Director of Student Support; SPED​/Diverse Learners

Director of Student Support (SPED/Diverse Learners) –

KIPP Capital Region Public Schools seeks a Director of Student Support to lead services for students at risk for academic underperformance due to emotional and/or physical challenges or language acquisition barriers. The role focuses on ensuring students succeed in rigorous academic programs within KIPP Capital Region Public Schools.

• Coordinate summer and academic year staff professional development in special education, English Language Learner instruction, and at-risk student services.
• Identify, train, support, and coach school-based special education coordinators, special education teachers, providers of related services, and English Language Learner instructors.
• Train, support, and coach general education teachers in special education, ELL instruction, and at-risk student services.
• Coordinate recruitment of full-time and part-time staff in special education, ELL instruction, and at-risk student services, in collaboration with KIPP Cap Region Principals.
• Provide support to school-based special education coordinators in:
  Child Find activities, intake needs assessment, reviewing intake results, pre-referral and referral processes, coordinating classroom observations and testing, and developing IEPs & 504s.
• Implement and manage IEPs and 504s, including direct services, and ensure general education teachers implement required accommodations and modifications.
• Design curricula and differentiate instruction to best serve students needing special education, ELL, and at-risk services.
• Ensure compliance with Special Education regulations and maintain accurate records and reports per state and federal law.
• Help create a culture of order, structure, humanity, and academic rigor in KIPP Capital Region classrooms and schools.
• Collaborate with teachers, staff, and administrators to ensure students advance toward high school and college.
• Share best practices across KIPP Capital Region in areas of special education, ELL instruction, and at-risk services; document protocols and practices.
• Perform other duties as outlined by the Principal, Regional Director of Special Education, and MD of Schools Principal Manager.
• Commit to anti-racism, equity, and racial justice in all efforts and work with stakeholders to create a future without limits for students.
• Comply with charter, federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including NYS agencies; adhere to organization policies and procedures; participate in internal surveys and data collection for continuous improvement.

• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
  • Strong commitment to KIPP’s mission and anti-racist, equitable practices
  • DEI-focused leadership with the ability to drive anti-racist practices
  • Passionate about improving students’ minds, characters, and lives inside and outside school
  • Team-oriented with strong interpersonal skills and ability to influence cross-functional teams
  • Growth mindset and receptiveness to feedback
  • Flexible work style, strong work ethic, and ability to manage multiple priorities
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule outside regular hours; occasional travel to KIPP schools
  • Commitment to inclusive environments that honor diverse backgrounds
  • Criminal History Background Check willingness

• Education/
  
  Experience:
  • Bachelor’s Degree required;
    Master’s Degree preferred from an accredited college or university
  • Certified as a Special Education Teacher or Administrator
  • 4+ years of professional experience working with Special Education and/or ELL students
  • Prior experience in charter, private, or public schools and urban communities is preferred but not required

The role offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Salaries are determined using an equitable compensation scale based on experience and tenure within the KIPP network. Other benefits include generous time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, 403(b) match, childcare benefits, work/life balance, casual dress code, relocation stipend (where applicable), and more. An Employee Benefits Summary provides full details.

This role is located at KIPP Capital Region schools in Albany, NY.