Administrative - Central Office - Other

Job Number 2300241207

Start Date

Open Date 05/19/2022

Closing Date

ABOUT OUR DISTRICT:

The Syracuse City School District is undergoing a new phase of innovation and transformation with the goal of ensuring that all students graduate high school with the skills needed to be ready for college and career. For Syracuse, all means all - including students who fall behind or have been considered "hard to serve" for a host of reasons. The School Board and Syracuse community have charged the Superintendent with improving student achievement, and he is seeking a dedicated and diverse team of school leaders and teachers to partner with him in moving the district toward its goals. The Syracuse City School District represents 34 schools and 4 alternative education programs, serving 21,000+ students Pre-K-12 of whom 77% qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, 18% are served by the Office of Special Education and 78% are students of color.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The district is committed to ensuring that there is an effective school leader at the helm of every school and a high quality teacher in every classroom. As a result, Superintendent Alicea is seeking an Assistant Director of Special Education. The Assistant Director of Special Education assists in the supervision of over 800 employees in the Special Education Department. Assists in the overall direction, coordination and evaluation of staff serving approximately 4,000 children in public school programs. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Syracuse City School District policies and Part 200 Regulations. Responsibilities include Chairing Committee on Special Education (CSE), assistance in interviewing, hiring, training and supervising employees; planning, assigning and directing work; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

REPORTS TO:Director of Special Education

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directly supervises special education teachers on special assignment and itinerant service providers.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in the direction and management of all special education programs and services to meet student needs.
• Assist in the necessary time, resources and materials to support staff in the accomplishment of special education goals.
• Assist the Director in the preparation of the special education budget.
• Keep abreast of developments in special education and make decisions on staff and student issues regarding compliance and procedural safeguards. Conduct training for school leadership and staff to implement special education initiatives.
• Ensure safety of students and compliance with ADA, State and Federal Regulations.
• Conduct special education trainings and meetings to keep administration and district staff knowledgeable about policy changes, new programs, current best practices and other pertinent information regarding special education.
• Interpret policies and procedures and provide recommendations to schools concerning issues of compliance.
• Provide consultative services in the maintenance and confidentiality of student records.
• Ensure that district special education staff are in compliance with IDEA.
• Coordinate, prepare and present current procedural and programmatic issues regarding special education.
• Research current topics in special education and prepare and present information.
• Serve as a resource for information regarding special education, its purpose, objectives and applicable laws and regulations.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION - continued

• Coordinate, organize, collate and distribute all New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) materials and resulting reports. Identify and register all students for the assessments and create correspondence accompanying the assessments and procedures.
• Attend trainings and train district staff on administration and scoring of NYSAA.
• Analyze and synthesize NYSAA, NYS and local assessment results and make recommendations for instructional improvements and adjustments.
• Create and present training programs on the implementation of local, state and federal guidelines in special education including IEP development, service delivery and specially designed instruction aligned with common core standards.
• Design professional development and improvement plans to ensure exemplary program operations and improve student achievement.
• Assist the Director in working with parents to promote and encourage understanding of special education as it relates to students with special needs.
• Screen and interview applicants with school administration for various positions and make recommendations to Human Resources for hiring.
• Assist in the analysis and development of interview questions for potential candidates.
• Make recommendations relative to personnel placements, transfers and discipline.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) from an accredited College or University.
• Master's degree in education / supervisory certificate (Master's in special education preferred).
• A minimum of five (5) years of supervision and leadership experience, knowledge or experience in the field of special education.
• Specific experience in the interpretation and implementation of federal and state legislation and guidelines governing education and the IEP process.
• Documented experience and participation in the IEP process.
• Experience in the provision of crisis intervention.
• Experience in planning and conducting professional staff development activities.
• Awareness of current research and trends relevant to special education.
• Knowledge of legal mandates and regulations governing the provision of special education and related services.
• Knowledge of organizational and operating procedures including the decision-making process, program planning, improvement strategies, quality assurance and compliance.
• Knowledge of current trends and research in education
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills that ensure productive interaction and effective team building
• Excellent oral, written communication and presentation skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Word computer applications and data management
• Ability to use effective public relations, interpersonal, organizational, leadership and supervisory skills for the successful implementation of special education and related services

CERTIFICATION:

• New York State Certificate in School District Administration (SDA) or School Administrators and Supervisor (SAS)

SALARY/SALARY RANGE: Per Unit 2 contractual agreement (12 month position)

Job Description View Attachment