Assistant Director of METCO SY26-27- Needham Public Schools

Needham Public Schools is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community seeking an energetic, skilled, and warm Assistant Director of METCO to join our team. To enhance our goals of supporting students, families, and staff, Needham Public Schools seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

About Needham Public Schools (NPS): NPS has a deep commitment to the success of our diverse students and families and to the professional accomplishments of its educators. Needham devotes itself to cultural proficiency, equity, and community collaboration to fulfill the vision of the Portrait of a Needham Graduate. This METCO district comprises 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 nationally-ranked high school serving approximately 5,500 students. NPS is committed to addressing equity in the district by focusing on improving academic performance for historically marginalized students and ensuring our schools are safe for every child and free of bias, bullying, and hurtful acts that demean and diminish.

Needham Public Schools has a strong commitment to equity. Candidates who also have a strong commitment to this work are encouraged to apply. For more information on our equity work, please visit our equity website.

Job Description

Under the direction of the METCO Director, the Assistant Director will provide support to the Director in all areas regarding the developmental needs of METCO students/students of color and the program. The Assistant Director will actively support the academic achievement, cultural, and social/emotional needs of students and families in the middle school. The Assistant Director will work with teachers and staff throughout the district to develop professional development programming in the area of cultural competency. He/She/They will develop strong and collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, parents and act as a spokesperson and advocate of the METCO Program and students and families of color.

Essential Functions and Duties of the Position: The essential functions and duties listed blow are intended as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

• Meet regularly with teachers and guidance counselors to promote the academic and social progress of METCO students/students of color in grades 6-8.
• Monitor the academic performance of METCO students/students of color, as well as, develop and implement strategies to enhance the academic achievement and maximize the opportunities for METCO students/students of color to achieve academic success.
• Create developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive programs which address the needs of all middle school students.
• Assist families of METCO students/students of color in planning academic schedules and monitor course level changes, additions, and drops.
• Participate in student support teams, parent/teacher conferences and special education team meetings, as needed.
• Regularly notify the METCO Director of student progress
• Work with the Director, METCO Elementary and High School Coordinators to develop and coordinate the appropriate transitioning programs for Middle School students in the METCO program.
• Serve as liaison between the student, schools, and families.
• Coordinate and facilitate extra help sessions in conjunction with teachers and the pertinent specialists.
• Coordinate any special academic or counseling assistance to be provided outside of school.
• Provide support in the development of culturally relevant, and competent curriculum.
• Develop programming to support the academic and social emotional experience of student of color grades 6-8.
• Work in conjunction with the METCO Director and school administration to establish programs that will broaden the cultural awareness of all Needham Public School students in grades 6-8.
• Develop and provide culturally competent professional training district-wide for teachers and staff.
• Provide culturally competent insights to school-based crisis intervention teams.
• Coordinate all issues related to transportation k-12 with the support of the METCO Director, METCO Administrative Assistant and district Director of Transportation.
• Supervise and provide training for bus monitors.
• Assume any other responsibilities as assigned by the METCO Director.

Education and Experience:

• Master's degree required in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Public Administration or other, related field.
• 5 years of experience preferred, particularly in a school environment and with students and families of diverse backgrounds.

Skills, Abilities & Knowledge:

• Must be a highly motivated, self-starter who can work independently
• Must have a deep commitment to manage oneself in an environment that cares for each student and family.
• Must be committed to supporting the METCO students/students of color to perform at high levels.
• Must demonstrate a commitment to the district goals for the METCO program/students of color and work effectively towards meeting those goals each and every day.
• Must work in partnership with teachers and administration on issues of guidance and discipline.
• Must have well-established communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to share information and resources as appropriate.
• Must demonstrate a high degree of skill in working with a wide variety of constituents including school district employees and administrators.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and a high degree of diplomacy in responding to and resolving issues and problems in a highly professional manner.
• Flexibility to meet changes in work needs and demands.
• Must be highly organized, detail oriented and able to maintain confidentiality.

Compensation and Benefits:

Please review this page to learn more about employee compensation and benefits.

Salary is determined by experience, ranging from $94,606.57 to $108,172.22

This is a school year, 195 day position offering a competitive salary and benefits compensation.

The Needham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, active military/veteran status, ancestry, genetic information, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, and other administered programs and activities. In addition, students who are homeless or of limited English-speaking ability are protected from discrimination in accessing the course of study and other opportunities available through the schools.