SY26/27 Director of Special Education

Background:

Washington Leadership Academy (WLA) is a world-class college prep high school in Washington D.C. that prepares students to thrive in the world and to change it for the better. WLA employs college prep academics, computer science instruction, and real world experiences to ensure that students achieve their full potential. WLA fosters a community of wellness where students and staff members feel like family. WLA is one of 10 schools in the nation to be recognized as a “Super School” and awarded a $10 million grant to redesign high school and empower young people.

Expectations of the role:

Drives Compliance

Ensures special education staff abide by IDEA and local regulations

Establishes tracking systems that include student information related to IEPs, services, service hours and evaluations; student PLOPs, grades, cognitive potential, standardized test scores, and testing accommodations; and student discipline incidents

Maintains compliant special education files

Handles due process actions in collaboration with a technical assistance expert

Arranges for staff development/ training as needed

Ensures all staff completes required documentation for IDEA and Medicaid

Maintains calendar of annual, triennial review, 30 day review and initial eligibility/IEP meetings to ensure timelines are met

Oversee and manage all high level discipline for students with IEPs, such as FBA, BIP and manifestation hearings

Responsible for managing all compliance to OSSE for special education

Oversee and manage special education transportation

Chairs MDT

Convenes MDT on a regular basis to discuss and address needs of truant, suspended and failing students

Chairs initial eligibility/IEP conferences

Monitors and supports MDT meetings chaired by teachers/case managers

Ensures parents receive all notifications and evaluation reports in advance of the MDT meetings; ensures parents are welcomed as participating partners in all meetings

Ensures timely receipt of reports and evaluations’

Maintains communications with non-public school coordinator regarding transferring students and full time placements needed

Takes comprehensive meeting notes and monitors notes taken by teachers/case managers; records dissenting opinions; follows eligibility criteria and guidelines

Ensures Academic Progress

Overseas delivery of both instruction and related services as stipulated on IEPs (i.e- student schedule checks)

Supervises case managers and related service providers

Monitors service delivery in inclusion classes and resource settings

Ensures IEPs are curriculum based, relevant for the individual student, and complete

Stays abreast of best practices

Reviews and analyzes report cards and current performance measures and promotes alternative interventions when students are failing

Ensures students with disabilities receive appropriate accommodations and modifications for school based, state-level and CollegeBoard testing

Ensures cooperative relationships with general education staff; advocates for special education with school leaders

Reporting Relationships :

Special education director reports to the VP of Special Education

Minimum Requirements :

Bachelor’s Degree in education, special education or related field

Masters degree in special education and credentialing in specialized curriculum and instruction preferred

Standard background check clearance

3 years of teaching experience is helpful

To apply:

Please submit an application and upload your resume to Nimble

Complete the Special Education Director Task

SpED Coordinator Task Rubric linked here

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, walk, and use his/her hands. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move heavy classroom materials or equipment. The specific vision abilities required by this job may include close vision.

Washington Leadership Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is a drug-free workplace. Salary is competitive and is commensurate with experience. WLA provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and a retirement plan.

Washington Leadership Academy reserves the right to amend this job description at any time prior to or during employment.

What you’ll get from WLA ( list of benefits! ) :

A world class community of educators

Benefits:

Work with the most amazing team you’ll find anywhere!

Comprehensive vision, dental, and medical insurance package

403(b) retirement plan with 5% employer match

Robust classroom supplies and budgets

Personalized professional development opportunities based on needs, goals, and career pathways

Many days off spread throughout the year

Wellness time and support:

Many days off spread throughout the year (see the SY23-24 school calendar as an example)

Afternoons scheduled on select Wellness Wednesdays throughout the year for taking care of doctor’s appointments, errands, and other wellness / personal activities

School-sponsored wellness trainings and sessions such as yoga, meditation, and more