Executive Director of Special Education (C133-2526)

Executive Director of Special Education (C133-2526) Full time • Hartford Public Schools Description

REVISED SALARY AND TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT POSITION

Executive Director of Special Education

REPORTS TO

 Chief Academic Officer

SUPERVISES

Special Education Directors, Assistant Directors, and Support Staff- Certified/Non-Certified

POSITION SUMMARY

 The Executive Director of Special Education is responsible for overseeing the identification, evaluation, service provision, and program development for students with disabilities to ensure compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Connecticut and federal regulations. The Executive Director also serves as the primary instructional leader in monitoring educational access to and benefit from the general education curriculum through the provision of modifications and accommodations for students with disabilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & School Climate Leads, communicates, and implements special education programs that support student access, achievement, and wellbeing Responds to principal and school staff needs related to policy and procedural clarification Supports principals and school staff in identifying and securing appropriate programs and resources for students Collaborates with the Executive Directors in the Office of Academics to ensure effective Tier 1, 2, and 3 instruction and support for all students Works collaboratively with the Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning and Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning to ensure consistent implementation of high-quality practices in all schools Compliance & Legal Oversight Assesses systemic needs and develops programs to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, Board policies, and regulations Advises administrators and staff on the legal obligations of the district and the rights of students and families under applicable programs and legal authorities Oversees and provides documentation of compliance with federal and state special education laws and legislation, including IDEA, to the State Department of Education Provides staff with guidance regarding special education laws and other appropriate statutes Recommends policies and procedures related to special education services Ensures that parents of children with special needs receive appropriate training to assist them in understanding and fulfilling their role in the education of their child Instruction & Program Development Responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of special education programs, policies, and procedures in accordance with state laws and regulations Plans professional development incorporating differentiation of instruction, curriculum modifications and accommodations, co-teaching, and instructional strategies Collects and analyzes student assessment data to monitor academic progress Oversees the computer data management system used by the Special Education Department to record information on each child with special needs, and maintains and monitors student records as required by state regulations Supervises the referral of children placed in out-of-district programming Staff Supervision & Development Directs, supervises, and evaluates the work of special education directors, assistant directors, and support staff Assists building administrators with the personnel process in recruiting, selecting, and supervising special education teachers Conducts professional development for special education staff and school-based personnel on programs, services, and best practices Program & Budget Management Plans, administers, and coordinates special education programming in alignment with district goals and strategic priorities Responsible for IDEA Grant budget preparation, implementation, and fiscal accountability for special education programs Facilitates the development, monitoring, and utilization of the departmental budget and state and federal grants Develops and revises department policies, procedures, and programs as needed Coordinates related programs with appropriate local, state, and federal programs and regulatory bodies Collaborates with general and special education instructional directors and building administrators on student discipline, transfer, placement, promotion, retention, and recordkeeping Collaborates with necessary partners on the administration of state-required surveys Maintains positive relationships with private and public agencies Communicates effectively with school and community stakeholders on all areas of responsibility Works extended hours and weekends as necessary to ensure communication of essential information and completion of assignments QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, and

ABILITIES OF IDEAL CANDIDATE

A minimum of five (5) years of successful experience in an administrative capacity Advanced degree in special education or a related field is required Successful teaching experience in special education or a related field Knowledge of theories, concepts, and state regulatory requirements for special education programs Understanding of how student services programs support the School Improvement Process and increase student achievement Thorough knowledge of Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) and Hartford Public Schools policies, regulations, and procedures; special education bylaws; and federal and state legislation relating to special education Knowledge of curriculum and state framework, standards, and IEP development Knowledge of restorative practices and student behavior interventions, including Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and social-emotional learning (SEL) frameworks Understanding of and demonstrated ability to build rapport with individuals from diverse cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds Broad-based experience in problem solving and conflict resolution in a leadership context Proven leadership in implementing systems and processes for organizational development to increase student achievement Demonstrated ability to utilize and promote equitable practices across all facets of education Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data related to student learning and adjustment Demonstrated ability to relate effectively to students, teachers, staff, central office personnel, families, and community members Demonstrated ability to develop, monitor, and evaluate performance measures Highly effective written and oral communication skills, with an ability to communicate with clarity and transparency across diverse audiences Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, complex compliance timelines, and cross-functional teams to meet deadlines effectively

