Dean Of Special Education

Who are we?
Liberation Academy is a charter school serving grades 5-8 in College Park, GA. We will welcome our first class of scholars in August 2023.
Why work at Liberation Academy?
Our Mission:
Through rigorous, relevant instruction, community collaboration, and the development of innate skills, Liberation Academy will empower students that will become problem solvers equipped to impact their community and the world.
Liberation Academy is rooted in the belief that the experiences of Black and Brown students should be pushed to the forefront of what, and how, they learn. We offer a unique model combining a rigorous, culturally relevant curriculum within a unique environment.
A quality education has the power to create generational change for communities and families. Working here, you will have the opportunity to help Liberation Academy fulfill the promise of providing a quality, enriching educational experience for everyone that enters our doors.
Position Overview
A founding role is unique, because you have the opportunity to build something that has yet to be done. As the Founding Dean of Student Services, you will oversee the implementation of special education services. This role will also work directly with the Principal/Executive Director to ensure the mission and vision of the school are incorporated into all aspects of instruction and culture. Additionally, the duties for the Special Services Coordinator will include (but are not limited to) the following:
Primary Administrative Duties

• Coordinates with outside agencies to provide services to students and staff, for the purpose of offering appropriate services.
• Keeps abreast of community services and resources; develops partnerships with parents, businesses/organizations, and other agencies in order to build awareness, develop support, and share resources.
• Work with school leadership to problem solve around compliance issues escalated by school-based staff or LA parents.
• Recruits, hires, supervises, and evaluates special education staff. Manages special education complaints, for the purpose of providing required services.
• Communicate and present policies as needed or request for senior leadership, Democracy Prep boards, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Supervises the training of special education instructional assistants for the purpose of assuring well-developed personnel.
• Maintains a high level of knowledge regarding developing special education issues, changes in the laws and case law, and educational methods of educating students with disabilities, for the purpose of managing an excellent special education program. Incorporates policies and procedures in accordance with laws and regulations.
• Communicates information on programs, services, and regulations to school personnel, parents, the Board and other pertinent stakeholders.
• Provides leadership and vision to ensure continuous organizational development and improvement.

Student Engagement and Family Support

• Provide input to the iep team on the behavior intervention plan.
• Provide family outreach and be the primary point of contact for parents in the self contained classroom
• Support teachers with data collection and monitoring of behavior plans

Instructional Duties

• Cover and support special education classes, as needed
• Implement processes to monitor progress of exceptional students
• Willingness to work occasional weekend or evening work hours required
• Monitor referrals for scholars with special needs
• Supports Special Education and English Language Learner (ELL) students to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical and social growth
• The Special Education Teacher will provide critical guidance to Lead Teachers to ensure that all staff are complying with and meeting the needs of Special Education and ELL students
• Review weekly lesson plans and provide modifications, as necessary
• Implement and adjust behavior interventions for scholars
• Support teachers and paraprofessionals to implement interventions
• Compile data for meetings, updates, and annual reports

Requirements
Required Qualifications

• A passion for being a part of a team-oriented, mission-driven school culture
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Pass criminal background check
• Demonstrated commitment to closing the opportunity gap

• Hold a valid teaching license that has successfully been transferred from another state that offers reciprocity with GA
• Hold a valid Georgia Special Education Certification
• By the time that employment begins, all teachers in our schools must meet certification requirements. There are a few ways to meet this requirement:

Preferred Qualifications:
Skills & Experience:

• Demonstrated ability to raise achievement
• 5 years of teaching experience
• Experience working in underserved/low-income communities

Benefits
Liberation Academy offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

• Salary commensurate with experience and education
• Competitive coverage for medical insurance and short-term disability insurance. Dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, and long-term disability insurance are offered.
• Salary $70,000-$75,000

Statement of Non-Discriminatory Practices
Liberation Academy is committed to a policy of equal treatment for all individuals applying for employment. Liberation Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.