Evaluation Team Chair (SY26-27)

Position: Evaluation Team Chair - Early Steps Preschool/ Cunniff Elementary School

Position Type: Full-time

Department: Special Education

Location: Early Steps Preschool/ Cunniff Elementary School

Reports to: Principal and Director of Student Services

Affiliation: WEA Unit A

Salary range: As determined by Unit A Salary Schedule

General Description:

Watertown Public Schools seeks an outstanding Evaluation Team Chair who is passionate about improving education outcomes for students with disabilities through maximizing inclusive opportunities. The ideal candidate is an excellent communicator, skilled at facilitating team meetings involving teachers, specialists, students, parents and caregivers, advocates, consultants, and outside agency professionals. This leadership position requires strong interpersonal skills and a knowledge base of special education regulations, processes, and procedures. Qualified candidates will present evidence of expertise and experience in the following areas: Common Core and MA state curriculum frameworks; evaluation and assessment procedures and interpretation of educational data; development of Individual Education Programs (IEPs); meaningful inclusive teaching practices for students with special needs including Universal Design for Learning and inclusion strategies; knowledge of evidence-based methodologies for instruction; effective communication and collaborative relationship building with colleagues and parent and caregivers; knowledge of special education process and procedures as well as pre-referral mandates and eligibility criteria. Candidates for this position are highly organized, flexible, creative, and self-reflective educators with a growth mindset. The ideal candidate for this position is passionate about providing a Free and Appropriate Public Education in the Least Restrictive Environment.

Responsibilities:

• Clearly communicate and adhere to state and federal laws and regulations related to 504 and special education processes and procedures, including the concepts of a Free and Appropriate Public Education in the Least Restrictive Environment
• Facilitate all IEP and 504 Team meetings for eligible students (initial, annual reviews, re-evaluations, manifestation determinations, and other Team meetings)
• Create and maintain a Team atmosphere that focuses on students' strengths and promotes collaboration among all Team members
• Assure that parents and caregivers are informed and comfortable throughout the Team process
• As part of the Team process, monitor and evaluate students' academic, social, and behavioral progress in relation to IEP goals and objectives and Common Core standards
• Assure adherence to mandated timelines for evaluations, meetings, and document completion
• Maintain effective communication with administrators, parents, counselors, and related service providers
• Provide training as needed to colleagues on topics in special education
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications Required:

• Valid DESE Teacher of Special Needs or license in a related field
• Excellent spoken and written communication skills

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred
• Dual licensure - Special Education (or related field) and General Education - preferred
• Experience working with students with a range of disabilities in a public school setting preferred

Equal Opportunity Employer

Watertown Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.