High School Student Services Department Chair

Westwood High School Student Services Department Chair

Westwood High School seeks a Student Services Department Chair to join our caring and innovative community for the  school year. The Student Services Department Chair is a key member of the high school leadership team who oversees all school-wide special education, assessment, and tutoring programs. In this capacity, you will conduct strategic assessments of student/family needs on an ongoing basis; develop, implement, and evaluate programs and services to meet those needs;

hire, supervise, develop, and evaluate student services staff; develop and monitor budgets; and develop and maintain school-wide policies and procedures to comply with state and federal regulations. Our ideal candidate is an innovative, organized, collaborative problem-solver and a champion of inclusion.

The Student Services Department Chair reports to the district Director of Student Services and Principal. You will also work closely with the Assistant Principal, Dean of Students, and the Academic Council (the school’s instructional leadership team). This is a school-year position (209 days) that includes summer work days.

Westwood is a welcoming suburban community with an exceptional track record of supporting and celebrating its public schools. As a district, we are committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, and we understand that a diverse team allows us to serve our community better. We welcome and encourage individuals of every race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status to seek opportunities within our school district.

You will join the strong professional learning community of the Westwood Public Schools. In our mission to prepare students for college, career, and civic life, we work collaboratively to provide rich and rigorous curriculum, high-quality instruction, trusting relationships, and authentic educational experiences. We hold true to our core district values of academic excellence and a commitment to improvement; curiosity and tenacity;

and respectful relationships in a caring, collaborative community.

Westwood High School is a thriving community of hardworking and thoughtful students, families, and staff. With approximately 900 students in grades 9 - 12, the school maintains a small‑school feel while offering a comprehensive array of academic programs, co‑curricular activities, and support services. Our educators model and encourage a deep investment in learning. Coursework focuses on preparing students for college and careers while also providing them with opportunities to try new things and explore their passions in depth.

WHS is a proud METCO school, with strong program leadership and an unwavering commitment to supporting the values of the nation's oldest and most successful public school racial integration program.

• Master’s Degree in education administration, special education or related field
• Massachusetts DESE licensure as an Administrator and Special Educator
• SEI endorsement preferred
• 5 years of experience in K‑12 education required; some leadership experience within a high school preferred
• Thorough knowledge of current state and federal regulations and legal issues regarding students with disabilities
• Clear understanding and knowledge of disabilities and current practices/models for educational and clinical intervention; the ability to articulate a clear vision and plan for the effective implementation of that vision
• Ability to skillfully and thoughtfully handle a multitude of varying and complex issues with creativity and empathy
• Demonstrated commitment to celebrating diversity, pursuing equity, and promoting integration
• Familiarity with trauma‑sensitive educational practices

• Provide effective leadership and vision in the area of special education and related support services
• Identify a range of appropriate data sources and effectively analyze the data for student‑centered…