26-27 Interim Assistant Principal and Special Education Department Coordinator of Next Wave Jun[...]

This is a temporay 1 year position for the 2026-2027 school year. Position Summary The Assistant Principal and Special Education Department Coordinator of Next Wave Junior High and Full Circle High School serves as a collaborative instructional and student support leader dedicated to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and therapeutic learning environment where all students are empowered to succeed academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. Working closely with the Principal, Student Services, families, and community partners, this role supports the school’s mission through trauma-informed, restorative, and culturally responsive practices that center student growth, belonging, and engagement. The Assistant Principal and Special Education Department Coordinator plays a key leadership role in advancing integrated systems of academic and behavioral support while ensuring that students with disabilities receive high-quality programming and services aligned with district expectations and state and federal regulations. Essential Functions & Responsibilities Provide instructional and operational leadership that promotes high-quality teaching and learning aligned with state standards and best practices in therapeutic and alternative education settings; Foster a safe, inclusive, trauma-informed, and supportive school climate that prioritizes student well-being, belonging, engagement, and accountability; Support the implementation of a comprehensive Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to address students’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs; Lead and support restorative practices and equitable discipline systems that emphasize relationship-building, accountability, and community repair; Collaborate with the Principal, Dean of Students, teacher/counselors, clinicians, Student Services personnel, and families to coordinate individualized student supports and interventions; Assist in the organization, supervision, and administration of the school, including scheduling, crisis response, attendance oversight, behavioral systems, and school safety procedures, and assume responsibility in the absence of the Principal when directed; Oversee building-based special education programming and ensure compliance with all federal and state special education laws, regulations, timelines, and district procedures; Perform duties of the Special Education Administrator as defined by M.G.L. c. 71B and applicable Massachusetts regulations; Schedule, facilitate, and chair Team meetings, including Initial Evaluations, Re-evaluations, Annual Reviews, Manifestation Determinations, and meetings related to Independent Educational Evaluations; Monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), service delivery, due process compliance, and caseload assignments to ensure students receive appropriate supports in the least restrictive environment; Support the development and implementation of individualized behavior intervention plans, therapeutic programming, transition planning, and inclusive educational opportunities for students with disabilities; Supervise, support, and evaluate staff, and provide coaching and professional learning related to trauma-informed practices, restorative approaches, inclusion, behavioral interventions, and effective instructional strategies; Use academic, behavioral, attendance, and social-emotional data to monitor student progress, inform interventions, and support continuous program improvement; Partner with families, community agencies, mental health providers, and district personnel to support the holistic needs of students and engage stakeholders in creating positive student outcomes; Serve as liaison between Next Wave/Full Circle and district schools regarding referrals, transitions, programming, and student support planning; Promote culturally responsive practices that honor diversity and cultivate an inclusive environment for all students and families; Ensure compliance with district policies, DESE regulations, and all applicable state and federal laws; Performs other duties consistent with the scope and responsibility of the position as assigned. Knowledge, Abilities, & Skills Demonstrated knowledge of special education law, including IDEA, Section 504, and Massachusetts DESE regulations, with the ability to ensure compliant implementation of IEP processes, due process procedures, and related documentation requirements; Strong understanding of trauma-informed, restorative, and culturally responsive practices, with the ability to apply these frameworks within a therapeutic alternative middle and high school setting; Expertise in instructional leadership and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), including the ability to design, implement, and evaluate academic, behavioral, and social-emotional interventions; Ability to lead, coach, and evaluate educators and support staff, including providing actionable feedback and facilitating professional learning aligned to student needs and school goals; Strong organizational, problem-solving, and systems-thinking skills, with the ability to manage complex scheduling, compliance timelines, crisis response, and coordinated student support systems; Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborate effectively with students, families, staff, district leaders, and external agencies in support of student success. Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions. Physical Strength Requirements: May involve lifting or carrying items up to 10 lbs Posture & Movement Requirements: Frequent walking or standing Sensory Requirements: Ability to perceive written information (near vision); Ability to perceive distant objects or hazards (far vision); Ability to hear and understand verbal instructions; Ability to speak clearly Qualifications & Requirements DESE Principal/Assistant Principal License in Grades 6-12 required DESE Special Education Administrator License required Master's degree required Evidence of at least five (5) years of successful teaching and/or education leadership experience Bilingual or multilingual with proficiency in Spanish strongly preferred Reporting Relationships Position Reports to: Principal of Next Wave and Full Circle Position Supervises: All Next Wave and Full Circle staff, excluding the Principal Position Details Location: Next Wave Junior High and Full Circle High School Union Affiliation: Somerville Administrators’ Association (SAA) Terms of Employment Work Year: 205 days FLSA Status: Exempt Benefits Status: Eligible Salary: $138,304-$159,436 commensurate with experience and in accordance with the SAA Salary Schedule Pre-Employment Requirements MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Clearance Fingerprints The Somerville Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work. #J-18808-Ljbffr Somerville Public Schools