Company Description

We are seeking a talented, committed, culturally competent, special education expert to join our central Academic Team as a Regional Director of Special Education. The person in this position will primarily support special education leaders and programming in the elementary schools in our network. The initial application deadline for this position is Monday, October 25th. Candidates who apply by this deadline will hear from us no later than Friday, October 29th.
Submitting this application considers you for all 2021-2022 opportunities for which you are qualified. To browse immediate openings, please visit our careers website .
About Us
KIPP is a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools in educationally underserved communities. Over 100,000 students attend one of the 242 KIPP schools that operate in 31 regions across the United States. KIPP Philadelphia Schools Public Schools (KPPS) is a part of the national KIPP network and currently leads six schools serving approximately 2,400 students in North and West Philadelphia. By 2030, KPPS will lead ten schools serving approximately 4,000 students.
Our Mission
Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students to pursue the paths they choose-college, career, and beyond-so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.

Job Description

Position Overview
Reporting to the Managing Director of Student Supports, the Director of Special Education and Student Support is responsible for coordination of all specialized services (IEPs, 504s, ELLs) for a group of KIPP Philadelphia Schools, with a primary focus on schools serving students in grades K-4. The overarching goals of the position are to improve student achievement for all learners, to develop and support schools in implementing best practices for working with students who qualify for special education services, to build innovative solutions for specialized needs in our schools, to ensure programmatic compliance with local, state and federal guidelines, and to create efficiencies in cost and resources by facilitating collaboration and centralization across schools.
Key Responsibilities
Programmatic Leadership

• Consult with school-based Special Education leaders to develop, monitor, and evaluate the effectiveness of special education programs and other student supports (MTSS, 504, ELL, etc.) including weekly check-ins and coaching.
• Analyze student achievement and progress data across multiple metrics and lead/consult on programmatic design decisions to enhance student outcomes.
• Consult with schools on unique student cases that involve special placement decisions or unique logistical issues (i.e. transportation, medical services, homebound instruction, etc.).
• Support the implementation and coaching of special education and intervention curriculum in literacy, math and writing through selection, adoption, training, and implementation process
• Design impactful, high quality professional development workshops for Special Education leaders and teachers on instructional and programmatic initiatives
• Serve as a central point of contact for a cohort of schools for internal programmatic and compliance questions related to Special Education (including services, discipline, etc.).
• Work with schools to implement the pre-referral process (e.g. SAP, RTII, Child Find) and support implementation of a multi-tiered support system (MTSS).
• Coordinate Psychology, Related Services, and other Special Education supports with outside agencies.

Operational/Compliance Leadership

• Analyze and report on special education enrollment and budgeting on a bi-monthly basis.
• Manage regional Special Education and 504 documentation system including web-based IEP database, shared resource drive, etc.
• Monitor compliance of all Special Education, 504, and ELL files and evaluations through regular file audits and assistance with obtaining paperwork from prior schools.
• Manage and support compliance protocols associated with special education (e.g. cyclical monitoring, charter renewal, annual reporting)
• Work with recruitment team to support special education hiring, as needed
• Negotiate and monitor region-wide contracts with service provider vendors and independent contractors to ensure schools utilize cost-effective services.
• Manage region-wide Access Billing process (Medicaid) in conjunction with regional Operations team.
• Support the MDSS in creating Special Education Budgeting recommendations
• Other relevant duties as assigned by the MDSS

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Degree in Special Education required, Master's Degree required
• Minimum three years Special Education Leadership experience required, Elementary preferred
• Knowledge of K-4 curriculum, special education teaching experience in these grade levels preferred
• Experience with management and/or coaching of professional staff
• Exceptional knowledge of national, Pennsylvania state , and local special education statutes and laws required
• (Preferred) PA State Certification in Special Education
• (Preferred) Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Special Education Supervisory certificate or Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Administrative certificate for K-12
• Complete all required criminal and child abuse background checks:
  • PA State Police Clearance
  • PA Child Abuse Clearance
  • Cogent Federal Fingerprinting

Skills and Characteristics

• Love and see the high potential of all children
• Self-awareness and ability to reflect on your practice, biases, and leans
• Cultural competence and commitment to inclusion, anti-racism, and eradicating anti-Blackness
• Believe deeply in the mission and values of KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with experience in leading across difference
• Ability to exercise excellent judgment in decision-making and to succinctly provide legally sound, comprehensive responses in unique situations
• Ability to gather and analyze data, compile information, and prepare reports
• Flexible and able to multi-task within an ambiguous, fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions
• Highly organized and able to build and maintain systems of organization that are effective and efficient for users of varying experience and expertise
• Proficient with web-based Special Education documentation systems; PowerSchool Special Education, Dean's List and Infinite Campus strongly preferred
• Demonstrate resourcefulness in setting priorities and guiding investment in people and systems
• Uphold the KIPP Philadelphia Core Values: Children First, Cultural Competence, Community, Ownership

Additional Information

Compensation

• Salaries at KPPS are competitive and equitable. The salary range for this position starts at $100,000 and is commensurate with experience.
• All KPPS employees enjoy access to a comprehensive benefits package, a 403B matching program, and free financial advising services.
• Uncertified teachers have access to $2500 in tuition reimbursement to pursue certification

Note to Applicants
KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer. Employees are selected on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.