Dean of Special Services at KIPP Northeast Elementary (26/27 School Year)

Role Overview Dean of Special Services reports to the Assistant Principal of Instruction and is a member of the Campus Leadership Team. The Dean leads the coaching, development, and accountability of Special Education teachers to strengthen instructional quality, legal compliance, and outcomes for students with disabilities. The Dean works closely with key stakeholders to support implementation of IEPs and 504 plans, establish progress monitoring practices, and build staff capacity to ensure high‑quality support for learners with disabilities across the school. Responsibilities Believe deeply in the mission, values, and RIDE commitments of KIPP Colorado Schools and that all children can and will learn. Assume personal responsibility for student achievement. Read, internalize, and adhere to the KIPP Colorado Policies and Procedures manual and guidelines. Provide an active presence, strategic supervision, and intentional monitoring to ensure student safety and engagement in rigorous learning. Take ownership for the development of your craft and engage actively in coaching sessions (meet 1-2 times every 1 or 2 weeks with a manager, receive coaching, implement all provided feedback, engage in active practice, etc.). Commit to being prepared—internalizing and preparing for lessons, coaching, professional development, reading written communication, etc. Meet professional obligations including, but not limited to, meeting deadlines and honoring schedules. Consistently leverage existing professional tools (Google Suite, Microsoft Suite, KIPP Colorado email, Teams, Outlook calendar). Maintain strong attendance each day and be on time to all responsibilities. Collaborate with colleagues and seek feedback in the spirit of continuous improvement. Reflect on professional practices to meet individual professional development goals. Actively participate in professional development, grade level, and department meetings. Actively engage and implement in all school‑wide and org‑wide professional development. Serve as a positive, contributing member of a grade team or functional team, collaborating with colleagues to tackle common challenges and implement org and grade‑wide initiatives. Share candid, solutions‑oriented feedback with peers and leadership on a regular basis, assuring that feedback is shared directly with the intended recipient and focusing on improving outcomes and experiences for students. Assist with both student and staff recruitment and engagement—including events, home visits, calls home, and other related requirements. Know that the role may require travel around Denver to other KIPP campuses, the Home Office, or PD events. Assist with other duties as assigned (lunch duty, arrival/dismissal duty, hallway duty, school support duties, etc.). Lead with KIPP Values—internalize, champion, and hold self & others accountable to KIPP Colorado values. Demonstrate the ability to understand and navigate issues of identity, power, and privilege. Value diverse backgrounds and strive to create an environment where those who demonstrate our values thrive. Express high expectations for all students and families and belief in their potential to succeed. Seek to understand the needs and motivations of students and families, making decisions with student best interests and needs in mind. Collaborate with the Assistant Principal of Instruction, Principal, key stakeholders, and the Regional Director of Special Services to drive vision for strong Special Education instruction, compliance systems, and programming. Manage and evaluate campus‑based Special Education teachers and aligned staff to achieve personal development goals, coordinate action plans for professional growth, and evaluate progress toward student outcomes, campus‑wide goals, and compliance timelines. Provide continuous coaching and evaluation on all competencies of the KIPP Colorado teacher performance rubrics. Lead a consistent coaching cycle for Special Education teachers that includes observation, feedback, modeling, lesson and intervention planning support, progress monitoring, and development of strong case management and compliance practices. Support teachers in monitoring and responding to the growth of students toward goals through implementation of data cycles. Perform performance reviews of a cohort of teachers. Partner with school social workers, Assistant Principals of Culture, and external supports, including outside agencies and DPS partners, to support student mental health needs as they intersect with Special Education programming and student access to instruction. Coordinate contracted service providers (school psychologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech therapist, etc.). Partner with the Assistant Principal of Instruction and other campus leaders to align Special Education processes within the campus MTSS system, including intervention review, referral pathways, data‑based decision making, and evaluation readiness. Lead and coach staff to implement Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans with consistency, fidelity, equity, and alignment to student needs and legal requirements. Collaborate to use student data to identify students who may need additional support, intervention, or referral for evaluation, with particular attention to students who may qualify for Special Education services. Manage, develop, and oversee implementation of 504s and the Special Education program, including compliance systems, service delivery, instructional supports, and case management routines for students with disabilities. Manage reduced caseload of students with IEPs (as needed). Provide development opportunities for school leaders and teachers to strengthen inclusive practices, clarify roles, and partner effectively with students with disabilities. Collaborate to plan and implement professional development that strengthens Special Education instruction, compliance, inclusive practices, and staff capacity to support students with disabilities. Support school‑wide and grade‑level rituals and systems as needed (arrival, dismissal, lunch). Provide collaborative coaching for general education and special education teachers as needed with regard to implementation of student services. Determine the need for and facilitate staff development