Special Education Team Chair

Overview

The vision of the Arlington Public Schools is to be an equitable educational community where all learners feel a sense of belonging, experience growth and joy, and are empowered to shape their own futures and contribute to a better world. This position will split time between two schools - Peirce Elementary, a K-5 Elementary School, and Ottoson Middle School, a 7-8 Middle School.

ARLINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Arlington Public Schools are committed to creating an inclusive and safe learning and working environment that reflects a diversity of perspectives, values, and experiences. We welcome staff who are aware of the role that bias and prejudice play in society, are creative and willing to try new approaches, and are reflective about their daily practice. We are looking for candidates who welcome a challenge, are eager to collaborate and contribute to the success of students, are ready to engage in two-way partnership with families, and who will contribute their diverse talents to the organization as a whole.

Team Chair – Special Education

• Special Education certification and/or relevant certification
• Experience leading Team Meetings
• Computer Software competency, with particular focus on Special Education Database Software (PCG-EASYIEP/EdPlan)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Special Education Coordinator and Building Principal

• Team Meetings
  • Chairs team meetings: eligibility determination for initial and re-evaluation meetings.
  • Chairs annual reviews under conditions such as student with a TA, potential change in placement, emergency meetings for 45-day placement, hospitalization, change in related services, transition planning, new student from another district, receipt of outside evaluation within mandated timelines, or other special circumstances as determined by the Coordinator.
  • Coordinates the scheduling of all annual reviews and reevaluations with technology and clerical support.
• IEP Process and Monitoring
  • Reviews all IEP reports prior to meeting.
  • Sets due dates for receipt of written evaluation reports.
  • Summarizes key results.
  • Records parent concerns and Team vision.
  • Dra s ts PLEP A and B with input from Team.
  • Assures alignment of all sections of IEP.
  • Oversees goals.
  • Insures FAPE (free and appropriate education).
  • Ensures that the Team identifies and provides educationally relevant and required services.
  • Responsible for content/service delivery/placement of final IEP incorporating input from team meeting.
  • Finalizes IEPs per district protocols.
  • Reviews progress reports.
  • Oversees adherence to entrance/exit criteria for programs and services.
  • Monitors all students monthly who have Services Only IEPs in private tuition schools (e.g., St. Agnes).
  • Provides monthly report to coordinator on numbers of students on IEPs at the building level including private pay students.
• District Procedures
  • Follows district Special Education procedures and protocols, including placement, TA and counseling protocols.
  • Reviews building-based referrals for completeness of SST process, including documentation for concerns, strategy implementation and results prior to generating consent for evaluation.
  • Generates consent for evaluations with consultation from psychologists or other evaluators.
  • Consults with principals on 504s.
  • Attends and participates in district-wide special education department activities.
  • Attends and participates in district-wide professional development activities as directed by the Assistant Superintendent or Director of Special Education.
• Building Based Responsibilities
  • Attends weekly SST meetings, as requested.
  • Conducts educational evaluations as needed.
  • Conducts monthly building-based special education department meetings.
  • Attends weekly Team Chair meetings.
  • Consults with building-based substantially separate programs.
  • Consults with Principal, Psychologist, and Social Worker for all special education procedures/protocols and building issues.
  • Provides feedback to Principal and Coordinators for special educator evaluations.
  • Consults with Principals and Coordinators on MCAS accommodations.
• Communication
  • Assures that central office initiatives, concerns, and procedures are communicated regularly at staff meetings.
  • Other responsibilities as determined by Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, Special Education Coordinator and/or Building Principal.

Salary and Benefits are consistent with the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Arlington School Committee and the Arlington Education Association. The Salary Schedule is on our website. Salary placement is based on Education and Experience.

Arlington has a well-established new teacher induction program with mentoring throughout the school year. The first official work day in the  school year will be August 27, 2025. However, new staff are required to attend several days of orientation and training during the last two weeks of August.

The Arlington Public Schools are committed to creating an…