Uncommon Schools is a non-profit network of 53 outstanding public charter schools in grades K-12 across New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts. Our mission is to start and manage outstanding urban public charter schools that close the achievement gap and prepare students from low-income backgrounds for success in college and beyond. We are accomplishing that mission every day, with a college graduation rate that is well above the national average and thousands of stories of our students and alumni achieving their dreams.

Location for this role is flexible: NYC, Newark, Camden, Boston, Troy, or Rochester, NY

General Summary

The Special Education (SPED) Leader will lead a team of six regional directors who will work collaboratively to ensure that all students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), 504 plans and English Language Learners (ELLs) thrive academically, socially, and emotionally during their k-12 school experience and in their post-secondary lives.  The SPED Leader will manage each regional SPED director to draft a long-range plan that provides students the opportunity to learn in a least restrictive environment providing supplemental services, integrated co-teaching, and self-contained according to each student’s needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Execute on a vision for how regional team and schools support SPED and ELL students to meet ambitious achievement and persistence goals
• Develop long and short-range ELL and SPED plans/programs and annual budget for the purpose of ensuring that each region’s resources are effectively utilized, and to improve student achievement for all students
• Develop a human capital strategy and pipeline that will ensure Uncommon has a strong pool of certified SPED and ELL teachers, with content expertise, year over year
• Establish a vision and strategy for the professional development of SPED and ELL Teachers and leaders, as well as General Education Teachers who teach SPED and ELL students, including coaching and professional development
• Develop systems to track and monitor progress of students with special needs in order to accurately communicate the progress with key stakeholders (students, staff, and families)
• Secure and distribute exemplary curriculum for self-contained, modified classes for k-12 I
• In coordination with outside council, provide risk management analysis
• Ensure schools have access to the systems, support and training needed to execute on district and state compliance requirements for SPED and ELL students
• Promote the integration of career research and work-based learning opportunities into CTE and academic courses
• Promote the use of technology for career planning and research
• Design a rigorous high school program for overage, under credited high school students. This includes a pathway to a high school diploma and a non-traditional, post-secondary program
• Develop clear and informative school quality reporting metrics to share reports regularly with appropriate stakeholders that will generate discussions for data driven decisions about curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices that improve student achievement

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Superior interpersonal skills
• Ability to research and quickly develop knowledge of state law with regard to ELL and SPED students in Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York
• A self-starter who possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong long-range strategic planning and budget development skills
• Demonstrated ability to organize and work independently as a leader and as part of a team
• Strong relationship builder who will form bonds with regional directors, school leaders, SPED coordinators, Executive Team and local advocacy groups

Education & Experience Required

• Requires a bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience in a K-12 education as a senior leader
• Deep familiarity with the Instructional and Operational Components of Special Education and English Language Learners
• Budget development and financial management experience
• Experience in leading change management in a large organization
• Travel between Uncommon's regions is required

Uncommon Schools offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package.  Aside from extensive professional development, all our staff members are equipped with a laptop computer, email, and all necessary supplies.

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 a talented team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. At the same time, we work to ensure an inclusive community through creating a space for important dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students.  As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.