Special Education Team Chair (.5)

The Mendon-Upton Regional School District is dedicated to fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning community that empowers all students to reach their full potential. Grounded in our core values of collaboration, authentic learning, student agency, and equity, we strive to provide a comprehensive and rigorous education that prepares students for success in an ever-changing world.

As a staff member in the Mendon-Upton Regional School District, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the academic and personal growth of our students. The ideal candidate will embrace our district''s values and priorities, fostering a supportive and inclusive classroom environment where all students feel valued, respected, and challenged to achieve their highest potential.

In our district, we believe all learners thrive when:

• -We establish a culture of inquiry, exploration, reflection, and growth
• -Learners engage in active, meaningful, and authentic experiences
• -Learning experiences honor their identities, interests, strengths, and goals
• -Students, families, educators, and the larger community collaborate as partners in learning
• -A safe, supportive and inclusive environment exists, where each learner feels known, valued, and celebrated

Join our team and help us fulfill our mission of empowering every learner to thrive. If you are passionate about education, equity, and making a difference in the lives of students, we invite you to apply.

Nipmuc Regional High School is looking for a Special Education Team Chair (.5) REPORTS TO: Director of Student Support Services

QUALIFICATIONS Current Massachusetts DESE Educator License - one of the following:

• Preferred Special Education Administrator/Director (all levels) Director/Supervisor (Non-Core)
• Required Special Education Teacher (Moderate or Severe) Master's degree in education or related field A minimum of five years of experience in the field of special education Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and facilitate IEP related discussion Knowledge of special education laws, DESE regulations, and IEP timelines.

JOB SUMMARY The Special Education Team Chair works collaboratively with the Director of Student Support Services and the School Principal to: (1) coordinate and facilitate mandated special education meetings; (2) foster collaboration between parents/guardians, students, and staff, regarding student assessment and programming; (3) improve understanding of inclusive education and student needs within the school community. They implement policies and practices as developed and agreed upon by the School Committee and/or the District Leadership Team. The Special Education Team Chair provides leadership to the school community consistent with the District's mission, vision, and core values.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Chair and facilitate all IEP meetings, including annual, reevaluations, reconvene meetings, and manifestation determinations
• Establish and monitor a referral process for evaluations in order to maintain timelines and compliance
• Facilitate and coordinate the evaluation process, IEP development and student placement to ensure that all IEPs are fully implemented
• Provide direct support for conflict resolution by providing detailed information to the Director and/or participate in mediations, hearing mediations, or hearings as needed.
• Act as liaison to the Director of Student Services regarding student planning, evaluation, placement and IEP development for students in out-of-district placements
• Oversee the maintenance of student records at the school in which you are assigned
• Act as liaison between Director of Student Services, building administrators and special education staff
• Collaborate with the Director of Student Services and building Principal to schedule and develop in-service workshops, training and materials to inform members of the community and school personnel of current practices in education
• Serve on Student Support Team to collaborate on appropriate pre-referral interventions
• Meet regularly with special education staff and periodically with general education staff to discuss status of special education programs and students
• Maintain student rosters and assist in the intake process.
• Act as a liaison to parents in order to facilitate communication with team members or address parent, student or program concerns
• Work with special education staff to monitor and assess quality of evaluations, reports and services to students
• Responsible for any other duties related to special education and the betterment of the school system as assigned by the Director of Student Support Services or Building Principal

WORK YEAR: Work year and vacation time is commensurate with teachers yearly schedule.

SALARY & BENEFITS: As determined by the union contract, annual salary range of $30,757.89 - $44,194.17 (commiserate with experience) plus additional $4,382.00 stipend. Pro-rated based on start date.

EVALUATION: The Special Education Team Chair will be evaluated by the Director of Student Services in conjunction with the School Principal.