices of early childhood staff and programs aiming to improve language and literacy development. Theyassistleadership teams in building capacity tomaintainconsistent instructional practices and language across preschool kindergarten and grades one through three.

Day to DayResponsibilities

• Reports to the Chief of Exceptional Learning

• Lead the design development and alignment ofspecializedinstructional programs curriculum and assessment for exceptional learners ensuring alignment with Massachusetts frameworks and IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).

• Evaluate and recommend curricula instructional materials and resources that reflect evidence-based practicesto support the learning needs of exceptional learners

• Oversee curriculum review cycles and coordinate adoption of new instructional materials.

• Provide leadership and professional development opportunities for teachers instructional coaches and support staff working with exceptional learners.

• Mentor and support educators in implementing differentiated instructionmulti-tiered systems of support and inclusive classroom practices.

• Organize ongoing training on IEP (Individualized Education Program) development and implementation data-driven instruction and progress monitoring.

• Oversee the development maintenance and monitoring of IEPsand related documentationusing data collected throughuseofhigh-qualityinstructional materials within the classroom.

• Prepare andsubmitrequired reports to state and federal agencies.

• Collect and analyze student achievement data to evaluate program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

• Implement strategies for closing achievement gaps and improving educational outcomes forexceptional learners.

• Serve as a liaison between the Exceptional Learning Department Academics and other district departments school administrators families and community agencies.

• Facilitate communication and collaboration among teachers specialists and families.

• Assistin budget development and resource allocation for exceptional learning programs.

• Supervise and evaluate instructional coachesand other staff supporting exceptional learning staff as needed

• Participate in the recruitment hiring and retention of high-quality staff.

• Regularly review the implementation and effectiveness of specialized curriculums within exceptional learning programs.

• Foster a culture of continuous professional growth andhigh expectations.

• Perform any other relateddutiesassigned by the Chief of Exceptional Learning& Related Services

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Mastersdegree (or higher) in Special Education Curriculum & Instruction Educational Leadership or a related field

• Valid Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) administrative license such as Supervisor/Director or Principal/Assistant Principal andappropriate SpecialEducationlicensure.

• Minimum 5 years of successful teaching experience in special education or a related field

• Minimum 3 years of administrative supervisory or curriculum leadership experience preferably in special education

• Demonstrated knowledge of state and federal special education laws regulations and compliance (IDEA Section 504 MA regulations)

• Proven experience in curriculum development instructional design and program evaluation within special education

• Experience with data-driven decision making assessment and progress monitoring for students withdisabilities.

• Strong understanding of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and inclusive practices

• Excellent leadership communication collaboration and interpersonal skills

• Commitment to diversity equity and inclusion for all students

Preferred:

• Doctorate in Education Special Education or a related field

• Experience with Springfield Public Schools or similar urban school districts

• Knowledge of current trends and research in exceptional learning and best practices for supporting diverse learners

• Experience supervising and evaluating personnelin accordance withtheMA Educator Evaluation System

If you BELIEVE we have a place for YOU on our team! Come work for us!

About our District

Springfield Public Schools is a cultural gem in Western Massachusetts committed to providing a learning environment that opens the door to infinite possibilities forour amazing students and staff. We strive to equip each of our approximately24000 studentswith learning experiences that enhance their knowledge and critical thinking skills. We are the 3rdlargest district in Massachusetts. Our district has over 44 languages spoken and over 60 countries represented by both students and staff. We foster a positive and professional environment in our schools and worksites where people feel valued respected supported seenand heard. Our students and staff share their ideas and perspectives learning from and appreciating each other. We are a district that is committed to equity and excellence.

Join a team that Empowers Educators.

In addition to offering competitive salaries and benefits we providenumerouscutting-edgeprofessional development opportunities for all staff. We let our data shape thedistricts professional development;therefore it is relevant and actionable. We support our teaching staffwith mentors such as instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches who work with them throughout the year on lesson planning data analysisand management. Our district offers career advancement opportunities and is invested in Grow our Own and educational pipeline programs. These programs help our staffearn a college degree or pursuecertification pathways.

If there is something that you would like to know specifically about the position that you are applying for orassistancewith matching your skills to a position Carmen Molina-Figueroa will be happy toassistyou at.

The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination on the basis of race color religion national origin sex gender identity sexual orientation genetic information pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions ancestry age disability or military service as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination and harassment or whoparticipatein an equal opportunity investigation. The Springfield Public Schools is committed tomaintaininga learning environment free from discriminationon the basis ofrace color sex gender identity religion national origin sexual orientationdisabilityor homelessness.

NONDISCRIMINATION EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT

The Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate in employmenton the basis ofrace color religion national origin sex gender identity sexual orientation genetic information pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions ancestry age disability veteran status or marital status.

NOTICE OF SEX NONDISCRIMINATION

Springfield Public Schools does not discriminateon the basis ofsex and prohibits sex discrimination including sexual harassment in any education program or activity that itoperates as required by Title IX and its regulations including in admission and employment.

Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the Springfield Public Schools Title IX Coordinator the U.S. Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights at or both.

The Springfield Public Schools Title IX Coordinator is Jeremy Saint Laurent Chief Legal Counsel in Legal Services 1550 Main Street Springfield MA 01103 ext. 55325.

Springfield Public Schools sex nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can belocatedon the Springfield Public Schools website report information about conduct that mayconstitutesex discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX please refer to

Required Experience:

Director