on legal compliance—including, but not limited to, due process requirements, procedures, forms, and timelines in alignment with local, state, and federal law. Support onboarding of new staff in KIPP Colorado and Denver Public Schools procedures and practices related to Special Education services and compliance. Provide information to parents regarding the referral/assessment process, special education services, and their rights relative to special education. Lead weekly Special Education team meetings focused on compliance, progress monitoring, data analysis, curriculum alignment, and planning. Oversee and ensure accountable implementation of assessment measures aligned to progress monitoring for exceptional learners. Analyze school‑wide and student level data to recommend instructional improvements for students with disabilities. Coordinate assessment planning and implementation for students with IEPs in partnership with school leaders. Coordinate logistics for assessment needed to inform next steps with relevant academic interventions. Assist the Assistant Principal of Instruction in analyzing, developing, and modifying special education programs to meet the needs of students. Complete MLE coursework and certification requirements (required for most roles). Partner with the Assistant Principal of Instruction and Special Education Teachers to ensure proper implementation of 504s, BIPs, IEPs, safety plans, accommodations, modification, and language support for students. Enforce positive behavior systems and monitor behavior data. Attend designated school functions outside of school hours (Back to School Night, Report Card Conferences, Community Events, etc.). Perform necessary support duties—including bus, lunch, emergence duties, chaperone field trips. Participate in parent meetings, conferences, and periodic evening events. Develop strong relationships with families through home visits, participation in school events, and phone calls home. Communicate regularly with families about academic progress and behavior. Participate in daily duties (i.e., breakfast, lunch, dismissal) to support school operations. Maintain accurate records, grade books, and data tracking systems. Assist with both student and staff recruitment. Qualifications Bachelor's degree (required). Spanish bilingual (preferred). At least 5-7 years of relevant and aligned experience (required). At least 4 years of K‑12 teaching experience, a provision of special services, and/or a strong record of helping underserved students achieve academic success (required). Past experience (2 years) of leading adults in a school environment (assistant principal, instructional coach, grade level chair, etc.) (required). Licensed special education teacher, social worker, or psychologist in the state of Colorado (preferred at time of hire, must be obtained within the first twelve months in the position). Deep knowledge of Special Education, Section 504, and MTSS compliance and instruction, with teaching experience and a proven track record of raising student achievement for exceptional learners (required). Commitment to an exceptional student experience. Outstanding organizational skills and high attention to detail; outstanding written and oral communication skills. Ability to manage ambiguity and multiple priorities inherent in an entrepreneurial environment. Proactive problem solver who demonstrates initiative and teamwork. Strong work ethic coupled with an enthusiastic and passionate approach to one’s work. Multi‑faceted, multi‑skilled, resourceful and willing to do whatever it takes to help the school reach a level of academic excellence. High level of detail orientation and sound excellent organizational skills. Strong communication, feedback and facilitation skills. Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills. Articulate, professional demeanor with strong self‑confidence and initiative. Entrepreneurial mindset, with the creativity and versatility to work productively in a fast‑paced environment. Demonstrated ability to work in a fast‑paced, high‑energy environment with a proven ability to meet and complete multiple deadlines and tasks with meticulous attention to detail. Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop productive working relationships with stakeholders across functional and organizational lines. Passionate commitment to KIPP Colorado mission and to high standards of excellence. Compensation and Benefits Competitive market salary: starting salary for this role begins at $74,542 and is commensurate with experience. Excellent healthcare plan: 100% employee‑only premium covered by KIPP Colorado; coverage options for families. More than six weeks of annual vacation and paid time off. All employees receive summer break through an organization‑wide closure. Parental and medical leave: 6 weeks paid and 6 weeks unpaid after first year. Career trajectory: opportunity to move up across schools during weekly coaching sessions. Mental health care: immediate and ongoing access to the Employee Assistance Program. Technology & access: equipment provided—laptop & phone. Retirement planning: participation in the Colorado PERA retirement program, including a PERA 401k option. Relocation reimbursement (when applicable). Additional pay: stipend opportunities offered by most schools. Other insurance options: wellness reimbursement, voluntary life, disability, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, and optional basic life and AD&D insurance. KIPP Colorado Schools is dedicated to equal employment opportunities and fair labor practices. KIPP Colorado Schools, KIPP Denver Collegiate High School, KIPP Northeast Denver Middle School, KIPP Northeast Elementary, KIPP Northeast Denver Leadership Academy, KIPP Sunshine Peak Academy, and KIPP Sunshine Peak Elementary provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on job‑related qualifications and the ability to perform a job without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religious creed, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, legally protected medical condition, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other basis made unlawful by federal, state or local laws. It is our policy to maintain a non‑discriminatory environment free from intimidation, harassment or bias based upon these grounds. #J-18808-Ljbffr Kippcolorado