Special Education Department Chair/Head Year Long (Internal Posting)

Special Education Department Chair/Head Year Long

LOCATION: Franklin Middle School

REPORTS TO: Special Education Supervisor

COMPENSATION: Range varies based on the W-WEA Collective Agreement

Wayne-Westland Community Schools is located in the metropolitan Detroit area, between Ann Arbor and Detroit. Our staff provides the very best educational opportunities for approx. 10,000 students from Westland, Wayne, Canton, Livonia, Garden City, Dearborn Heights, Inkster, and Romulus. The Wayne-Westland Community School district is comprised of ten elementary schools (K-5), three middle schools (6-8), and two high schools (9-12). We also have an early childhood center, an ultra-modern facility for career/technical training, an alternative high school, and a thriving online program. The dynamic environment throughout the school district illustrates that when a school and community work together, extraordinary results occur. Our school district promotes high expectations for success and provides students with a safe, caring and nurturing environment.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Department Head is an integral part of the school district instructional management team. The Head must be able to work cooperatively with students, parents, teachers, counselors, building administrators, non-certified staff, and other school district personnel to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of special education programs and services. The Head should possess substantial knowledge of professional best practices, eligibility criteria, disabling conditions, differentiated interventions, accommodations and modifications to curriculum, district goals, and Common Core State Standards / Dynamic Learning Maps.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Other duties may be assigned.

• Act as a liaison with the program supervisor(s).
• Implement special education programs and services as directed.
• Review special education paperwork, including IFSPs, IEPs, Transition Plans, MDRs, REEDs, Behavior Plans, Health Care Plans, et al, as related to your professional practice.
• Act as liaison with other department Heads.
• Account for equipment, supplies, test kits and protocols, reference materials, and facilities within your department.
• Provide input to those responsible for the school scheduling process.
• Promote department delivery system, including programs, placements, services and activities.
• Assist in school and district awards ceremonies.
• Disseminate and coordinate all information relating to activities from national, state, county, and local organizations.
• Collect and disseminate information from professional organizations and periodicals relative to your department.
• Regularly scheduled department meetings of all professional staff. Provide the program / level supervisor with agenda and minutes of each meeting.
• Work closely with colleagues.
• Represent your department at meetings.
• Provide assistance for all department staff members.
• Mentor new department members.
• Assist in the interpretation and application of special education initiatives.
• Provide leadership working cooperatively with staff, developing long-range plans for your department.
• Assist with emergency coverage for absent department members.
• Assist supervisor(s), plan, and facilitate department professional development activities.
• Other relevant duties consistent with the position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Must be eligible to work in the United States
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, and memos
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Ability to maintain composure under stressful conditions
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with students, staff and the school community
• Must have essential technology skills, i.e. skilled at using PC computer, laptop, assistive communication devices/technology and other educational technology and software

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to remain in a stationary position. The employee will be frequently moving around a classroom delivering instruction and will also be occasionally moving about the building to work with other colleagues. Frequently operates a computer and other technology in the classroom. The person in this position constantly communicates with students, parents, colleagues and administration and must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. The employee is frequently required to interact with students, staff and occasionally with the public. This employee is directly responsible for the safety and well-being of students.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Weekly hours worked may include planning meetings and/or practice, travel, events and/or games, and student study table. There is no expectation for average weekly hours to exceed 29 hours; therefore, the position is ineligible for benefits.

EVALUATION:

Job performance is evaluated in accordance with district guidelines.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Apply on line at https://www.wwcsd.net/ or come to the Human Resources Department to access the online application system.

The Wayne-Westland Community Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.