Supervisor of Special Education - Middle School Program

Position Type:
Vanguard Administration/Program Supervisor

Date Posted:
4/21/2026

Location:
The Vanguard School
Are you looking for a career that makes your heart smile on a daily basis?
Come and work with our amazing students and staff at The Vanguard School!

Founded in 1959 and located on a beautiful 28-acre campus in Malvern, PA, The Vanguard School and Services (VSS) are dedicated to the growth and development of children and young adults with a variety of special needs. Through a collaborative and holistic approach to each individual served by the continuum of educational, recreation, and employment services offered, VSS commits to helping all students and participants develop a strong sense of self-worth in their communities in an environment driven by respect, appreciation, learning, and growth.

Title: Supervisor of Special Education - Middle School Program

Program/Dept: Vanguard

Reports to: Director of Education

Position Type: 12 Month, Full-Time

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:45AM to 3:30PM

FLSA Status: Exempt

Minimum Qualifications

1. Master's degree in Educational Leadership or a related field.
2. Current, valid Pennsylvania teaching certification and five years' experience teaching. Certification and teaching experience in Special Education is strongly preferred.
3. Current, valid Pennsylvania Principal or Supervisor of Special Education certification is required.
4. Ability to plan, organize, and administer a school program with expectations of growth.
5. Strong understanding of the nature and needs of special needs children and young adults.
6. Ability to recognize the individuality and uniqueness of each student & treat them with respect & dignity.
7. Ability to engage intellectually and physically in all components of the educational process.
8. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with all constituents (administrators, colleagues, students, parents, and others).
9. Proficient use of English language, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
10. Ability to use technology and perform clerical skills at a proficient level.

General Duties and Responsibilities

The supervisor of special education is directly responsible for the effective management of the daily operation of a special education program through implementing state regulations, organizational policies, and curriculum in a manner that promotes the educational and behavioral development of each student and the professional development of each staff member. The Supervisor of Special Education works collaboratively to lead, empower, and nurture all members of the school staff by emulating the VSS mission and core values; and communicates effectively with colleagues, parents, and representatives from school districts and other outside agencies.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

1. Develop and maintain special education programs consistent with the needs of student population, and in compliance with federal and state laws.
2. Provide leadership in planning, implementing, and evaluating instructional programs.
3. Represent building administration on committees as assigned.
4. Supervise, observe, evaluate, approve time off and review work of assigned staff.
5. Conduct staff meetings on a regular basis to ensure clear communication and meet with classroom teams to develop and maintain effective working relationships
6. Orient new staff members specifically as it relates to the area of students, general building practices, instructional programs, and goals.
7. Participate in the enrollment process for referred students.
8. Implement and maintain the school-wide positive behavior support system and ensure the safety and well-being of all students at all times.
9. Develop the master schedule of classes, individual student rosters, and staff assignments. Work with teachers, academic specialists, and student services staff to group students appropriately and assign teachers.
10. Serve as a resource for parents and stake holders as appropriate; Maintain ongoing communication with school districts, intermediate units, and other outside agencies regarding student programs, placements, and transportation.
11. Collaborate with team members to ensure staff are receiving appropriate and well-rounded professional development.
12. Provides assistance in developing proposals, new programs, budgets, and grants collaboratively as part of the administrative team as well as management of the fiscal budget for the purpose of meeting student needs.
13. In conjunction with Human Resources interview applicants and make hiring recommendations.
14. Supervise the year-end obligations of students and staff members. Report building and maintenance needs for the upcoming school year. Oversee the safety, maintenance and appearance needs of the school buildings and surrounding property. Order furniture/equipment as needed.
15. Demonstrate competency in each of the VSS core values: Communication and Listening, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Ethics, Professionalism, and Teamwork.
16. Comply with all organizational policies and procedures including those stated in the VSS Policies & Procedures manual and additional verbal and written communications provided to staff members.
17. Maintain a professional, confidential and ethical relationship with all constituents (administrators, colleagues, faculty, parents, students, and others).
18. Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, leadership meetings, in-service activities, and other meetings as required.
19. Maintain proper credentials for assignment and remain educationally informed in all related areas including PDE regulations and state/national standards through continued professional study and attending workshops and conferences.
20. Perform related duties, special assignments and projects as assigned.

VSS offers a competitive salary, full comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, PTO, 100% short and long-term disabilities, a robust Employee Assistance Program, and a generous annual contribution to each employees' 403(b). Top that off with team-building events, staff outings, and working alongside professionals who care deeply about our mission and core values: Communication and Listening, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Ethics, Professionalism, and Teamwork!

The Vanguard School and Services is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. We will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations as part of this commitment. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment, be sure to let us know.