Job Description:

The Farmington Public Schools is seeking a dynamic educational leader for the position of Director of Special Services (Grades PreK-12).  Our district is actively seeking to diversify its administration, faculty, and staff to better reflect our students' multiple identities and to bring a broader range of lived experiences into the conversation about improving teaching and learning for ALL. Our Vision of the Global Citizen and Equity Framework are leading an engaged FPS community of voices to examine current practice, imagine new possibilities, and take action toward a better future.

DESCRIPTION: The Director has overall responsibility for special education programs and services.  The Director reports directly to the Superintendent and is responsible for overall program improvement as well as recruitment, selection, evaluation and professional development for special services personnel. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must possess or be eligible for State of Connecticut certification – Intermediate Administration (092) along with certification in either special education or a related discipline (speech, school psychology, social work)

Must be prepared academically in the field of educational administration with coursework and /or experience in teacher evaluation and supervision.

Must have a demonstrated understanding and deep knowledge of school leadership issues and challenges

References indicating exceptional teaching, administrative, programming and  leadership expertise; a collaborative orientation to problem solving; various life/work experiences that contribute to overall qualification; strong interpersonal communication skills; planning, organizing and budgeting skills

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

· Self-aware and emotionally intelligent

· Flexible and comfortable with ambiguity, complexity, and adaptive change

· Empathetic in nature and can listen to gain insight

· Confident and committed to excellence

· A team player in all aspects of continuous improvement

· Curious and inquiry-minded when solving problems

· Culturally responsive and equity-focused

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Instructional Leadership

Develops and provides leadership to all programs in the Department of Special Services in accordance with policies and regulations prescribed by state statutes, the Board of Education and the Superintendent and develops related policies and procedures for the department

Supervises and works collaboratively with the Supervisor of Special Education to support principals and teachers through professional development, school/classroom visits, and consultation in their work with children and families

Oversees and consults with the district’s Planning and Placement Teams (PPT) relative to programs and services, and provides professional development for teachers in all aspects of their work, including PPT process and requirements

Evaluates district programs and services to guide program development

Performs related duties as assigned

Talent Management

Supervises and evaluates special services faculty including  but not limited to School Psychologists, Social Workers, Speech Pathologists and BCBA’s.

Provides professional development for faculty / staff members

Assists in the recruitment, selection and induction of faculty and staff

Responsible for analysis of special education data and related program development resulting in knowledge of research and best practices

Performs related duties as assigned

Organizational Systems

Takes responsibility for personal professional growth

Participates in organizations and conferences supportive to special education and related services

Responsible for analysis of special education data and related program development resulting in knowledge of research and best practices

Responsible for developing, monitoring advancing appropriate in-district programming for students 

Prepares and administers the special education budget, including federal and state grants

Co-administers Farmington Valley Transition Academy

Oversees special education due process proceedings

Facilitates homebound / hospital instruction

Serves as custodian for student records

Collaborates with outside agencies, Connecticut State Department of Education and other school districts

Oversees the district’s residency verification system

Performs related duties as assigned

Climate and Culture

Participates in organizations and conferences supportive to special education and related services

Serves as the district’s Title IX Coordinator

Serves as the point person for Bullying Policy and other related policies in the area of Special Services

Applicants should apply online at www.fpsct.org and submit a cover letter and resume including two current letters of reference and transcripts.  A concise statement of your educational vision for elementary school education should also be submitted. 

SALARY: $168,779 - $183,548 depending upon experience and education

Kimberly Wynne

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction

1 Monteith Drive

Farmington, CT 06032 

All inquiries and applications are confidential. Applications will be accepted until April 12, 2024.