Special Education School Principal - Pathfinder School

Duties and responsibilities

Manages school-based staffing matters including onboarding, assigning, supervising, and evaluating new and existing personnel, consistent with process determined by the AIU and applicable collective bargaining agreements, ensuring effective and orderly management of all school-based employees. Coordinates and participates in the students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) processes, in collaboration with the special education liaisons from the students’ sending districts/schools, providing educational services for learners as required.

Implements, supervises, and maintains academic, social, emotional, and behavioral programs, responsive to the needs and interests of the students, by monitoring learners’ progress, achievement data, and research-based practices in education. Ensures that staff have access to training and in-servicing activities that align with program needs and priorities, partnering with school-based personnel, colleague administrators, and other trainers, so that employees are current, complaint, and knowledgeable in their areas of practice.

Participates in the development and oversight of the building-based budgets, as facilitated by the agency’s fiscal personnel and consistent with the AIU policies, safeguarding fiscal relevance and cost-effective operations of the programs. Represents school-based concerns and interests at the Joint Board Special School Committee meetings, by providing updates, data, and action items, so that the governance body can make informed decisions on behalf of the operating member districts.

Oversees the safety and security of the schools’ membership, by implementing safety-related trainings, drills, and protocols consistent with procedures, policies, and regulations, such that all personnel and students have access to protected workspaces. Maintains an inventory of supplies and equipment, in accordance with the AIU procurement procedures and policies, that are available for use by personnel in fulfillment of their duties and responsibilities.

Develops and maintains a liaison with stakeholder groups (e.g., parents/guardians, school advisory committees, barraging units’ local liaisons, community-based social service agencies, local law enforcement), through informal and formal communication means, soliciting input, clarifying problems, advocating for programs, and advancing program modification.

Works with contracted providers (e.g., transportation, nutrition, staffing agencies), by communicating with agency designees in a timely and consistent manner, addressing the provision of services necessary for the efficient operation of the programs. Other duties as assigned by administration in support of the school-based programs.

Qualifications

Principal K -12 Certification, required. Certification in Special Education and/or School Psychology preferred. Experience working in the field of special education preferred, including understanding of student services and progress monitoring. Knowledge of special education law. Experience supervising and evaluating professional and non-professional staff preferred.

Evidence of strong leadership skills. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Self-motivator, independent, cooperative, flexible, creative, and responsible. Ability and experience working as a member of a team. Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines and work under pressure with limited supervision. Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, student information systems, and other electronic databases and dashboards.

Ability to comply with AIU Policies and Pennsylvania's Code of Professional Practice and Conduct for Educators. Additional Requirements: Current Act 114, Act 34, Act 151, and NSOR clearance required (dated no more thatn 1 year from the hire date). School Personnel Health Record (Form H511.340 (8/2011)) must be completed and received by Human Resources prior to hire date.

Working Conditions: 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Be able to lift or carry up to 25 pounds.

Be able to bend or twist at the neck and back. Specific vision includes peripheral vision and close vision. Be able to stand for extended periods throughout the day. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position.

Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned. Disclaimer: The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the Principal. Reports To: The Assistant Executive Director of Special Education and Pupil Services Department: Special Education and Pupil Services.

Division Position Schedule: 260 days Salary: Grade 17 Benefits: Act 93