Special Education Administrator - Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program

Administrator of Special Education - READS Collaborative Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field.
• DESE Special Education Administrator License or ability to obtain
• Strong knowledge of Massachusetts and Federal special education laws and regulations.
• Experience with Individual Education Program (IEP) development and implementation
• Experience chairing Team meetings
• Fluent in American Sign Language or willingness to learn
• Knowledge of general child development and language development as specifically related to Deaf and Hard of Hearing students or willingness to learn
• Knowledge of current trends and best practices in education, especially as it relates to Deaf education or willingness to learn
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices

Preferred Qualifications:

• Higher Education Degree in Deaf Education or related field preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in special education, including leadership or administrative roles.
• Familiar with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing educational research
• Familiar with educational interpreter roles
• Knowledge of Massachusetts Frameworks including the Common Core
• Teacher of the Deaf or experience in a related field

Summary:

The READS Collaborative Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Program is located in Norton, MA with one satellite program embedded within the Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical High School in Taunton, MA. The READS DHH program provides a full array of special education services to students who are Deaf and/or Hard-of Hearing for grades PreK - 12+. Services range from fully substantially separate education to full inclusion with interpreter and academic support as needed.

The DHH Administrator of Special Education will support the Program Director in the overall supervision and implementation of the DHH Program, assuring that all policies and procedures are followed in accordance with MA DESE regulations. The DHH Administrator of Special Education will oversee the special education process and implementation of students' individual education programs (IEPs) with the goal of maintaining a high quality, student-centered program.

Reports to:

DHH Program Director

Performance Responsibilities May Include:

• IEP Team Meeting facilitator oversees IEP development, implementation, and review process along with regulatory timelines.
• Act as a liaison to building principals as directed by the Program Director.
• Serve as liaison between member districts, families, and outside agencies.
• Facilitate collaborative meetings, including Team meetings, parent conferences, and interagency coordination.
• Promote family engagement and ensure culturally responsive communication practices.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including IDEA, Section 504, and Massachusetts special education regulations (603 CMR 28.00).
• Coordinate and respond to program audits, compliance reviews, and state monitoring activities.
• Support the implementation of inclusive practices and least restrictive environment (LRE) principles.
• Assist in the program referral process as needed, such as home or school visits.
• Assist in the observation and evaluation of staff in accordance with READS Collaborative policies and MA DESE regulations as directed by the Program Director.
• Facilitate positive public relations in the community through ongoing communication, striving to maintain a positive program image.
• Assure that program design, treatment philosophy, and interventions reflect up-to-date research and best practices in education.
• Promote a positive team culture and communicate regularly with the faculty, host school faculty and READS administration regarding students and general program and educational issues.
• Assist in the coordination and oversight of MCAS and host district assessment administration, including ordering of test materials, assuring adherence to security procedures for test materials and providing training and consultation to faculty regarding assessment administration
• Any additional responsibilities as determined by the Program Director and/or the Executive Director

Terms of Employment:
Non-Bargaining Unit Position Work Year: 205 days Rate of Pay: 90 - 115K