Director of Special Education

Director of Special Education The purpose of this position is to assist the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services in all duties necessary for the proper and efficient operation of the Special Education Department. Prerequisite Training and Experience: Minimum: Master’s Degree from an accredited institution in the field of education Minimum of five years as a special education team chair and/or special education coordinator/administrator Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education certification as an Administrator of Special Education Duties: The Assistant Director of Student Services shall: Ensure that all students with disabilities in the Methuen Public Schools are provided a free and appropriate public education through the provision of instructional programs and related services Assist in the development of policies and procedures to govern the evaluation of students referred for special education services, including staffing patterns and organizational structures Conduct performance evaluations for special education staff, related service providers and other staff as appropriate in accordance with the MA Educator Evaluation system Conduct ongoing assessments to identify needs within the district for use in planning of budgets and special education programs Develop procedures and train staff as needed to assist the district as needed for Federal Medicaid Program reimbursement Oversee, manage and ensure compliance with all Equitable Services requirements Arrange and deliver professional development as needed to general education and special education staff Assist in oversight of transportation services for students who receive transportation (IEP, 504, homeless) Attends regular meetings with building Special Education Administrators and provide supervision and guidance ensuing DESE compliance Schedule regular meetings with related service providers; provide supervision and guidance Provide leadership in developing, implementing, evaluating and revising the District’s Special Education programs preschool through age 22; maintain program descriptions Coordinate and monitor District’s related services programs including but not limited to speech and language, psychological, visually handicapped and Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy Plan, supervise and oversee all aspects of the extended school year program (ESY) Work closely with the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services in the development of in-district programs with the explicit intent of ensuring Methuen’s students are educated in the community to the maximum extent possible Oversee the compliance of record keeping as it pertains to IEPs Assist the Assistant Superintendent with curriculum development activities of certified Special Education staff Maintain effective working relationships with various public and private agencies involved in social services and/or law enforcement Involve SEPAC and community in the development, implementation and evaluation of the District’s Special Education program; attends SEPAC meetings and other appropriate community activities Respond to concerns and questions from families and community members in a timely and professional manner Assist in preparing mandated state and federal reports within the area of responsibility Participate on district subcommittees as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services or Superintendent of Schools Use effective and respectful communication to manage conflict; participate in BSEA Mediations and Hearings as needed Ensure legal agreements and timelines are adhered to and communicated to the appropriate personnel Chair BID meetings as necessary; collaborate with DCF, DMH, DDS and other agencies Effectively manage the resources for which he/she is responsible including personnel, finances, facilities, programs and time Maintain a familiarity with current educational issues through a process of ongoing personal and professional development pursuits Work cooperatively with building administration and staff in planning, implementing and managing programs and services for students with disabilities; maintain high level of visibility in the school system Embrace and encourages the acceptance of diversity and fosters a safe workspace All other responsibilities as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services and/or the Superintendent Position Type: Full-time; 12 months