HS Director of Student Supports (Special Education)

Director of Student Supports

About Forte Preparatory Academy

Forte Preparatory Academy is a college preparatory charter school serving students in Queens, New York. Our mission is to prepare all students to graduate from college and lead lives of purpose. We believe that rigorous academics, strong literacy instruction, and a deep engagement with history and literature are essential to that mission.

Our new Forte Prep High School, located at 78-02 Queens Blvd in Elmhurst, is an intelligently designed 60,000 sq. ft, 6-story tall building, open to natural light and outfitted with over 25 spacious classrooms and offices, a full-sized gymnasium, a rooftop athletic field, and a robust library and media center. It is located less than half a mile away from the middle school and is easily accessible by our established school community. This new building will be opening in the Fall of 2026 and will be home to our current 9th - 12th grade cohort, bringing together what was previously two separate cohorts in Glendale. It will also be a new home for events and sports for our greater community - we aim to open our gymnasium and rooftop athletic field to local classes and events, grounding the new Forte Prep High School as a true community partner in our neighborhood.

About the Opportunity

Forte Prep is looking for a High School Director of Student Supports, who will lead the strategic oversight and operational implementation of special education services and English as a New Language (ENL) supports across high school. This role is integral to ensuring that all students, including those with diverse learning needs, achieve academic success and receive equitable access to high-quality educational opportunities.

This leader will serve as a key partner to school leaders and instructional teams, providing expertise, guidance, and accountability in compliance, program implementation, and professional development. The Director of Student Supports will drive a vision of inclusion and equity, leveraging data and best practices to create sustainable systems of support for all students.

The leader would just a Central Office team that was established in 2023, and will require the person assuming the role to take an entrepreneurial approach to building and defining the role. 

Who We Are:

Through a relentless pursuit of academic, community, and personal excellence, Forte Prep Academy Charter Schools equip all students to become the next generation of leaders in Queens and beyond. Operating since 2016, Forte Prep Middle School has consistently outperformed the district and state. In Fall 2023, we opened our doors to our first high school beginning with 9th grade. We are currently building out our leadership team so that our schools have the network guidance and support they need.

We do this work because 77% of high school graduates in our neighborhood are unprepared for the academic rigor of college. We do this work so that these students can beat the odds stacked against them and change those odds forever.

This is where you come in. 

Who You Are:

• An advocate and believer in educational equity. You are inspired by Forte Prep’s mission, vision, and values. You thrive in a work environment that values community, a strong commitment to excellence, equity, and high expectations for students and faculty. You are excited to join a team committed to removing barriers and addressing the opportunity gap. 
• An experienced outcomes driven, people centered leader who can equip, honor and inspire diverse teams and peers to do great things for students 
• A strategic thinker who is able to make good decisions despite ambiguity, set challenging goals, anticipate challenges and develop contingency plans to ensure organizational strength
• A systems leader who has built and scaled systems to maximize organizational capacity and promote long-term sustainability. 
• An effective project manager who is able to plan with the end in mind, while remaining agile.
• An equity advocate who actively works to build systems and lead people 

What You'll Do

Strategic Leadership and Program Oversight

• Develop and execute a cohesive vision for special education and ENL programs at the high school.
• Partner with school leaders to establish and refine systems, policies, and practices that promote inclusion and equitable access to high-quality instruction.
• Organize and drive implementation of systems to identify and support students in RTI services
• Plan and support implementation of Tier 2 curricular and instructional initiatives
• Oversee the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans to ensure compliance and high standards of support.
• Ensure that ENL students are identified, supported, and monitored in alignment with state and federal guidelines.

Collaboration and Coaching

• Serve as a primary advisor to school leaders on all matters related to special education and ENL services.
• Provide coaching and professional development to SPED teachers, ENL Coordinators and Teachers, and general education teachers.
• Facilitate cross-school collaboration to share best practices and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
• Lead professional development planning of student support staff across campuses

Compliance and Accountability

• Ensure compliance with IDEA, Section 504, and other relevant federal and state laws.
• Lead preparation for audits, reviews, and compliance visits related to special education and ENL services.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the effectiveness of support programs.
• Maintain data systems, state reporting information, and per pupil billing services

Data-Driven Decision Making

• Analyze student achievement data and program outcomes to inform strategies and improve student performance.
• Develop reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders on the progress and impact of student support initiatives.

Operational Management

• Make budget decisions related to special education and ENL services with support from Senior Director of Student Supports.
• Collaborate with family engagement teams to ensure parents/guardians of students with disabilities or ENL needs are partners in their child’s education.

What You’ll Bring

• Master’s degree in education, special education, or a related field; advanced certification or degree preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in special education, ENL program administration, or related roles
• Comprehensive knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, and ENL policies and guidelines.
• Proven ability to coach and support school leaders and instructional staff in implementing effective student support strategies.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with a commitment to equity and inclusion.

Compensation The salary range for this role is $87,500 to $105,000, commensurate with experience. Forte Prep Academy offers a benefits package that includes medical, vision, and dental insurance, 403(b) matching, parental leave, tuition reimbursement, a smartphone, and a laptop.