Assistant Principal of Special Education

The Assistant Principal of Special Education (AP of SpED) is responsible for the achievement and support of students with exceptionalities. The AP of SpED oversees our special education teachers and support staff who work with students who have a wide range of learning, cognitive, emotional, and physical disabilities. The primary goal of this role is to close learning gaps of two years in just one school year. The AP of SpED provides the crucial bridge between home and school for our highest need students and their families.

The AP of SpED sets ambitious goals for student achievement and diligently tracks student data to drive effective educational programming decisions. Like all leaders on our campus, they seek feedback and continue to develop their practice to better serve students. They ensure all Special Education Compliance benchmarks are met, that students are achieving, and that families have accurate and timely information about student progress and student support.

Responsibilities

• Act as the direct supervisor for Support Staff (Special Education Teachers, Paraprofessionals, language support professionals, etc) leading their professional development and growth
• Collaborate with General Education teachers to adapt lessons to meet the needs of all students
• Work with Special Education and General Education teachers to develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
• Plan and lead weekly SpED team meetings, individual coaching meetings, and Response to Intervention Meetings
• Ensure implementation of IEPs, assess students' performance, and track their progress
• Update IEPs throughout the school year to reflect students' progress and goals; lead effective ARD and MDR meetings
• Assess students' skills to determine their needs and to develop teaching plans
• Model teach intervention and small groups consisting of students that are academically at risk in reading and/or math to include students in general education, 504, response-to-intervention, Special Education and English Language Learners.
• Coach and develop special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and teaching fellows (supporting students with special education needs)
• Collect and analyze student data in order to make effective decisions to maximize achievement
• Discuss student's progress with parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators
• Support teachers in implementing state learning standards and Etoile Academy curricula and assessments to meet ambitious academic expectations
• Implement formal and informal assessments to track each individual student's progress and learning needs, adjust lesson plans accordingly and update gradebook weekly
• Communicate students' progress with student and family on a weekly basis
• Effective facilitation and personal use of technology as a communication and educational tool to improve student achievement and manage work related tasks.
• Implement a clear and consistent behavior management system of students with that aligns to campus- wide initiatives while developing students' character and sense of community in the classroom
• Help shape and develop a school wide culture that fosters a productive and enthusiastic learning environment for each student
• Establish and maintain a cooperative working relationship with students and families based on trust, understanding and respect for the communities in which they identify
• Host and/or facilitate necessary tutoring sessions to meet all students' needs
• Participate in weekly manager check-ins, grade-level meetings, before and after-school duties, and school wide meetings and functions
• Engage in summer and year-long district, school and personal learning and development
• Minimum of 40+ hours spent at school per week
• Work with the leadership team to ensure the school maintains safe and joyful school procedures (arrival, lunch, dismissal, hallway, etc)
• Other duties as necessary to support the mission of the school

We look for team members that embody our REACH values. This includes the characteristics below.

• Open to sharing and implementing feedback with reverence and professionalism for the work (Respect).
• Authentic care for student results and effective teaching (Excellence).
• Setting a higher bar for yourself and others each day (Ambition).
• Honest contribution to and collaboration with the community (Community).
• Do what is needed to achieve results (Hard Work).
• Believes in education as a profession and holds oneself to a high level of conduct and professionalism

Qualifications

• Special education certification required.
• ESL or Bilingual certification preferred.
• A minimum of two years of professional experience in high-performing urban schools with specific experience in special education teaching and/or leading.
• Expertise in facilitating ARD meetings, writing IEPs, and general special education compliance.
• Experience as a teacher or school-based role required.
• A demonstrable commitment to pursuing equity.
• A strong track record of experience and results as a trusted member of an organization's leadership team.
• Ability to multi-task and work within an ambiguous, fast-moving, start-up environment, while driving toward clarity and solutions.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Bilingual (Spanish and English) preferred.

Apply Now

To join our team, please click here to apply.

Étoile Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability, in admission or access to, or treatment of employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the organization's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), may contact HR at 713.265.8657.