Pine Hill Elementary and William Sheehan Elementary Schools seek a Director of Student Services to join our caring and innovative community for August 26, 2024. The Student Services Director is a key member of the school administrative 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. You will also work closely with the Principal, Assistant Principal and Dean of Students, and the Academic Council (the school’s instructional leadership team) to maintain a warm, welcoming school culture for the inclusion of all students, and to promote consistent high expectations for achievement and behavior.
The Student Services Director reports to the district Director of Student Services. This position starts on August 26, 2024, and oversees the Extended School Year Program during the months of July and August.
OUR DISTRICT
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.
Required Qualifications
Master’s Degree in relevant educational area
Massachusetts DESE licensure as an Administrator of Special Education
SEI administrator 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
Responsibilities
Student Achievement: Diagnosis and Planning
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 decision-making
Coordinate the strategic assessment of school-wide special education needs on an ongoing basis and the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services to meet those needs
Develop and implement an organizational structure, guidelines, and procedures for meeting all local, state, and federal regulations and reporting requirement
Student Achievement: Learning, Engagement, and Behavior
Supervise the development of individual education programs for special needs students
Continually monitor students’ progress, including overseeing screening and referral for evaluation and functioning of evaluation teams, and use it to meet the needs of individual students
Monitor and consult with student support teams
Cultivate authentic, supportive relationships with students
Work with staff and families to create a collaborative, team-based approach to student support
Forge connections with students and families both in school and at co-curricular and community events
Supervision, Evaluation, and Professional Development
Recruit, hire, develop, supervise, evaluate, and retain diverse and talented members of the Student Services department
Coach educators in the development of growth plans that promote professional growth and student learning
Assist department members in the handling of day-to-day problems of instructions and guidance, and act as a resource for them
Make frequent classroom visits and engage in post-observation conversations that encourage educator reflection and continuous improvement
Monitor and provide appropriate consultation services for the department
Work with school leaders to design professional development sessions that support students’ academic, social and emotional growth and development
Priority Management and Operations
Oversee the administration of Extended School year, tutorial programs, and other school projects skillfully and efficiently
Manage the registration, placement, and orientation programs that facilitate the smooth transition for students entering the high school
Prioritize tasks and forge and support effective teams; create ownership through delegation and participation at all levels
Communicate effectively, honestly, and transparently with all constituencies, including staff, parents, and community members
Maintain the student records in an organized, accurate, and timely fashion and in accordance with student and parental rights under law
In cooperation with the district Director of Student Services and the Principal, develop and manage the middle school Student Services budget, including all special education grants
Assume other responsibilities assigned by the district Director of Student Services and building Principal
QUALITIES
Committed to inclusive educational practices
Innovative approach to programming and resources
Demonstrates sensitivity to the needs of students and their families
Exhibits equilibrium when dealing with urgent or emotional situations
Strong organizational and communication skills
Uses good judgment
JOB ENVIRONMENT
Work takes place in a fast-paced office environment within a large school building, primarily indoors. May be required to juggle tasks and will face interruptions as a matter of course. Training in crisis prevention and intervention is required.
Physical Requirements
Requires sufficient vision to read printed documents and to view detail on a computer screen for extended periods.
Ability to speak in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in normal conversation, on the telephone, and in the classroom.
Ability to speak in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in normal conversation, on the telephone, and in the classroom.
Requires sitting, standing, walking, carrying and lifting up to 30 lbs
Some travel, particularly within district, required
The Westwood Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.
Please apply directly through School Spring. Any duplication of this posting is not authorized.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Education and Training
Industries
Primary and Secondary Education
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Westwood Public Schools by 2x