Instructional Leader - SPED and Support Services (K-8)

Great Oaks Legacy is seeking an experienced, like-minded urban educator to join our leadership team as the Instructional Leader - SPED and Support Services (K-8).
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
The incumbent will report to the Campus Director/Principal and receive informal feedback, often daily through observations and interactions, weekly check-ins, and formal evaluations thrice yearly .
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Instructional Leadership

• Review all IEPs for compliance at assigned sites and ensure IEP meeting coordination and facilitation take place in a timely manner.
• Create and maintain Special Education documentation as required by federal, state and district regulations.
• Manage all special education programming including driving compliance, monitoring special education students' academic progress, observe and provide feedback to SPED staff, and monitor all contract service providers in service delivery at the school level.
• Support teachers with students that struggle by building strong partnerships with all stakeholders, assisting with targeted academic and behavioral intervention plans, observing students and coaching teachers, and attending relevant grade level, department, and leadership meetings to act as a support, resource, and supervisor where need be.
• Facilitate new and returning teacher PD workshops.
• Make instructional decisions for the Special Education department throughout the year, including student grouping and differentiation based on periodic assessments, classroom tests and teacher designed tests with consultation from the Network CST and Network Director of SPED and Student Supports
• Monitor and Support tutoring for Special Education students.
• Conduct weekly informal observations and coaching sessions for Special Education teachers.
• Manage special education and Support team staff members by providing a clearly articulated vision, strong coaching and management as well as providing individual goals and accountability measures.
• Establish and promote high standards and expectations for students and staff for academic performance.
• Draft weekly and monthly reports for teachers and/or leadership team members.
• Manage Response to Intervention Programming for Special Education students.
• Cover Special Education classes as needed.

Data Analysis

• Review assessment data from universal screeners, biweekly assessments, ANET assessments and school wide assessments providing targeted and timely feedback that is results driven to Special Education teams and meets student goals.

Talent Management

• Serve as a member of the leadership team and participate in weekly leadership professional development sessions, instructional rounds, cultural walks and leadership team meetings.
• Serve as a resource to Directors, Social workers and teachers for effective implementation of the Special Education program.
• Arrange timely evaluation of students suspected of having a disability.
• Observe and provide targeted, actionable feedback to the Special Education team of teachers.

Strategic Planning and Systems

• Collaborate with Campus Directors/Principals and Network Director of Special Education to implement recommendations for the inclusion of students with disabilities in all aspects of the educational program .
• Create and maintain Special Education documentation as required by federal, state and district regulations.
• Protect confidentiality of records and information gained as part of exercising professional duties and use discretion in sharing such information within legal confines.

Criteria for Success

• Teach one section of a Special Education class designated as a model classroom
• Provide targeted ongoing weekly feedback to Special Education teachers
• Facilitate effective results driven data meetings and professional development opportunities
• Provides bi-weekly data reports to leadership team with action steps that promote student growth
• Supports teachers with creating instructional opportunities that support students with meeting goals
• Model effective instructional teacher practices for Special Education teachers that engage students and address students strengths and weaknesses.
• Review lesson plans, provide feedback and ensure the appropriate modifications are student centered and meet the needs of all learners.

QUALIFICATIONS
Must Haves

• Teacher of Disabilities Standard Certification.
• Supervisor Certification preferred.
• Three years special education teaching experience in an urban setting.
• Excellent interpersonal skills both verbal and written.
• Student Focus: Belief that all students, regardless of background, have the ability to go to and through college; demonstrated commitment to the school's unique community.
• Achievement Orientation: Demonstrated student achievement results in own classroom and from teachers that he/she manages.
• Cultural Competence: Demonstrated ability to create inclusive environments. that honor and Support a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives.
• Instructional Leadership: Adept at data analysis and strong content knowledge; ability to extract meaningful insights and actions from data.
• High Expectations: Sets and upholds high expectations for students academically and behaviorally.
• Results through Others: Evidence of ability to teach others skills in classroom management and effective lesson execution.
• Relationship Building: Evidence of ability to build strong relationships with students, staff, and families.
• Excellent interpersonal skills both verbal and written.
• Successfully completes required criminal history proof of U.S citizenship or legal resident status.
• Proven ability to successfully coach and lead others to achieve results
• Has received satisfactory ratings on all teacher/administrator evaluations the last 4 years
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Nice to Haves

• A master's degree in education (preference is given to applicants with a special education concentration)
• Experience serving students from linguistically diverse backgrounds
• Experience in a high-performing district or charter environment

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Great Oaks Legacy Charter School offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Robust medical, dental, and vision insurance plans w/ comprehensive network coverage.
• Up to $5,250 per year in tax exempt student loan and tuition reimbursement.
• Reimbursements for external professional development aligned to your role.
• Wellness reimbursements including gym memberships, spa services, and more.
• Online counseling services - for staff and their dependents - via top-rated therapy app.
• Pre-tax state pension plan benefit w/ addl. options available via voluntary retirement plans.
• Pre-tax dependent care, health, and transit flexible spending plans available.
• Convenient health screening and telemedicine support via VitalCheck Wellness platform.

ABOUT GREAT OAKS LEGACY CHARTER SCHOOL
The Great Oaks Legacy Charter School is a high-performing, innovative charter public school in Newark NJ, serving students from Pre-K to 12th grade on campuses across the city of Newark. Our mission is to prepare Newark's students for success in college and beyond.
Our model is based on the following guiding principles that guide our work daily -

1. Creating a community that is built upon genuine and meaningful relationships. GOLCS staff rate our commitment to students as the #1 reason they teach/work at our schools.
2. Being surgical in our approach to differentiation of instruction and Support for all students and team members. Our students receive daily tutoring embedded into their school schedule - facilitated by our AmeriCorps team members. Staff members receive individualized coaching and Support in their roles.
3. Setting and exceeding high expectations for academic growth and character development for all students, in preparation for success in college and beyond. Currently, the historical college matriculation rate for GOLCS is 79% - nearly twice the national average for economically underrepresented students.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & ACCESSIBILITY
GOLCS is committed to building a talented team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. Furthermore, we believe that racial justice and equity is critical to our mission of preparing students for success in college and beyond. We strive to be an organization that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and elevates our student voices in preparing them for life and college.
GOLCS VACCINATION POLICY & COMMITMENT TO SAFETY
Great Oaks Legacy Charter School is committed to ensuring healthy and safe working and learning environments, and maintaining our educational commitment to GOLCS students and families - with minimal disruption to instruction. With this in mind, as of October 2021, Great Oaks Legacy requires vaccination against COVID-19 for all employees. Candidates who would like to apply for a reasonable accommodation from this policy based on a qualifying disability or sincerely held religious belief should reach out to HR@greatoakslegacy.org for more information.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT
Great Oaks Legacy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.