Job Description

The Dean of Special Education (DoSE) is passionate about supporting the students with disabilities who are at-risk for academic underperformance due to emotional and/or physical challenges so that they can succeed in the school’s rigorous academic program. The DoSE holds primary responsibility for the ongoing development, implementation, and leadership of the school’s special needs program. As part of the administrative team, the DoSE plays a central role in the success of the school. The DoSE also works closely with the Principal and Director of Operations of his or her school and other schools supported by Uncommon. Specific Responsibilities are as follows:

Student Support Compliance and Coordination

• Ensure the quality of the services provided to students with IEPs, through walkthroughs of Special Education settings across the school and managing and ensuring ensure testing accommodations are being met
• Coordinate Behavior Intervention Plans planning and execution, with support of Special Education Coordinators, Dean of Students & Social Workers including the use of monitoring tools and re-evaluation multiple times throughout the school year as well as running weekly meetings to develop support plans for individual students who are struggling
• Facilitate support for general education teachers on their responsibilities towards student with Individual Education Programs (IEPs), including leading professional development sessions and assisting in the implementation of classroom modifications and accommodations
• Communicate with families to request initial evaluations for potential new IEPs

Student Support Management, Leadership, and Collaboration

• Manage and oversee the Special Education Coordinators to coordinate paraprofessionals and Related Service Providers and provide updates to the grade level team about student progress
• Work closely with the Dean of Student to establish a positive, structured, achievement-oriented, and creative school culture;
• Run Special Education Team and coach Special Education teachers, Social Workers, and the English New Language Teacher
• Collaborate with the Director of Special Education, Leaders within the school and Special Education Leaders across Uncommon Schools to maximize the ability of the school to support students’ academic and socio-emotional development;
• Support teachers to hold all students to high and consistent behavioral expectations;

Cultural Leadership and General School Support

• Demonstrate a relentless drive to improve the minds, characters & lives of students both in and out of school.
• Show unwavering commitment to urban youth achieving greatness.
• Create a positive, structured learning environment to ensure that students observe the school’s core values, high expectations, and strict code of conduct.
• Oversee implementation of curricula and activities to meet academic standards.
• Use assessment data to refine curriculum and inform instructional practices
• Teach classes or small groups, as necessary;

Qualifications

• Drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom.
• Proven track-record of high achievement in the classroom.
• Mastery of and enthusiasm for academic subjects.
• Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player.
• Bachelor’s degree is required; Master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of five years teaching and leading experience in an urban public school or charter school setting.
• Special Education teaching certification required
• Belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable. ****

Additional Information

Our people are what makes us Uncommon. We believe our compensation philosophy and benefits should reflect our values—equity, transparency, and clarity—to enhance our ability to attract and retain talent and reward their expertise. Our staff receive best-in-class training, coaching, and support to develop and operate mission-driven schools that provide a high-quality education to our students and families.

Compensation for this position: Most candidates who meet job description requirements will receive an offer of $80,000 - $90,000. The starting compensation for this role is between $80,000 and 118,900. The starting pay will depend on various factors including but not limited to relevant professional experience, education, certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. To receive an offer at the top of the range, candidates will need significant experience in a directly aligned role. Because we value staff tenure in a role, we do not currently cap salary ranges for current staff members.

Other Benefits:

• Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time and school breaks (spring, winter, and summer) + additional sustainability half days throughout the school year
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development
• Choice of 3 comprehensive health insurance plans
• Pre-tax flexible spending and health saving accounts
• Financial planning & wellness
  • 403(b) retirement savings program + employer match
  • 529 college savings program
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness application assistance
  • Financial planning tools and assistance
• Dependent Care FSA, back up childcare and daycare discounts
• Paid leave of absence
  • Fully paid parental leave
  • Fully paid medical leave
  • Additional paid Short Term and Long Term Disability insurance
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building an exceptional team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. We also strive to ensure an inclusive community by creating a space for meaningful dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students. As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon 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. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email recruitment@uncommonschools.org.