<p>Special Education Department Head - Secondary JobID: 6705</p> <p>Position Type:</p> <p>Special Education</p> <p>Date Posted:</p> <p>7/3/2025</p> <p>Location:</p> <p>Secondary Schools</p> <p>Date Available:</p> <p>08/21/2025</p> <p>Closing Date:</p> <p>Open Until Filled</p> <p>&nbsp&nbspAdditional Information: Show/Hide</p> <p>Location: District - Secondary Level</p> <p>Assignment: .4 Special Education Department Head / .6 Teaching or Coaching Assignment within Special Education Certification Area</p> <p>Reports to: Supervisor of Special Education (Secondary)</p> <p>Certification Requirements:</p> <p>Department Chair Certification (105) is required. An Intermediate Supervisory Certificate (092) may be accepted in lieu of the Department Chair endorsement.</p> <p>Essential Job Functions:</p> <p>Reporting to the Supervisor of Special Education, department heads serve as instructional leaders supporting the implementation of curriculum and best practices to ensure high levels of student achievement and instructional excellence. In collaboration with the Supervisor of Special Education and building-based administration, department heads provide professional development, coaching, modeling, and formative content-specific feedback to improve instruction and student outcomes across the district.</p> <ul> <li>Note: This position is a two (2) academic year term. Incumbents are eligible to reapply biennially. </li></ul> <p>Leadership:</p> <ul> <li>Demonstrate deep knowledge of Special Education practices, regulations, and standards-based instruction. </li><li>Serve as a role model for professionalism, instructional excellence, and a commitment to continuous improvement. </li><li>Lead and support change initiatives aligned with data, best practices, and district goals. </li><li>Conduct department meetings to promote communication and alignment of goals. </li><li>Support PLCs in developing common assessments, analyzing data, and planning responsive instruction. </li><li>Collaborate with school teams to implement and monitor departmental goals. </li><li>Facilitate professional learning to build staff capacity in Special Education compliance, instruction, and intervention. </li><li>Participate in New Teacher Orientation and lead Special Education-specific curriculum sessions. </li><li>Attend and contribute to four (4) days of summer work for curriculum and resource development, as scheduled with the Supervisor. </li></ul> <p>Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment:</p> <ul> <li>Facilitate the consistent implementation of Special Education curriculum, assessments, and instructional practices. </li><li>Collaborate to improve inclusive practices and ensure access to rigorous instruction for all students. </li><li>Support the development and implementation of progress monitoring systems and data analysis protocols. </li><li>Design and deliver professional development focused on research-based Special Education strategies, including co-teaching, differentiated instruction, and accommodations/modifications. </li><li>Engage in direct service to students for approximately two instructional periods per day. </li></ul> <p>Staff Development and Observation:</p> <ul> <li>Mentor and coach both novice and experienced teachers to ensure high-quality instruction and compliance with Special Education mandates. </li><li>In collaboration with building administrators, conduct formative observations and support professional growth through instructional coaching and targeted feedback. </li><li>Contribute to the development of instructional improvement plans aligned with district and student needs. </li><li>Provide formative support to complement the summative evaluation process conducted by administrators. </li></ul> <p>Organizational Management:</p> <ul> <li>Participate in hiring processes for Special Education staff, including recruitment, screening, and interviews. </li><li>Monitor and manage department resources including specialized equipment, supplies, and instructional materials. </li><li>Coordinate with administrators and counselors on master schedules, course offerings, and student placements. </li><li>Serve as a liaison between the Special Education department, district leadership, building administration, and staff. </li><li>Maintain effective communication with families and community stakeholders. </li><li>Perform additional duties as assigned by the Supervisor of Special Education. </li></ul> <p>Qualifications:</p> <ul> <li>Valid Connecticut Special Education teaching certification </li><li>Department Chair Certification (105) or Intermediate Supervisory Certification (092) </li><li>Minimum of five (5) years of successful teaching experience in Special Education with diverse learners </li><li>Experience mentoring new teachers </li><li>Demonstrated curriculum leadership and innovation </li><li>Proven ability to support interdisciplinary collaboration </li><li>Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills </li></ul> <p>Salary:</p> <p>Salary in accordance with the NEA-Danbury Collective Bargaining Agreement.</p> <p>Includes a base stipend of $6,000 with an additional $1,000-$6,000 annually based on department size.</p> <p>Application Procedure:</p> <p>Apply online, including all required attachments:</p> <p>Visit www.danbury.k12.ct.us and navigate to the Job Listings section.</p>