Assistant Director Education / Assistant Principal

Job Description

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Assist the Director of Education in managing daily operations of the educational program

• Oversee curriculum planning and ensure instruction aligns with state standards and student IEP goals

• Provide supervision, evaluation, and professional development for teaching staff

• Collaborate with clinical and residential departments to promote a cohesive and consistent educational experience

• Participate in the development and monitoring of IEPs and other educational documentation

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations and agency policies

• Serves as behavioral resource for the Academy; consults with staff to prepare Functional Behavior Assessments to develop Behavior Intervention Plans; determines appropriate action in cases of serious behavioral incidents.

• Represents The Learning Center at PPT’s. Ensures appropriate educational discharge planning for students and coordinates educational programming through the PPT process.

• Fosters and maintains good public relations image consistent with the Connecticut Code of Professional Standards for School Administrators

• Assumes teaching responsibilities in a classroom when appropriate staffing needs to be ensured.

• Interviews new candidates for certified staff positions and provides feedback on candidates following interviews and shadowing experiences to the Director of Education.

• Attends all scheduled after school and evening Academy functions, as requested by the Director of Education.

• Act as a liaison with school districts, families, and external agencies as needed

• Promote a safe, structured, and therapeutic classroom environment

• Support continuous quality improvement initiatives across the education program

• Maintain active certification in agency-approved crisis intervention training, including all required levels of Physical and Psychological Management Training (PMT). Apply training techniques appropriately to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals served, staff, and others in the environment. Demonstrate competency in de-escalation strategies, safe physical interventions, and adherence to agency protocols. 

• Perform other duties as assigned

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES:

SKILLS

• Strong leadership and team-building skills with the ability to supervise, mentor, and support educational staff

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage with families, staff, and external stakeholders

• Organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, priorities, and timelines efficiently

• Problem-solving skills to analyze educational challenges and develop appropriate strategies

• Conflict resolution and crisis management skills within an educational setting

• Competency in using technology for administrative tasks, data collection, and instructional support

KNOWLEDGE

• In-depth understanding of special education laws and regulations (e.g., IDEA, FAPE, IEP process)

• Knowledge of evidence-based practices in special education and trauma-informed care

• Familiarity with the needs and learning styles of individuals with ASD and IDD

• Understanding of positive behavioral supports and functional behavior assessment

• Awareness of relevant accreditation and licensing standards for educational programs in therapeutic settings

• Knowledge of curriculum development and adaptation for diverse learners

ABILITIES

• Ability to implement and monitor individualized educational plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams

• Ability to provide professional development and coaching to instructional staff

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards in education and care

• Ability to lead school operations in the absence of the Director of Education

• Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines to support the academic and emotional needs of students

• Ability to interpret and respond to data for continuous improvement of educational services

• Ability to remain flexible and adapt to evolving program needs

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS :

• Master’s degree in Special Education, Education Administration, or related field

• Valid teaching and/or administrative certification (as applicable to the state)

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in special education or therapeutic educational settings

• Must hold Connecticut Department of Education, Intermediate Certification (092), as well as, Special Education or related services endorsement. Excellent written and verbal skills.

• Supervisory experience strongly preferred

• CPR/First Aid and other relevant certifications (or willingness to obtain)