Associate Director of Special Education

Associate Director of Special Education (12 month position annually) The Environmental Charter School is looking for a highly dedicated and motivated individual to support our Special Education Department. Successful candidates must be progressive minded, and embody a can-do spirit and work ethic. For best consideration, candidates should have a degree or experience in education, a strong work ethic, and a “whatever it takes” attitude. OUR PHILOSOPHY AND MISSION As the world changes and becomes increasingly more complex, global citizens will need to be equipped with skills that allow them to be flexible thinkers, creative problem solvers, and effective leaders. ECS offers a program that develops students into critical thinkers, thoughtful innovators, and well-rounded scholars. We provide students the tools and educational foundation to become tomorrow’s global citizen, and we strive to teach students how their choices impact the world around them. By using environmental content as a lens for instruction, ECS provides students a context in which to explore ideas and observations, to practice inquiry and to actively problem solve. Throughout their academic career at ECS, students build core skills across all disciplines, and then actively apply these skills to support the impact of learning. WORKING AT THE ENVIRONMENTAL CHARTER SCHOOL The Environmental Charter School’s faculty and staff are passionate, talented, and uncompromising with a mission to make sure all students succeed at a high level. Every aspect of our organization and program is designed-and continually refined-to ensure that goal. Our work is student centered, constantly improving, and reflective. ECS’s progressive approach to education challenges faculty to take risks. We strongly value collaboration and recognize the power of systems thinking. Our high achievement scores, long waiting list (nearly 200 students in kindergarten alone!), and unique location in the city of Pittsburgh, serve as a model in environmentally focused education. POSITION OVERVIEW The heart of the ECS Associate Director of Special Education role is support and professional growth of the ECS Special Education Department. The Associate Director of Special Education role works collaboratively with teachers, paraprofessionals, building administrators and members of the curriculum team. Key responsibilities include providing in-house professional development and training, supporting the development and use of interventions, co-teaching/modeling lessons, completing observations, providing teacher feedback, initiating reflections and implementing coaching practices to support teacher growth. Candidates should be energetic and progressive minded, with a willingness to work collaboratively with staff. This role will support staff across all four ECS Buildings (Primary, Intermediate, Middle & High School) in the implementation of IEPs and Special Education programming. The Associate Director will work directly with teachers to provide intervention-based demonstrations, collaborative and one-on-one support, and facilitate professional development. The Associate Director will focus on enhancing teachers’ ability to deliver interventions with fidelity, support inclusion efforts and adhere to compliance standards. The Associate Director will also work with administrators and teachers to collect, analyze, interpret and use data to guide instructional decisions. Educational Background and Work Experience Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and PA Special Education certification Minimum of 5 years of teaching experience Experience with implementing both academic and social/emotional interventions Experience with teacher leadership and professional development Evidence of strong special education paperwork writing, organization and time management skills Familiarity with charter schools Compensation and Benefits Minimum starting salary of $69,704 up to a maximum starting salary of $81,857 ECS offers a competitive compensation package including medical, dental, vision, life, short-, and long-term disability insurance, generous paid time off, and participation in generous 403(b) retirement program Opportunities for professional development To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and copy of certification to: https://ecspgh.org/careers Clearances current within one year of hire date will be required of the selected candidate. These clearances include Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 151), Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Clearance (Act 34), and FBI Criminal Background Check (Act 114). Mandated Reporter and Commonwealth of PA Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure Release (Act 168) also will be required. ECS is an equal opportunity employer.