Special Education Administrator AMS

Special Education Administrator AMS 26-27

Starting Date: Immediately

Ashland Public Schools is seeking a Special Education Administrator for grades 6-8. The ideal candidate will facilitate all team meetings, provide oversight of special education services for students, provide consultation to the special education team to include related service providers, maintain regulatory compliance for special education timelines and documentation requirements, support the supervision of educational support professionals, and regularly collaborate with the Director of Student Services as well as Ashland Middle School Administrators.

They will also be responsible for a small group of out district students, evaluation of educational support professionals, and specialized program lead teachers.

• DESE Certification as Special Education Administrator or as a Director/Supervisor (covering at least grades K-8) with Special Education Teacher License and SEI Endorsement. Applicants working toward such DESE licenses are welcome to apply.
• Master’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of five (5) years experience as a Special Education Teacher or equivalent as deemed appropriate by the Director of Student Services.
• Experience teaching at the middle school level.
• Organizational and leadership skills to organize, work well with people, supervise, evaluate, and motivate others to achieve results.
• Knowledge of Massachusetts and federal special education laws, regulations, eligibility criteria, and ability to implement the special education process to ensure compliance.
• Knowledge of Individualized Education Programs and related IEP software programs.
• Deep understanding of the nature and complexities of a variety of learning disabilities.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with all school personnel and parents.
• Spanish and/or Portuguese bilingualism is preferred but not required.

• Supervise and evaluate Educational Support Professionals.
• Collaborate with Principals/Directors on Special Education Staffing and assist with hiring of Special Education Staff.
• Serve as Chairperson for all Team meetings.
• Oversee the referral process, Team meeting process, and adherence to Individualized Education Programs based on eligibility guidelines in accordance with federal and state requirements.
• Ensure that all timelines and required paperwork are completed within mandated deadlines.
• Ensure that all services for students identified as special needs are implemented.
• Assist with the oversight of the distribution of special education paraprofessionals within the buildings.
• Communicate extra‑curricular activities in the building that might require support as outlined in students IEPs.
• Oversee scheduling/assignments of paraprofessionals in the buildings as per student IEPs.
• Participate in bi‑monthly special education staff meetings with the Director of Student Services.
• Support coordination of professional development activities and in‑service training for staff.
• Ensure adherence to Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Coordinated Program Review Standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent, Director of Student Services and/or building administrator/supervisor.

Full‑Time