Job Description

Director of Special Education

 
About APR

Academy of the Pacific Rim Charter Public School (APR) is a tuition-free, public charter school offering a rigorous, college preparatory program in Grades 5-12 to 540 students from Boston. For 25 years, APR has empowered diverse learners (90% students of color; 11% English Learners; 25% on IEPs) of all racial and ethnic backgrounds to achieve their full intellectual and social potential through high-quality academic and enrichment programs to promote college and career exploration, cultural immersion, and community service. Our supportive and inclusive community actively counters patterns of inequity through dynamic learning partnerships between staff, students, and families. This work is grounded in the vision that all students graduate with a focused mind and a big heart, having the critical thinking, mastery of academic and social skills and a deep sense of self and others to joyfully pursue post-secondary education, careers, and civic life based on their passions and interests. Our 570+ alumni have a six-year college graduation rate of 70% - double the national average of their demographic peers. 

About the Position

Reporting to the Managing Director of Student Support, APR’s Director of Special Education (DSE) will ensure the highest quality of programs and services for APR’s Special Education program. The DSE will coach and manage learning specialists, student support managers, and associated staff and will serve on the leadership teams of the Middle School and High School. This role drives inclusive practices and strategic planning to ensure equitable access and outcomes for all students, especially Students with Disabilities (SWDs). This is a full-time, hybrid position with approximately four days a week at APR’s campus in Hyde Park, MA, and one day working remotely.

Primary Responsibilities:

Instructional Leadership

• Collaborate with school-based leadership teams to execute a shared vision of instructional excellence for all learners, including SWDs.
• Provide coaching to learning specialists, student support managers, and paraprofessionals to enhance their impact on student learning.
• Lead efforts to embed inclusive practices and differentiated instruction across classrooms to ensure equity and access for all students.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to inform instructional practices and support strategic planning related to diverse learners.
• Train and support teachers to provide effective accommodations and modifications for SWDs during all instructional and assessment activities (e.g., MCAS, i-Ready, AP testing).
• Support school leaders in developing capacity for progress monitoring and using data to drive decision-making for diverse learners.
• Manage relationships with external service providers as needed to support specialized programming and student needs.
• Coordinate access to educational programming for APR students in alternative placements, including outside tutoring or services as required.

Special Education Compliance

• Ensure compliance with IDEA and state regulations, including timelines, reporting, and implementation of IEPs.
• Oversee the development and delivery of IEPs and special education services in collaboration with MS/HS principals.
• Facilitate high-stakes IEP meetings and manifestation determination reviews as needed.
• Serve as the primary liaison on high-stakes student cases, including placement decisions and regulatory reviews.

Facilitate Impactful Adult Learning Experiences

• Coach and manage staff on special education paperwork and processes, including IEP forms and effective participation in IEP meetings.
• Collaborate with school leadership to establish systems and processes related to progress monitoring, equity, and access to services.
• Train school leaders and staff on data management systems related to diverse learners.
• Oversee and lead professional development for schoolwide initiatives focused on supporting SWDs and high-quality student support.
• Support transition planning for juniors and seniors needing alternative pathways or programming.

Family Engagement and Support 

• Partner with school-based leadership teams to identify and address barriers to attendance for SWDs.
• Collaborate with families to develop individualized attendance improvement plans for students with chronic absenteeism.
• Act as the primary liaison for the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC), facilitating bi-monthly workshops and meetings.
• Serve as a trusted partner to families, addressing complex needs and ensuring clear communication about programming and supports.

The ideal candidate has:

• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in teaching, coaching or managing in the field of student support. 
• A Bachelor’s degree is required; a Master’s degree is preferred;
• A certified or license to teach in Massachusetts or have passed, prior to the end of their first year of employment, the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL). This includes a passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills test and a passing score on the relevant subject matter knowledge test(s). 
• An unwavering belief in and commitment to high academic achievement for all students. 
• An ability to manage time when presented with multiple projects and varied deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; models clear, compelling messaging to various audiences
• Possesses high emotional intelligence to build and sustain productive and affirming relationships, especially across lines of difference
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and build systems where there is opportunity for systems to be built
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite

Equal Opportunity Employer

APR is committed to ensuring that all of its programs and facilities are accessible to all members of the public and free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. 

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