Regional Director of Special Education (K-12) - KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools

About Us

KIPP is a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools in educationally underserved communities. Over 100,000 students attend one of the 242 KIPP schools that operate in 31 regions across the United States.  KIPP Philadelphia Schools Public Schools (KPPS) is a part of the national KIPP network and currently leads six schools serving approximately 2,400 students in North and West Philadelphia. By 2030, KPPS will lead ten schools serving approximately 4,000 students.

Our Mission

Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Managing Director of Student Supports, the Director of Special Education and Student Support is responsible for coordination of all specialized services (IEPs, 504s, ELLs) for a group of KIPP Philadelphia Schools, with a primary focus on schools serving students in grades K-4.  The overarching goals of the position are to improve student achievement for all learners, to develop and support schools in implementing best practices for working with students who qualify for special education services, to build innovative solutions for specialized needs in our schools, to ensure programmatic compliance with local, state and federal guidelines, and to create efficiencies in cost and resources by facilitating collaboration and centralization across schools.

Key Responsibilities

Programmatic Leadership  

• Consult with school-based Special Education leaders to develop, monitor, and evaluate the effectiveness of special education programs and other student supports (MTSS, 504, ELL, etc.) including weekly check-ins and coaching.  

• Analyze student achievement and progress data across multiple metrics and lead/consult on programmatic design decisions to enhance student outcomes.   

• Consult with schools on unique student cases that involve special placement decisions or unique logistical issues (i.e. transportation, medical services, homebound instruction, etc.). 

• Support the implementation and coaching of special education and intervention curriculum in literacy, math and writing through selection, adoption, training, and implementation process

• Design impactful, high quality professional development workshops for Special Education leaders and teachers on instructional and programmatic initiatives

• Serve as a central point of contact for a cohort of schools for internal programmatic and compliance questions related to Special Education (including services, discipline, etc.). 

• Work with schools to implement the pre-referral process (e.g. SAP, RTII, Child Find) and support implementation of a multi-tiered support system (MTSS).   

• Coordinate Psychology, Related Services, and other Special Education supports with outside agencies.

• Represent KIPP Philadelphia Schools on due process cases and pre-case settlements with attorneys

 Operational/Compliance Leadership 

• Analyze and report on special education enrollment and budgeting 

• Manage regional Special Education and 504 documentation system including web-based IEP database, shared resource drive, etc.   

• Monitor compliance of all Special Education, 504, and ELL files and evaluations through regular file audits and assistance with obtaining paperwork from prior schools. 

• Manage and support compliance protocols associated with special education (e.g. cyclical monitoring, charter renewal, annual reporting)

• Work with recruitment team to support special education hiring, as needed 

• Negotiate and monitor region-wide contracts with service provider vendors and independent contractors to ensure schools utilize cost-effective services. 

• Manage region-wide Access Billing process (Medicaid) in conjunction with regional Operations team.   

• Support the MDSS in creating Special Education Budgeting recommendations  

Qualifications 

• Degree in Special Education required, Master’s Degree strongly preferred

• Minimum three years Special Education Leadership experience required

• Minimum three years teaching experience in public or charter setting, Special Education teaching experience strongly preferred  

• Experience with management and/or coaching of professional staff 

• Exceptional knowledge of national, Pennsylvania state, and local special education statutes and laws required  

• (Preferred) PA State Certification in Special Education  

• (Preferred) Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Special Education Supervisory certificate or Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Administrative certificate for K-12

• (Preferred) PA State Certification in Special Education 
• (Preferred) Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Special Education Supervisory certificate or Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Administrative certificate for K-12
• Complete all required criminal and child abuse background checks:
  • PA State Police Clearance
  • PA Child Abuse Clearance
  • Cogent Federal Fingerprinting

Skills and Characteristics 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with experience in leading across difference

• Ability to exercise excellent judgment in decision-making and to succinctly provide legally sound, comprehensive responses in unique situations

• Ability to gather and analyze data, compile information, and prepare reports  

• Flexible and able to multi-task within an ambiguous, fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions  

• Highly organized and able to build and maintain systems of organization that are effective and efficient for users of varying experience and expertise

• Proficient with web-based Special Education documentation systems; PowerSchool Special Education, Dean’s List and Infinite Campus strongly preferred  

• Demonstrate resourcefulness in setting priorities and guiding investment in people and systems  

• Uphold the KIPP Philadelphia Core Values: Children First, Cultural Competence, Community, Ownership

Compensation

• Salaries at KPPS are competitive and equitable. The salary range for this position starts at $100,000 and is commensurate with experience. 
• All KPPS employees enjoy access to a comprehensive benefits package, a 403B matching program, and free financial advising services.

Note to Applicants

KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer.  Employees are selected on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.