Special Education Supervisor

We are deeply committed to an inclusive curriculum and school community that reflects the diversity of our student population. We strive to have the highest quality educators and encourage applications from candidates representing a broad range of skills and diverse backgrounds. We seek candidates who are dedicated to inclusion and have a clear interest in being part of the richness of diversity that the New Bedford Public Schools community has to offer.


Position:

• Special Education Supervisor

Summary:

• To ensure that each student in the district receives the appropriate special education and related service supports in order to support the richest educational experience the district can provide by exhibiting leadership in: the development, implementation and coordination of special education services; and the availability of appropriate resources.

Responsibilities:

• Provides staff leadership in promoting the understanding of the educational objectives of the district and plans and administers professional development programs and activities for special education personnel to meet these objectives.
• Coordinates all formal efforts of the special education staff in the areas of compliance, regulatory requirements, mandated timelines, and professional development.
• Organizes and coordinates facilitator and paraprofessional meetings, in order to ensure cohesion and ongoing compliance of the program throughout the school.
• Establishes a process and procedures for the ongoing evaluation of effectiveness of practices within the department.
• Evaluates and reviews the performance of all staff assigned to the position (i.e.: Special Education Facilitators, Paraprofessionals, and other Special Education staff as assigned).
• Works with building principals in the improvement of individual staff competencies.
• Assumes role of Program Manager who coordinates and defends the development of those sections of the budget that pertain to assigned subject area in concert with the appropriate cost center managers.
• Recruits, interviews, and recommend applicants for hiring. Trains and assigns personnel in concert with the appropriate building principals and the Special Education office.
• Supports a program of orientation for new staff.
• Initiates and maintains effective liaison with all schools for purposes of promoting successful transition of students between middle and high schools.
• Stays current with best practices in the content area through participation in professional organizations and shares that knowledge with staff.
• Performs such other related tasks and assumes such other related responsibilities as may from time to time be assigned by the Executive Director of Special Education and Student Services
• The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of those in this classification.

Qualifications:

• A Master's degree or higher from an accredited college or university with particular emphasis Special Education or related field.
• A valid Massachusetts license as a classroom teacher.
• A minimum of three (3) years of successful experience as a special education classroom teacher.
• An administrator's and/or supervisor/director's license provided by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
• Demonstrated competence in DESE regulations, State and Federal timelines, IEP process, and other regulatory requirements as they pertain to IEP process, and other regulatory requirements as they pertain to IEP process and special education service delivery.
• Practical experience in supervision of staff including observation, mentoring, and/or consultation. Other successful supervisory experience is also preferred.
• Possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Possess an ability to positively motivate staff, students and parents.
• Understands principles of adult learning and creates effective and engaging professional development experiences.
• Maintains a "learner's stance". Is a reflective practitioner who actively seeks and utilizes feedback.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the School Department may find appropriate and acceptable.

Terms of Employment:

• Reports to: Executive Director of Special Education
• Rate: In accordance with the Unit B contract found here

The New Bedford Public Schools do not discriminate on account of age, race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, genetics, or disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions in employment for potential employees. New Bedford Public Schools encourages people with multilingual skills, particularly in Cape Verdean Creole, Portuguese and/or Spanish, to apply. Every available opportunity will be taken in order to assure that each applicant is selected on the basis of qualifications, merit and ability.