Senior Manager, Special Education - High School

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. 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 Special Education Manager (Compliance) is responsible for ensuring North Star’s Special  Education policies and practices are fully compliant with federal and state mandates. 

Duties & Responsibilities:

Manage, support, and evaluate members of the K-12 Child Study Teams 

• Manage all implementation and compliance associated with SPED eligibility and evaluation  processes 
• Collaborate to develop and refine Regional Special Education guidance to support campus based Special Education teams 

Develop and deliver K-12 special education professional development in the area of compliance, specifically: 

• Identifying, training, and coaching school-based Case Managers, Special Education  Coordinators, and related service providers (e.g., occupational therapists, physical  therapists, speech and language therapists) on the requirements of IDEA and NJAC 6A:14 3. Oversee contracted related service providers 
• Ensure that all service providers meet or exceed the needs of our students and are  coordinating appropriately with relevant staff members 

Provide support as needed to 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
• Collaborating with school Principals to evaluate Special Education staff performance in  midyear reviews

Serve as Case Manager for students in out-of-district placements and liaison to Newark Public  Schools Special Education Programs 

• Confer with the appropriate teacher(s) to jointly write an I.E.P. appropriate to the student's  needs 
• Meet with parent(s) to discuss and familiarize them with the Child Study Team findings 
• Explain placement procedures, least restrictive environment, and rationale behind I.E.P. to  parent(s) or parental designate obtaining their written consent 
• Review and implement procedures for referral of students with perceived special  educational needs 
• Respond to family concerns promptly and effectively 

Inform regional and campus-based budgets 

• Communicate to the Director of Special Education the Child Study Team budgetary needs  • Project out-of-district expenses for campus budgets 

Complete Special Education state reporting in collaboration with North Star’s Director of School  Support 

Work with the North Star Academy Director of Special Education regarding school-based crisis  cases (i.e. formal complaints to the state, legal matters, and complex cases).  9. Perform other duties assigned by North Star’s Director of Special Education   

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education or an aligned field of study with appropriate certifications
• In depth knowledge of IDEA and NJAC 6A:14 
• Experience as a Special Education Teacher in public education 
• Hold one of the required certifications to serve as IEP Case Manager in the state of New Jersey  (i.e. School Psychologist, LDTC, Social Worker) 
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills 
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills 
• Evidence of knowledge of special education programming and experience working with students  with exceptional needs 
• Openness to feedback, and willingness to take responsibility for student success • Demonstrated commitment to professional growth 
• Attention to detail 
• Flexibility under pressure 
• Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player 
• Belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non negotiable

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
• 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.

At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve---with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.

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].