The Dean of Special Education (DOSS) is passionate about supporting the students with disabilities who
are at-risk for academic underperformance due to emotional and/or physical challenges so that they can
succeed in the school’s rigorous academic program. The DOSS holds primary responsibility for the
ongoing development, implementation, and leadership of the school’s special needs program. As part
of the administrative team, the DOSS plays a central role in the success of the school. The DOSS also
works closely with the Principal and Director of Operations of his or her school and other schools
supported by Uncommon. Specific Responsibilties are as follows:
Student Support Compliance and Coordination
- Ensure the quality of the services provided to students with IEPs, through walkthroughs of Special Education settings across the school and managing and ensuring ensure testing accommodations are being met
- Coordinate Behavior Intervention Plans planning and execution, with support of Special Education Coordinators, Dean of Students & Social Workers including the use of monitoring tools and re-evaluation multiple times throughout the school year as well as running weekly meetings to develop support plans for individual students who are struggling
- Facilitate support for general education teachers on their responsibilities towards student with Individual Education Programs (IEPs), including leading professional development sessions and assisting in the implementation of classroom modifications and accommodations
- Communicate with families to request initial evaluations for potential new IEPs
Student Support Management, Leadership, and Collaboration
- Manage and oversee the Special Education Coordinators to coordinate paraprofessionals and Related Service Providers and provide updates to the grade level team about student progress
- Work closely with the Dean of Student to establish a positive, structured, achievement-oriented, and creative school culture
- Run Special Education Team and coach Special Education teachers, Social Workers, and the English New Language Teacher
- Collaborate with the Director of Special Education, Leaders within the school and Special Education Leaders across Uncommon Schools to maximize the ability of the school to support students’ academic and socio-emotional development
- Support teachers to hold all students to high and consistent behavioral expectations
Cultural Leadership and General School Support
- Demonstrate a relentless drive to improve the minds, characters & lives of students both in and out of school
- Show unwavering commitment to urban youth achieving greatness
- Create a positive, structured learning environment to ensure that students observe the school’s core values, high expectations, and strict code of conduct
- Oversee implementation of curricula and activities to meet academic standards
- Use assessment data to refine curriculum and inform instructional practices
- Teach classes or small groups, as necessary