Director of Special Education & ELL

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. With over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color, we exemplify diversity, equity, and inclusion. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!

The primary responsibility of the Director of Special Education and English Language Learners (ELL) is to ensure that all of Uncommon’s Newark campuses are both effective at delivering the best possible education for students with special needs and English language learners and compliant with all state and federal regulations regarding special education.

Vision of Role 
The Director of Special Education (DOSE) acts as a visionary and leads the continuous growth and development of our Special Education and ELL programming in each region. Beyond compliance the DOSE safeguards that our schools provide equitable opportunities for all learners, through innovative and supportive programming, inclusive policies, and supported daily instructional and operational practices. DOSEs are viewed as  instructional, operational, and compliance experts in all areas of Special Education and ELL programming, as given such, are provided opportunities to inform best practices with other regional leaders around Special Education and ELL programming in each region. They are viewed as a regional leader, serve as key partners to the Regional Superintendents of Instruction and Operation roles in each region, and are informed and able to provide relevant and accurate data and supporting information around major drivers of school culture and success. These drivers are inclusive of, but not limited to: school policy, external partnerships, staffing considerations, budgeting determinations based on the needs of the region and needs of individual students, curriculum design and implementation, and coaching and professional development of Special Education and ELL staff.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Data Analysis, Budgeting and Strategic Planning

• Collect, analyze and present student achievement data using multiple measures to identify trends, areas of strength and areas for improvement.
• Analyze student work and behavioral interventions to identify both student, teacher and support staff areas of support.
• Track progress of training for each special education coordinator on caseload.
• Make programmatic decisions based on opportunities presented in the data.
• Collaborate with the Data & IT Team to create or procure a data platform to house enrollment data, IEP data, staffing data and progress monitoring information.
• Examine historical special education and English language learner data to predict staffing needs and costs on an ongoing basis throughout the year and year over year.
• Execute strategic planning to accommodate the growth of Uncommon’s special education and English language learner student population and staff.
• Build out structures to support the most rigorous and appropriate post-secondary educational outcomes for students with disabilities and English Language Learners. 

Regional and School-based Management and Development:

• Manage and develop a team of associate directors for special education and English Language Learners and Related Services, dependent on region size.
• Train, support, and coach Regional and school-based administrators in the areas of special education, English language learner instruction, and at-risk student services.
• Train, support, and coach general education teachers in the areas of special education, English language learner instruction, and at-risk student services.
• Provide direct management to a group of school-based special education coordinators.
• Oversee professional development of school-based special education teachers and English New Language Teachers. 
• Coordinate, in collaboration with the Uncommon Schools Content Development and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Teams, the development of content related to instruction for special education and English language learners.
• Coordinate, in collaboration with the Uncommon Schools Recruitment Team, the recruitment of full-time and part-time staff in the areas of special education, English language learner instruction, and at-risk student services.
• Consistently review and communicate with regional leadership (ASUP & ACOO) the data and student population needs for continued innovation efforts, inclusive of program expansion, curriculum enhancements, and innovation in instructional practice. 

External Stakeholder Engagement:

• Maintain Uncommon’s relationship with each external districts of residency, Uncommon’s relationship with our authorizer, on matters related to special education and English language learners.
• Maintain relationships with related service providers and agencies for speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, vision, hearing, and paraprofessional services.
• Represent Uncommon at meetings and conferences with large national organizations and funders.
• Serve as the region’s primary liaison with outside counsel for legal matters regarding special education and English language learners.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensures that students receive the instruction and services required by IDEA, Section 504 or the Rehabilitation Act of 1974 and Title II of the ADA Act of 1990.
• Maintain IEP database (e.g., IEP Frontline or ED Plan) for all IEP functions.
• Provide regional and school based support to special education coordinators in the following areas:
  • Conducting “Child Find” activities in accordance with State and Federal law. 
  • Identifying incoming students’ needs for special education, English language learner instruction, and at-risk student services as indicated by family questionnaire responses. 
  • Reviewing the results of intake assessments of new students to identify students in need of special education, English language learner instruction, and at-risk student services.
  • Pre-referral and referral processes for special education, English language learner instruction, and at-risk student services.
  • Coordinating classroom observations and testing (i.e. psychological) as needed. 
  • Providing information to and from IEP Teams as needed.
  • Participating in the development and maintenance of IEPs by the CSEs.
  • Implementing IEPs, including managing the provision of direct services by the CSE.
  • Ensuring that all general education teachers know, understand, and implement all classroom accommodations and modifications required by IEPs.
  • Providing special education, English language learner instruction, and at-risk student services.

Experience Required:

• 5-6 years of experience of directly related experience
• Bachelor’s Degree 
• Must be certified in special education in NJ (or another state with intent to transfer)
• Must have leadership certification or willing to obtain in 1-2 years depending on program availability
• Must have taught special education and had direct experience with coaching 
• Proficiency in reading and writing Individualized Education Plan

Skills Required:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Strong time management skills; ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to maintain a calm, professional attitude in the face of challenging demands and external pressures. 
• Demonstrated ability to organize and work independently as a leader and as part of a team.
• Superior Excel skills.
• Ability to manage a budget.

Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent. [same for all roles]

Compensation 

Compensation for this role is between $111,100 to $138,900. 

Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant professional experience, education, certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. If you meet all job description requirements you will likely receive an offer of $125,000. 

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance plans
• 403(b) retirement savings program + employer match
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits
• Pre-tax flexible spending, dependent care, and health saving accounts

*A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE.

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building an exceptional team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. We also strive to ensure an inclusive community by creating a space for meaningful dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students. As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email [email protected].