Senior Manager of Special Education, Elementary & ELLs

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 Senior Manager of Special Education for Elementary and ELLs will work to ensure that students with disabilities, particularly in grades Kindergarten through fourth, who are at-risk for academic underperformance due to academic, emotional, and/or physical challenges can succeed in the rigorous academic programs within Uncommon Schools. The Senior Manager of Special Education for Elementary and ELLs is a full-time employee of Uncommon Schools; she/he is hired, supervised, evaluated by North Star Academy’s Director of Special Education. The Senior Manager of Special Education for Elementary and ELLs must be certified in New Jersey as a Special Education teacher and/or administrator.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Responsible for ensuring that North Star Academy schools provide the academic, emotional, and physical services for students who require additional support to thrive within the schools’ core academic programs, in conjunction with the schools’ instructional leaders and with a particular focus on students at the elementary level.

• Participate as a full member of North Star’s Regional Special Education Team

  • Collaborate with and support members of the elementary-based Child Study Team

  • Collaborate to develop and refine Regional Special Education guidance to support campus-based Special Education teams

• Coordinate summer and academic year staff professional development in the areas of special
  education and at-risk student services, including:

  • Identifying, training, and coaching elementary school-based Special Education Coordinators, Special Education Teachers, and providers of related services (e.g., occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, social workers).

  • Training, supporting, and coaching school leaders and general education teachers.

• Provide support to the school-based Special Education Coordinators and Special Education
  Teachers in the following areas:

  • Identifying students with disabilities and students in need of at-risk services.

  • Implementing IEPs and managing the provision of direct services by related service
    providers.

  • Designing differentiated instruction and administering rigorous, standards-based
    assessments to best serve students with disabilities and at-risk students.

  • Ensuring that all general education teachers know of, understand, and implement all
    classroom accommodations and modifications required by IEPs, 504 plans, and for at-risk students as appropriate.

  • Collaborating with school Principals to evaluate Special Education staff performance in midyear reviews.

• Manage and provide support to the school-based English as a Second Language Teachers in the
  following areas:

  • Identifying, instructing, and assessing English Language Learners in accordance with ESSA Section 3102, N.J.A.C. 6A:15-1.3, and N.J.A.C. 6A:15-1.10

  • Observe and coach to support the ongoing professional development as ESL teachers at North Star Academy

• Work with the North Star Academy Director of Special Education regarding the sharing of best
  practices across Uncommon Schools, support of Special Education staff, and school-based crisis
  cases (i.e. formal complaints to the state, legal matters, and complex cases).

• Support completion of Special Education state reporting requirements

• Perform other duties assigned by North Star’s Director of Special Education

• BA required; Masters preferred
• NJ Special Education Certification required; NJ Supervisor Certification preferred
• Passionate belief in the mission of Uncommon Schools
• Experience with providing services under and training in the IDEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1974 and Title II of the ADA Act of 1990
• Experience with supporting English Language Learners in accordance with ESSA Section 3102, N.J.A.C. 6A:15-1.3, and N.J.A.C. 6A:15-1.10
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with school-based leadership teams, Special Education Coordinators, Special Education Teachers, and providers of related services (e.g., occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, social workers, counselors, etc.)
• Ability to handle complaints, settle disputes, and resolve grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiate with others
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to speak and write clearly and persuasively
• Ability to comfortably present to and work effectively with a wide range of constituents
• Excellent organization, time management, and follow-up skills
• High sense of urgency
• Demonstrated ability to successfully handle multiple projects concurrently
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to constantly evaluate the effectiveness of Special Education services in Uncommon Schools.

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 $100,100 to $117,800. 

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 $106,000. 

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].