Director of Special Education at Maya Angelou PCS

See Forever Foundation, located in Washington, D.C., has an immediate opening for a Director of Special Education to guide and oversee the provision of special education services to students on the three campuses of the Maya Angelou Public Charter School. Reporting to See Forever’s Executive Director, the Director of Special Education will ensure that students with exceptional learning needs receive assessments and individual education services in accordance with all relevant federal and local statutes.

Principal responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

Providing special education guidance, support, and professional development to teachers at the three campuses of the Maya Angelou Public Charter School

Serving as See Forever’s principal contact person for all D.C. Government and legal entities with regard to special education services and student performance

Developing a system and policies to ensure that special education services are delivered and that student records are maintained in a manner compliant with statutory requirements, e.g., IDEA, OSSE, DCPSB

Administering the development and coordination of special education programming and curricula

Participating in the recruitment, supervision, and evaluation of special education teachers on the campuses of the Maya Angelou Public Charter School

Keeping abreast of current developments, literature, and technical source information pertaining to special education and reporting to colleagues as appropriate

Serving as primary case manager for students in the evaluation process

Meeting with social workers, guardians, and education advocates of exceptional learning students on a regular basis.

Background on See Forever

See Forever opened in 1997, with the mission to create learning environments where young people who have not been successful in traditional schools can reach their potential. We want our students to develop the academic, social, and employment skills they need to build rewarding lives and promote positive change in their communities. In the fall of 1998, SFF secured a charter to operate the Maya Angelou Public Charter School (MAPCS). In 2006, SFF/MAPCS received accreditation from the Middle States Association.

See Forever currently runs three Maya Angelou Public Charter School campuses in Washington, D.C. The oldest, an alternative high school, is located in the historic Shaw district at 9th and T Streets NW. A second alternative high school, operated in a partnership with the DC Public Schools, is located at 57^th and East Capitol Streets NE. The third, an alternative middle school, is also located at 57^th and East Capitol Streets, NE. In July 2007, we assumed operation of the Maya Angelou Academy (formerly the Oak Hill Academy), in Laurel, MD. The Academy is located within the District of Columbia’s long-term secure facility for youth who have been adjudicated delinquent. We also operate an affiliated Transition Center in the District of Columbia to assist youth in adjusting to the community after their release from detention.

The education program at See Forever/Maya Angelou Public Charter School has a number of unique features. Classes are small, and at the high school campuses, they range in size from 5-15 students. The middle school has an average class size of 22 students. School days are extended, where possible, running into the evening. Supplementary tutorial enrichment occurs in the evenings and/or on Saturdays. We support year-round school activities for students. Our schools have a strong mental health component as well, providing individual counseling and group counseling to all students as needed. Our high school students at Maya Angelou also have the chance to learn job skills while on paid work assignments.

Our exceptional learning community is dedicated to providing every child with the opportunity to achieve at the highest levels of academic success. We serve a community of students with high special education needs who require a robust set of support services. Our school embraces an inclusion model to ensure that the needs of all students (those in both general and special education) can be met.

Our results show that we are achieving our goals. Historically, over 80% of our graduates go on to college or post secondary education, including our exceptional learning students. More of our graduates complete colleges and/or other post-secondary schools than do their peers. Moreover, our students develop the strength and resiliency necessary to succeed when they graduate. Some are pursuing careers in education, social work, computer science, nursing and public service.

For additional information about See Forever, please visit: HYPERLINK “http://www.seeforever.org” www.seeforever.org.

Desired Skills, Characteristics and Experience

Ideal candidates should possess a master’s degree in special education or related subject areas from an accredited college/university and have had at least five years of experience in supporting students and providing services to students with special needs in an educational setting.

In addition, ideal candidates should possess:

Knowledge of special education programs and special education laws and reforms, as they pertain to the District of Columbia regulations for charter schools

An expert understanding of the IEP process and the ability to facilitate IEP meetings

The ability to work collaboratively and effectively with school personnel at all levels, as well as with students, parents, and interested stakeholders

The ability to understand and interpret special education laws/guidelines

Excellent written, oral communication and computer skills

Strong organizational, time management and interpersonal skills

The ability to accurately compile and access data, summarize information, and provide written reports.

Compensation

See Forever offers competitive salary and benefits, including health care coverage, a 403 (b) savings plan, and a computer purchase assistance plan. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications and competitive with similar positions at other community-based nonprofit organizations of comparable size in Washington, D.C.

To Apply

If you are interested in applying for this position, please send your resume, a cover letter, and contact information for three references by e-mail to hr@seeforever.org. The subject line of the e-mail should indicate the position for which you are applying. Resumes, cover letters and references should be in MS Word, and sent by e-mail attachment.

See Forever is an equal opportunity employer. We believe a diverse staff is a better, more effective staff. Persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

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