Special Education Department Head/Team Chair

Special Education Department Head/Team Chair Location: Franklin High School Salary:Bargaining Unit Agreements: General Description: Franklin High School seeks a Special Education Department Head / Team Chair to join our dedicated leadership team. This pivotal role combines strategic department leadership with the essential duties of a Team Chair to oversee school-wide special education, assessment, and programming. As a key member of the high school leadership team, you will conduct strategic assessments of student and family needs, evaluate programs, and supervise student services staff while ensuring strict compliance with state and federal regulations. Our ideal candidate is an innovative, collaborative problem-solver committed to inclusive educational practices. The Special Education Department Head / Team Chair reports to the Principal, Assistant Director of Student Services and the Director of Student Services. Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Process Management & Compliance

• Manage the special education process and required paperwork.
• Ensure that all mandated timelines are met with respect to the special education process.
• Adhere to district special education processes and procedures.
• Chair IEP meetings and assist staff in developing comprehensive, student-centered IEPs.
• Facilitate manifestation determination meetings as required.
• Maintain student records in an organized, accurate, and timely fashion in accordance with legal rights

Building-Based Leadership

• Provide building-based leadership for all special education matters.
• Work collaboratively with building-based special educators, district staff, and general education staff.
• Work closely with building and district administration, as well as district team chairs, to ensure appropriate programming and services for students with disabilities.
• Serve as a liaison with external agencies on behalf of students with disabilities as needed.
• Provide outreach and support to parents throughout the team process and thereafter.
• Develop and maintain school-wide policies and procedures to comply with state and federal regulations.
• Performs other related responsibilities as assigned.

Instructional Leadership & Achievement

• Utilize and model a data-driven decision-making process for student centered planning.
• Identify a range of appropriate data sources to inform instruction and identify students in need of additional support.
• Coordinate the strategic assessment of school-wide special education needs and evaluate the programs designed to meet those needs.
• Support educators in the development of professional growth plans that promote student learning.
• Support and continue to grow the co-teaching model, including coordinating professional development on inclusive practices and ensuring a collaborative approach with staff.

Supervision & Operations

• Assist in the hiring process and support of new staff.
• Assists Administration with Educator Evaluation System
• Assist department members in handling day-to-day instructional and guidance issues.
• In cooperation with district leadership, develop and manage the high school special education department budget

Required Qualifications:

Education: Master's degree in Special Education, Education Administration, or a related field required. Licensure: Massachusetts DESE licensure as an Administrator and Special Educator. SEI endorsement is preferred. Experience: Successful public-school experience as a Team Chair. A minimum of 5 years in K-12 education is required, with leadership experience in a high school setting preferred.

Knowledge:

Thorough knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations regarding students with disabilities. Familiarity with curriculum standards and high school programming. Deep understanding of research-based interventions, assessments, and strategies for educational and clinical intervention. Knowledge of adolescent development and trauma-sensitive educational practices.

Skills:

Demonstrated leadership capacity and the ability to take initiative and work independently. Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated commitment to celebrating diversity, pursuing equity, and promoting inclusive practices. Must successfully pass Criminal Offender (CORI) background check and national fingerprinting screening (CHRI).

Job Environment & Physical Requirements Work primarily takes place in a school building setting, including classrooms, offices, and common areas. Candidates must be able to:

• Read printed documents and view computer screens for extended periods.
• Stand, walk, sit, and reach frequently, with the ability to occasionally lift up to 30 lbs.
• Communicate clearly in normal conversation, on the telephone, and within classroom environments.

We understand that our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the FPS community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. We are committed to reflecting that diversity in our staff. We strive to have the most diverse applicant pool possible; to that end, we encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply for any position at Franklin Public Schools. Franklin Public Schools is committed to maintaining an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment in accordance with state and federal law, including based on age, race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, pregnancy-related status, gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual harassment, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information and/or disability.