The Diverse Learner Program Specialist plays a critical role in empowering special education teachers and site administrators to ensure that all Summit Public Schools are providing exceptional services to students with IEPs and their families.
The Diverse Learner Program Specialist provides regional expertise, coaching, and modeling to develop highly effective classroom teachers, confident and compliant case-managers, and powerful influences in the lives of some of Summit Public Schools’ most neurodiverse and historically marginalized students.
The ideal candidate is an experienced special education administrator. The ideal candidate is also highly organized, takes initiative, possesses excellent communication skills, thrives in a collaborative environment, has expertise in SEIS (CA) or IEP Online (WA), knowledgeable in federal special education law and State guidelines, at least two years experience as a special education administrator, and has a passion for facilitating personal and professional development experiences.
Who We Are:
What if all students graduated high school with the knowledge, skills and habits they need to lead a fulfilled life? This is the question that guides our mission at Summit Public Schools.
Summit is a leading network of public schools that prepare a diverse student population for success in a four-year college and to be thoughtful, contributing members of society. We operate 10 schools serving over 3,400 students in the Bay Area and Washington state. 100% of Summit graduates are college ready and Summit graduates complete college at double the national average.
We need exceptional mission-aligned educators to join our team to help prepare our students for a fulfilled life. Join us!
Collaboration & Training
Plan programs, provide resources and technical assistance for, and assess the effectiveness of the diverse learner program at assigned schools
Provide leadership, observe, consult with, and assist school site teams in developing, planning, implementing, organizing and instructing students with diverse learning needs
Assist site level administrators in recruiting, hiring, supporting, training, and coaching teachers and paraprofessionals of diverse learners
Serve as a knowledgeable professional in the Individual Education Program (IEP) planning process.
Ensure the use of best practices in the implementation of pre-referral and positive behavioral and academic interventions as outlined in the IEP by collaborating with school psychologists, other specialists or site faculty including providing professional development as needed
Leverage individual and cultural diversity, demonstrating knowledge and understanding of working with multilingual students
Participate in IEP team meetings as needed to ensure effective collaboration and meet IEP meeting requirements (may serve as LEA representative)
Collaborate with Directors of Diverse Learners to develop and coordinate the delivery, and effectiveness of relevant professional development activities for both diverse learner and general education teachers
Provides support for data driven decision-making and accountability to improve the instructional program and assure student progress
Case Management & Programming
Assume responsibility for appropriate identification, educational programming and services for students with diverse learning needs
Ensure due process requirements are met to complete the appropriate development of IEPs and provide ongoing monitoring to ensure IDEA compliance under the direction and guidance of the Director and SELPA
Coordinate and develop plans for incoming and exiting students including interim placements, 30-day IEPs, transition IEPs, and IEP file reviews and transfers
Plan program, coordinate curricular resources, and evaluate effectiveness of programs for students with diverse learning needs
Manage non-public school or residential treatment center placements and complex cases to assure appropriate services, facilitate conflict resolution to resolve disputes related to student’s IEPs, demonstrating knowledge of current IDEA and Summit design, policy and procedures
Develop, implement, and revise behavior programs for identified students in accordance with best practice methodologies and procedures; provides ongoing monitoring of behavior programs, including individuals and group instruction.
Data Management & Values-Based Compliance
Research and leverage deep knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and policies that impact diverse learners
Develop data collection systems, monitor data collection and provide programmatic recommendations based upon results.
Oversee referral for special education including responding to caregiver requests in accordance with legal requirements.
Advise and consult with site level administration in determining appropriate offers of FAPE.
Other duties as assigned to ensure overall diverse learner program effectiveness
Key Qualities and Skills
Commitment to uphold Summit’s values, belief that all children deserve a rigorous and equitable education that prepares them for college and for life.
Bachelor’s degree is required.
Master’s Degree in Special Education or in a related field is preferred.
A Teaching Credential in California or another US state is required in one of the following: Education Specialist credential in Special Education; Speech and Language; or Pupil Personnel Services credential in School Psychology, Counseling, or Social Work.
5+ years teaching experience is required.
Experience creating Individual Education Programs (IEPs), along with the ability to evaluate an IEP for legal compliance, is required.
Proficiency in Google Platforms, including Google Drive, Google Sheets, Google Docs, and Google Slides.
Clear health and background check.
About You
You maintain high expectations for all students and believe all students can find success in school, college, and life.
You thrive while collaborating and are excited to work with your colleagues. You find positivity in share successes.
You share our vision to reimagine what schools should be and are excited to make an impact on the public education landscape.
You are data-driven and have the ability to collect, evaluate, and utilize data in meaningful ways.
You have a track record of success in leading a school or schools to high levels of performance.
You are positive and resilient in the face of big challenges.
You possess strong people management skills, with the ability to motivate, inspire, develop, and collaborate with a diverse group of school leaders, staff members, and community members.
You are skilled at managing groups of leaders through fast-paced iterative design cycles.
You have an ability to focus on long-term outcomes and think broadly on how to adjust structures to meet desired outcomes.
You have a strategic mindset when it comes to executing professional development initiatives.
You take initiative and ownership in driving your work to meet personal and team goals.
You have the ability to apply honest, actionable, and timely feedback that results in improved performance.
You are empathetic and culturally competent. You’re open to having hard conversations.
You thrive in innovative environments and are comfortable with the ambiguity that can come with a dynamic and progressive workplace.
You’re committed to continuous improvement, see feedback as a positive, and have a growth mindset.
Summit offers competitive salaries and benefit options for full-time employees, including covering 75% of the health, dental and vision plan costs. We fully cover life and disability insurance. We have a “take what you need” PTO policy, 11 paid holidays and 3 weeks of organizational-wide closure during the year. The salary for this position starts at $101,314 and goes up to $127,374 commensurate with experience and qualifications. Summit is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are directly intertwined with education. We are ALL better when we are able to bring our whole selves to work and honor each other’s voices across identities, cultural backgrounds, and life experiences. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals who are members of historically marginalized communities. Spanish language proficiency is a plus.