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

 Connecticut Intermediate Administration or Supervision certification (092) and Connecticut Special Education certification

UNION AFFILIATION

 Not Applicable

SALARY AND TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

 This is a twelve-month position with a salary range of $150,000 to $170,000. Salary is negotiable and may exceed the posted range based on experience and qualifications, as established through an individual employment contract.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

 To be considered, all internal and external applicants must fully complete a Hartford Public Schools' online application, which can be accessed through our Applicant Tracking System, Nimble, at https://app.hirenimble.com/jobs/hartford. Internal candidates should use a personal email address when applying. Please do not use your hartfordschools.org email. Upon submission, candidates' applications and supporting documents will be reviewed. Candidates who advance through the initial review will be invited to next steps in the selection process. Position Subject to Available Funding An Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/V/D Benefits We Value Our Staff…And It Shows Hartford Public Schools is seeking excellent candidates and wants to provide the best experience for you. We have put together a comprehensive package of benefits and incentives.

Financial Incentives Tuition Reimbursement:

 Up to $3,000 annually

Residency Differential:

 3% of base salary for certified administrators (HPSA members) living in Hartford

National Board Certification Bonus:

 $3,500 annually Differential for Doctorate in

Education:

$2,500 annually Additional Benefits Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance Board contribution of 50% of the applicable Health Savings Account (HSA) deductible 5 Personal days per year; 20 Sick days per year Life insurance (2x annual salary) Loan forgiveness (State & Federal) Professional learning Career growth opportunities Join

HPS & REPRESENT

Hartford Public Schools acknowledges that systems of injustice exist in our nation and our community. Our district is committed to addressing systemic barriers to create a culture of equity that benefits all students. We are committed to recruiting, developing, and retaining a diverse team of culturally competent educators. We strive to have our team reflect the different perspectives of our families and community so that we can work together to overcome obstacles, close the opportunity gaps, and prepare our students for continuous success. HPS is a diverse community of scholars and staff; racially, socioeconomically, culturally, and more. Among our students, there are 86 languages spoken; 25% of our student population are Multilingual Learners. Over 85% of the population are students of color. At Hartford Public Schools, we work deliberately to recruit and hire staff of various backgrounds and from our local community - 26% of our staff reside in Hartford. Among our teaching staff, 30% identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), compared to approximately 12% statewide. HPS has career opportunities of all kinds, in all of our schools. Come represent your community, your culture, and what's possible for our beautiful and capable students. When you work here, it's not just about making a living…it's about making a difference. And you don't just earn a paycheck…you earn lifelong respect. Hartford is The Place to Be The state of Connecticut is seated on the northeastern seaboard. Hartford is within an hour's drive of the coastline and is centrally located between New York City and Boston. Hartford is one of America's oldest and most historic cities, made up of 17 unique neighborhoods rich in history and diversity. It is commonly known as the "insurance capital" due to its prominence beginning in the 19th century as home to many of the most prestigious insurance companies in the U.S., many of which still call Hartford home today. The city features world-class museums, entertainment, and sports venues and is home to several major companies. An array of restaurants reflecting cuisines from all over the world attract people from far and wide, and more than 200 arts, heritage, and cultural organizations in the Hartford region provide hundreds of events year-round. In addition, several universities and colleges are in Hartford and the surrounding towns, allowing easy access to advanced degree programs. Want to learn more about opportunities in HPS? Join one of our monthly virtual information sessions.

An Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/V/D Note:

The above description covers the principle duties and responsibilities of the position. The description should not, however, be construed as a complete listing of all duties or as a contract. In all cases, these relationships, functions, and their applications are subject to change by the superintendent of schools.

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