Director of Special Education (25-26 SY)

Job Description

Job DescriptionAbout Freire Schools

Established in 1999, Freire Schools (www.freireschools.org) is a network of four charter schools across Philadelphia and Delaware whose mission is to prepare students from historically underserved communities for success in college and beyond. We're distinguished by our belief in every student who walks through our doors, our strong code of conduct and commitment to peace that ensures a safe environment for all, our sense of family throughout our community, and our joyous and engaged classrooms that focus on academic achievement. As evidence of our impact, in 2023 Stanford's Center for Research on Education Outcomes ranked Freire Schools in the top 15 in the country for academic gains out of 368 charter networks nationwide.

Director of Special EducationAbout the team

For this Director of Special Education position, you'll be working for our central network office, referred to as "Freire Schools Collaborative." The network office supports and guides the four Freire campuses, advances Freire Schools' mission, and thoughtfully plans Freire Schools' future, enabling teachers and school staff to stay focused on their critical work with students and families. Network office roles are generally hybrid roles, with some time required in-person at our campuses or in our office located in center city Philadelphia.

What you'll do

Responsibilities

• Work with a team of school and network leaders to craft an instructional vision for special education.
• Conduct a programmatic review at each campus to identify the highest priority opportunities for improvement and then work with school-based special education leaders on a plan to address these areas.
• Create structures, procedures, and materials that help our schools to effectively and efficiently comply with all relevant federal and state (PA and DE) special education laws and to exceed expectations on all accountability frameworks that intersect with special education.
• Coach and develop school-based special education leaders.
• Support efforts to recruit certified, experienced special education teachers.
• Serve as the Network's point of contact for legal matters related to special education.

Who you are

You are a visionary leader who ensures that every student with disabilities receives the support they need to thrive. You use your deep knowledge of special education law and instructional practices to build strong systems, foster collaboration, and drive continuous improvement across the schools. We're looking for someone who meets the minimum requirements to be considered for the role. If you meet these requirements, you are encouraged to apply. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Minimum requirements

• 3+ years of special education teaching experience
• 3+ years of relevant school leadership experience that includes coaching and managing people (eg Principal or Special Education Department Chair)
• Proven success with special education student achievement
• Valid special education teaching or supervisory certificate required
• Exceptional knowledge of national, state, and local special education laws.

Preferred qualifications

• Special education experience operating within Delaware and Pennsylvania specifically.

Pay and benefits

The annual salary range for this role is $120,000-$145,000. We offer a full benefits package including health, dental, vision, and more. Pennsylvania employees are enrolled in Freire's 403(b) retirement plan which includes a 5% contribution from Freire.

Freire Schools is committed to maintaining a workplace environment that is free from all forms of discrimination and discriminatory harassment, in service of the policy goal to provide all persons equal access to all categories of employment regardless of a person's actual or perceived race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression), age, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, ethnic background, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions, disability, veteran/military status, or any other category protected by state or federal law.