District Summary:TEC Connections Academy Commonwealth Virtual School (TECCA) is a tuition-free virtual public school district that employs over 200 faculty and staff and serves a diverse population of approximately 3,000 students in grades K–12 across Massachusetts. Position available:TECCA is seeking to hire an Interim Director of Special Education for the 2024-2025 school year. As a member of the district’s leadership team (DLT) the Interim Director of Special Education will be responsible for overseeing TECCA’s special education department. Primary responsibilities include oversight and coordination of all special education programs and services for students K-12 and up to age 22 or until a high school diploma is achieved, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, supervision of professional staff within the department in collaboration with building principals, development and implementation of grants, development and management of special education budget, oversight of legal proceedings as necessary and provision of applicable professional development for the department.Distinguishing Characteristics:The position of Interim Director of Special Education requires a thorough knowledge of all areas of special education services, programs, and laws and regulations relative to this area of public school education. The Interim Director is involved in decisions that have significant impact on students, their families, and the District. The ability to effectively lead the special education department in its provision of programs and services designed to meet the needs of students is crucial. The person holding this position will work with other DLT members and staff to establish a positive climate for teaching and learning in which staff are perceptive and sensitive to student’s abilities and needs in order to affect positive learning outcomes for special education students. The Interim Director meets regularly with the Superintendent and participates with DLT in supporting and implementing the District’s Strategic Plan and its commitment to Diversity, Equity Inclusion, and Belonging. The Interim Director of Special Education will be able to communicate, collaborate and problem solve effectively with students, families and staff, and be resourceful, creative and forward thinking in leading the department.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:The duties and responsibilities of the Interim Director of Special Education shall include but are not limited to the following:•Provide leadership and support to the Department to ensure the provision of quality special education services and programs within a virtual school environment;•Coordinate and facilitate the district’s Tiered Focused Monitoring review process (Compliance review by Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education);•Direct budget development and implementation reflective of effective and fiscally responsible provision of programs and services for students with special education needs:•Initiate program evaluations for service delivery models, related services, psychological services, and counseling services in the spirit of continuous improvement;•Provide professional development to faculty and administration on such topics as applicable laws and regulations and procedures, effective teaching and learning strategies for special education students, team meeting facilitation, student engagement and other pertinent topics as they relate to the various roles within the department;•Collaborate with the DLT on effective student intervention strategies and protocols;•Assist with the development and implementation of grants;•Assist in the completion of School Choice claims and DESE data reporting;•Serve as arbiter in any disputes or Complaints filed with DESE;•Work with the DLT in the coordination of grant writing and grant evaluation;•Oversee the district’s substantially separate special education program;•Supervise and evaluate special education department staff in collaboration with building, department, and district administrators;•Keep current on all applicable laws and regulations relative to Special Education;•Represent the District in any litigation proceedings;•Assist in the development of Board policies regarding special education;•Serve as a member of the DLT; and•Carry out other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Superintendent.•The Interim Director of Special Education reports directly to the Superintendent of Schools.