Westwood Public Schools seek a Special Education department head who will develop for the department a shared vision of achievement for all students and employ strategies for achieving this vision. In addition to demonstrating the qualities of an effective leader the successful candidate will demonstrate Skill in planning and preparation Excellent interpersonal and communication skills Experience with staff supportevaluationMADESE license as an Administrator of Special Education requiredNATURE AND SCOPEThe Department Head for Special Education is a key leadership position of the administrative team of the < The Department Head for Special Education oversees all school wide special education assessment and tutoring programs. In this capacity he or she conducts strategic assessments of studentfamily needs on an ongoing basis develops implements and evaluates programs and services to meet those needs supervises develops and evaluates staff develops and monitors budgets develops and maintains schoolwide policies and procedures to comply with state and federal regulations and fosters a positive climate for the inclusion of all students.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSRESPONSIBILITIESProvides effective leadership and vision for <Works in collaboration with other school and district administrators as a member of the districts leadership team.Coordinates the strategic assessment of school wide special education needs on an ongoing basis and coordinates the development implementation and evaluation of programs and services to meet those needs.Develops and implements an organizational structure guidelines and procedures for meeting all local state and federal regulations and reporting requirements.Supervises and evaluates key special education personnel and participates with building principals in the generation of performance evaluations of building level personnel.Plans and implements professional development for student services personnel.In cooperation with the Director of Student Services and the Principal develops and administers the student support services budget including all special education grants.Monitors and consults with student support teams.Performs additional duties as assigned by the Director of Student Services.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSMasters degree in relevant educational area licensed in Massachusetts by the DESE as an Administrator of Special Education. Administrative level SEI endorsement.
KNOWLEDGE ABILITY & SKILLThorough knowledge of current state and federal regulations and legal issues regarding students with disabilitiesClear understanding and knowledge of disabilities and current practicesmodels for educational and clinical interventionAbility to articulate a clear vision and plan for the effective implementation of that visionAbility to communicate effectively honestly and transparently with all constituencies including staff parents and community membersAbility to create ownership through delegation and participation at all levelsStrong organizational skillsStrong ability to prioritize tasks and to forge and support effective teamsAbility to skillfully and thoughtfully approach solutions to difficult problems
PERSONAL QUALITIESCommitted to inclusive educational practicesDemonstrates sensitivity to the needs of students and their familiesWorks collaboratively with others and forms effective working relationships with parents and colleaguesPlans strategically and uses technology adaptively to respond to issues as they ariseExhibits equilibrium when dealing with urgent or emotional situations
JOB ENVIRONMENTWork takes place in a fast-paced office environment within a large school building primarily indoors. May be required to juggle tasks and will face interruptions as a matter of course. Training in crisis prevention and intervention is required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSRequires sufficient vision to read printed documents and to view detail on a computer screen for extended periods.Ability to speak in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in normal conversation on the telephone and in the classroom.Ability to speak in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in normal conversation on the telephone and in the classroom.Requires sitting standing walking carrying and lifting up to 30 lbsSome travel particularly within district required