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Assistant Director of Special Education

Propel Schools, Phila, PA, United States


Job Summary The Assistant Director of Special Education provides leadership in the development, placement, implementation, and evaluation of Special Education programs and services for students with educational disabilities and English Language Learners. The role maintains a hyper focus on compliance and instruction as it pertains to appropriate services provided to students with disabilities. The Assistant Director also streamlines student service processes and protocols in collaboration with the Assistant Director of Pupil Services to sustain continuity in practice across the Propel Network.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive salary for Assistant Director-level positions; prior work experience considered when determining placement within our salary range.

Relocation allowance for new hires moving 90 miles away or further.

Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision plan options at a low cost for individual employees and families.

Retirement: New hires participate in a 403(b); Propel contributes 5% automatically and matches up to 4%, increasing after 5 years.

Paid Leave: In addition to 16‑19 paid holidays annually, the Director will receive 5 sick days, 10 personal days, and accrue 6 hours of vacation time per pay period.

Tuition Assistance: Reimbursement of up to $3,000 annually upon completion of coursework that meets eligibility requirements.

Wellness Benefit: Reimbursement of $20 per month for wellness activities; staff can earn up to $300 for participation in a Wellness Program each year.

Professional Development: Support for staff growth with substantial school‑based and network‑wide professional development throughout the school year.

Key Job Elements

Coordinate and supervise services for students identified as eligible for special education and oversee the development and implementation of individual education programs (IEPs). Monitor compliance with state and federal regulations.

Coordinate and supervise services for students identified as English Language Learners (ELL).

Evaluate the provision of Special Education programming across Propel and develop long‑ and short‑range plans to improve delivery.

Collaborate with staff to ensure appropriate inclusion of students with IEPs in all subject areas, school programs, and activities.

Articulate and implement a vision of ensuring that students with IEPs are included to their fullest extent and receive services in the least restrictive environment (LRE).

Provide guidance on testing and classroom accommodations and modifications for students with disabilities and ELL students.

Monitor placement of students in off‑site special education programs and act as LEA at IEP meetings for students whose services are provided by public or private schools.

Engage in ongoing program planning to develop onsite classrooms for students previously in more restrictive settings.

Monitor compliance of discipline procedures for students eligible for special education, including adherence to requirements surrounding suspensions and manifestation determinations.

Coordinate and monitor Pennsylvania Alternative State Assessment (PASA) testing accommodations and staff training for PASA.

Coordinate activities required for the Special Education Cyclical Monitoring for Continuous Improvement process.

Complete and submit Special Education yearly reporting as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

In conjunction with the Director of Pupil Services oversee the implementation of School Psychological Services and ensure adherence to special education timelines related to evaluations and reevaluations.

Collaborate with the Assistant Director of Pupil Services to oversee compliance with Pennsylvania School Code regarding attendance regulations for students with disabilities.

Oversee Positive Behavioral Support Intervention Planning initiatives, including Positive Behavior Support Plans and Crisis Prevention/Intervention.

Coordinate and supervise enrichment services for students.

Coordinate and supervise the development and monitoring of Chapter 15/504 Service Agreements, ensuring compliance with state and federal mandates.

Coordinate and supervise Homebound Instruction and related reporting procedures for students with IEPs.

Coordinate and supervise services for English Language Learners, ensuring adherence to regulations and reporting requirements.

Serve as the testing coordinator for PASA and the WIDA Network‑wide.

Provide professional learning and education network‑wide to ensure knowledge of the LRE as it pertains to students with disabilities and English Language Learners.

Qualifications & Skills

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in special education, pupil services, administration, or supervision.

Certification in Special Education and/or Supervisor of Special Education Certification.

Minimum of 5 years of experience in Special Education leadership.

Demonstrated knowledge and application of effective principles, practices, and trends within special education and student services.

Knowledge of Special Education law, particularly LRE.

Strong interpersonal skills.

Superior organization, documentation, prioritization, and self‑motivation skills.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Valid PA driver’s license.

Preferred

K‑12 Principal Certification or Supervisor of Special Education Certification.

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