Special Education Manager

At Rocketship Public Schools, we believe in the infinite possibility of human potential. We believe that every student deserves the right to dream, to discover, and to develop their unique potential and it is our responsibility and our privilege to unleash the potential inside every Rocketeer we serve. Our non‑profit network of public elementary charter schools propels student achievement, develops exceptional educators, and partners with parents who enable high‑quality public schools to thrive in their community. We are a collective of parents, teachers, leaders, and students working together to transform the future for underserved communities across our country. At Rocketship Public Schools, we are unleashing potential. The Integrated Special Education (ISE) Instructional Coach will be a key member of the school's instructional leadership team and critical to driving forward the quality of Integrated Special Education within Rocketship schools. The ISE Coach will work closely with the Principal and the Director of Integrated Special Education to lead and implement the instructional and case management vision for all students with IEPs and 504 Plans as well as oversee MTSS. The ISE Coach will coach the special education team consisting of special education teachers and paraprofessionals, as well as lead core special education collaboration practices, including data analysis cycles, observing classrooms, providing continuous feedback including in the moment coaching, and co‑planning units of study and lesson plans aimed at increasing educator effectiveness. The ISE coach will also support and coach compliance practices, such as IEP writing, facilitating, and filing. This role will also develop and facilitate ongoing professional development for instructional and compliance practices. Within MTSS, this role will ensure response to student data according to cycles of intervention, and parent and school requests for evaluations. Within MTSS this role is responsible for scheduling and holding SST meetings in response to data and requests to plan and propose student supports, as well as monitoring implementation and progress. The ISE Coach will play a critical role in driving school teams toward ensuring that all Rocketeers are served in a compliant (audit ready), effective and high‑quality environment, with the goal to achieve 1.5 years of growth (based on NWEA annually) in both math and literacy. As an ISE Instructional Coach, you will receive ongoing professional development in conducting rigorous observations, providing meaningful feedback, and executing useful planning and analysis. The ISE Coach reports to the school principal, and is also supported by the Director of ISE. Our Ideal Candidate Believes that adult preparation is essential to student success. Has a desire to become an elementary content expert and is eager to use that knowledge to develop teachers who demonstrate excellence in their planning and execution of lessons. Understands that creating equal access to opportunity for all is hard work but deeply rewarding and within their control. Essential Functions: Developing Effective Educators Coach special education teachers, paraprofessionals and school based related service providers to build content expertise in Humanities or STEM for co‑teaching and small group instruction. Collaborate and provide regular consultation with service providers and key contractors as needed. Collaborate with the School Leadership Team and general education teachers to implement exemplary special education services that meet student needs and are consistently in compliance. Foster a rigorous and college preparatory culture of excellence in every classroom that ensures high levels of student achievement. Engage in cycles of data driven instruction and assessments to inform planning and personalize instruction to student needs. Develop and support coaching plans for individual members of the special education team, leading to sustained improvement in instructional practice. Ensure at least 1.5 years of progress for all Rocketeers annually through management and planning. Collaborate with the Special Education team to ensure teachers are receiving the necessary support and training to maximize the delivery of instruction. In partnership with the school‑based instructional team, provide professional development training to school staff as‑needed regarding best practices in special education, trauma‑informed education, social‑emotional supports, crisis intervention, and community resources. Other duties as assigned. Essential Functions: Case Management Leadership Model and build the exemplars for case management systems and practices for the school. Provide coaching and feedback on all IEP practices including but not limited to IEP drafts, IEP meeting facilitation, progress monitoring of IEP goals, and service tracking among others. Coach case managers on effective time management to ensure the school team is holding compliant IEP meetings that consistently meet deadlines (meetings and evaluations). Act as LEA Representative for IEP meetings. Collaborate with the school, regional and national team for advocate and attorney engagement on campus. Monitor student progress towards IEP goal attainment. Monitor, provide coaching and feedback of the IEP database and IEP files (virtual and as applicable physical). Provide crisis intervention for students with IEPs and 504 Plans, as well as build the capacity of staff to provide crisis intervention. Provide consultation with parents, teachers, and other appropriate staff regarding students’ special education program and any adaptations/materials needed to facilitate improved performance in the classroom or at home, as well as coach case managers to build their capacity to communicate with parents, teachers and other staff. Maintain relationships and effectively communicate with the school leaders team, teachers, and families in all facets of the position. Adhere to all federal and state requirements for 504 Plans and special education to remain in compliance with current law. Maintain a close working relationship with other members of the Regional and National ISE team to ensure exchange of best practices, coordination of efforts, and general support for the Integrated Special Education department. Lead the 504 Plan process for the campus, including writing 504 Plans, facilitating annual 504 Plan meetings with families, developing the team to understand elements of the 504 Plan, supporting the team with 504 Plan implementation and maintaining the records for 504 Plans. Essential Functions: Student and Parent Partnership Create a school community that fully involves parents in student achievement through multiple outlets including home visits, regular community meetings, and parent/family meetings. Essential Functions: Rocketship Professional Culture Deeply commit to doing and being their best, and to grow their skills as professionals and as individuals, so our daily and annual expectations reflect that commitment. Exhibit a high level of honest and humble self‑reflection owning good and bad outcomes; effectively respond to and implement constructive feedback. Create a healthy, high‑achieving, urgent environment where staff and students feel challenged and also fully supported and valued. Promote and participate in collaborative opportunities across schools to share best practices, problem solve, and gather feedback. Required Qualifications Valid Special Education teaching credential or administrative license; Master’s degree in Special Education or related field strongly preferred. 3+ years of experience teaching and/or leading in an urban city classroom; demonstrated track record of improving academic outcomes for students with disabilities. Embrace the mission of Rocketship Education and our inclusive approach to serving students with disabilities. Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations associated with special education. Experience working with students with a range of disabilities (learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, autism, etc.). Experience implementing student supports through a Multi‑Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Experience working with elementary aged students is strongly preferred. Strong leadership skills and personal drive. Deep knowledge of elementary instruction and planning skills. Strong skills in specialized instruction, differentiation, and intervention. Relentless pursuit of high expectations. Results‑oriented and data‑driven. Ability to inspire, motivate and develop others. Adaptable and able to thrive in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment. Ability to engage and empower parents and families. Excellent time management and organizational skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Education/Certification Requirements BA from accredited college or university Special Education MA preferred Special Education certification preferred $90,000 - $100,000 a year Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and communicate with both adults and children. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally climb ladders. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to high. Compensation Commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent health and wellness benefits, 403B retirement plan, flexible spending account (FSA), and generous paid time off. Rocketship Public Schools provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Rocketship Public Schools complies with applicable state and local laws governing non‑discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Rocketship Public Schools expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Rocketship Public Schools’ employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated. Click here for our Sexual Harassment Policy. For questions, concerns, or complaints, please contact Human Resources. #J-18808-Ljbffr