Administrator of Special Education – Swampscott Elementary School
Reports To: Building Principal
Job Overview
The Special Education Elementary Assistant Principal assists the building principal in organizing and fostering a positive, safe environment that is conducive to best meeting the needs of all students, staff, and parents. This includes leading, directing, counseling, and supervising students and staff; creating effective parent, teacher, and child communications; supporting, encouraging, mentoring, and evaluating staff; fostering teamwork between special education teachers and among staff and parents; and managing budget items. The Special Education Assistant Principal acts in the capacity of the Principal during their absence from the building.
Responsibilities and Duties
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Assist in the development, implementation, and assessment of instructional programs for students who receive special special education services.
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Provide leadership in developing and implementing policies and procedures that
promote student growth and foster a safe and engaging school community.
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Assist in the implementation of federal, state, and local programs and initiatives.
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Assist with scheduling, implementation of district goals, selection of instructional
materials, and analysis of test data; determine ways to improve instruction and student goals.
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Evaluate special educators using the Massachusetts Evaluation System.
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Assist in evaluating ESPs and ABA Tutors.
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Assist in the orientation of new special education staff, students, personnel policy and procedures, and general building practices.
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Assists the Principal with developing and managing the school budget.
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Assists the Principal in the discharge of their duties at all times.
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Collaborates on building usage, vertical alignment of curriculum, transition from fourth to fifth grade, and supporting culture and climate within the building.
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Provides leadership in student development including orientation, attendance, counseling, discipline, and academic progress. Cooperates with the School Resource Officer (SRO), the juvenile court system, and social service agencies.
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Assumes responsibility for implementing discipline procedures as stated in the Student Handbook. Develops innovative strategies, preventative approaches, and proactive plans for students who exhibit at-risk behaviors.
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Works collaboratively with the principal to create positive relations with parents, business leaders, and community members.
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Listens and responds to parent concerns with sensitivity and communicates with SES families when appropriate.
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Conducts parent and student meetings and attends after-school activities.
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Promotes open and reflective school-parent relationships. Assists in organizing parent conferences, back-to-school nights, and other times when staff is available to parents to discuss their child’s learning and behavior.
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Supports substitute special education teachers and staff in carrying out their duties.
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Assists with the development of the master schedule (including building student
schedules in Aspen X2).
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Supports the administration of testing programs, such as iReady and MCAS for students on IEPs.
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Serves on district-level committees as assigned by the Principal or Superintendent.
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Attends conferences, workshops, and meetings to keep informed of current practices
and trends in special education.
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Attends meetings of the school site council, advisory committees, etc. as requested
beyond the regular workday.
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Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Principal/Superintendent.
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Acts in the capacity of the Principal during the Principal’s absence from the school.
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Supports special education students during unstructured times
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Works with administrative assistants to oversee special education transportation services
Qualifications
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Master’s Degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a concentration in Administration, Supervision, and/or Curriculum
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Appropriate Licensure as Special Education Administration by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary special education and Secondary special education, to include Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) endorsement;
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At least five years of experience as a teacher or related service provider with evidence of strong leadership ability
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Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent or their designee may find appropriate and in conformity with state licensure requirements
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Citizenship, residency, or work VISA in the United States required
The Swampscott Public Schools does not discriminate or tolerate harassment against students, parents/guardians, employees or the general public. No person shall be excluded from or discriminated against in admission to the Swampscott Public Schools, or in obtaining the advantages, privileges and courses of study of the Swampscott Public Schools on grounds of race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, age, genetic information, ancestry, children, marital or civil union status, veteran status or membership in the armed services, receiving of public assistance, homeless, or disability.
