Charter Middle School - Director of Student Services

Christa McAuliffe Charter School seeks a Director of Student Services experienced at improving student service program operations and at building capacity in case managers. The position also requires a unique balance of technical and interpersonal skills: an individual who is extremely organized and detail-oriented and who also builds strong relationships with a variety of constituents. Director of Student Services Qualifications DIVERSITY STATEMENT The Christa McAuliffe Charter School (McAuliffe) may not and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, homelessness, or any other legally protected status. (M.G.L. c. 71, § 89(m); 603 CMR 1.06(l)). Rather, we are a community committed to cultivating an environment where diverse backgrounds and perspectives are embraced. We acknowledge that a team reflecting the diversity of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status allows us to serve our community better. To that end, we welcome and encourage diverse applicants to this position. ABOUT THE SCHOOL The Christa McAuliffe Charter School’s mission is to cultivate within each member of a diverse student body, through the expeditionary learning design, an intense commitment to self and community, the courage and insight to set high standards for academic and personal success, and the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to achieve those standards. McAuliffe is a charter middle school (grades 6-7-8) educating 300 scholars who live in MetroWest: Ashland, Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, Marlborough, Natick, Southborough, and Sudbury. We are one of 155 EL Education (EL) schools nation-wide and one of nine EL schools in Massachusetts. EL is a non-profit organization devoted to providing network schools with a highly-respected model of comprehensive school reform with an emphasis on high achievement through active learning, character growth, and teamwork. WHAT IS EL EDUCATION? EL Education (formerly Expeditionary Learning) is a national school reform organization operating in 165 schools in 30 states and reaching over 45,000 students. EL partners with schools to improve student achievement through an inquiry and project-based approach. EL schools inspire the motivation to learn, engage teachers and students in new levels of focus and effort, and transform schools into places where students and adults become leaders of their own learning. POSITION OVERVIEW McAuliffe’s Director of Student Services is responsible for overseeing the school’s Student Services Department, which includes special education, English language learning, nursing, and Title I services and programming. The primary functions of the position are to ensure quality programming for students in these subgroups and ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations. The Director of Student Services reports to the Executive Director and supervises the Special Education Coordinator, the ELL/Title I Coordinator, the school nurse, specialists, and special education teaching staff. ** Education, Licensure, and Employment History - Master’s degree and special education licensure - Two or more years as team chair or special education administrator/director. - Two or more years of teaching experience in middle or high school. ** Philosophical Alignment: - Demonstrated passion for educating middle school students - Belief in and commitment to the school’s Expeditionary Learning mission ** Experiences: - Coordinating and managing special education service delivery. - Building partnerships with families and involving families as members of the IEP / 504 Team. - Facilitating annual, three-year, and initial evaluation meetings with highly involved families and advocates. ** Technical Knowledge & Skills Include: - In-depth knowledge of IDEA and 504 laws and associated regulations, processes, and procedures. - Skilled at interpreting psychoeducational evaluations and determining eligibility for special education - Knowledge of current ELL laws and regulations (federal and state). - Writing IEPs and coaching special educators on IEP writing, including measurable goals and benchmarks - Use of ESped, Google Docs platform, and Excel/Google Sheets. - Aptitude for building efficient and coherent systems for special education and ELL. - Setting and focusing long-term, short-term, and daily priorities while minimizing distractions. - Exemplary organizational skills and detail-oriented tendencies. ** Interpersonal Strengths Include: - Relationship-building with a wide variety of constituents. - Maintaining a calm presence during stressful situations. - Negotiation skills which balance getting students’ needs met, limit setting, and creative resolutions. - Collaborative spirit of “we are crew, not passengers”. - Asking for help and owning mistakes. - Contributing smiles, fun, and laughter in the workplace. - Working through challenging situations and supporting others to work through challenging situations. ** Mindsets: - Reflective and committed to ongoing learning & development. - Perseveres through challenging situations. - Results-oriented and committed to meeting the learning needs of a diverse student population. - Team player willing to roll up sleeves and get the job done! McAuliffe is committed to cultivating a community that embraces diverse backgrounds and perspectives; A diverse team allows us to serve our community better. If you are not sure that you meet all of the qualifications but you are interested in the position, we encourage you to apply! REQUIREMENTS: Massachusetts licensure as a Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (PK-8 or 5-12) Qualifications for Special Educator Prepared to Manage IEP Cases Previous experience teaching, counseling, or otherwise working with middle school students, ideally students with diverse backgrounds and learning skills Confidence in working with students who have diverse backgrounds and learning needs, and who have emotional or behavioral challenges “People person” who enjoys meeting people and builds relationships with ease including with young people Interest in the school’s mission and vision Collaborative, team-player, willing to share the load and ask for help Strong verbal communication skills in English (bilingual Portuguese or Spanish preferred) Organized and able to stay on top of multiple priorities Desire to work with people who have diverse racial, ethnic, religious & socio-economic backgrounds and willing to engage in self-work pertaining to implicit biases Curious and committed to growth and professional development A belief that all students can learn and be successful in school Experience writing and implementing Individualized Education Programs and writing progress reports Experience communicating regularly with parents/guardians, ideally regarding students with IEPs COMPENSATION & BENEFITS The salary for this position is based on educational background and number of years of experience. A salary scale is available upon request McAuliffe contributes 75% of health & dental premiums for individual or family plans and provides short-term disability and life insurance The position contributes to Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System (MTRS) Time-off benefits include 9 personal days, holidays, and school vacations Optional benefits include vision, dental, 403(b) retirement plan, FSA and Dependent Care Other stipended opportunities may be available