Director of the AF Empower Program at AF Bushwick Charter ES & MS

School Year: 2024-25

Director of the AF Empower Program

Location: Bushwick, Brooklyn, NY

Summary

Achievement First invites passionate leaders to apply for the position of Director for the AF Empower Elementary Program. The goal of the Empower Program is to ensure that the <1% of students with disabilities in our school communities who have more significant and complex needs have the support they need to complete high school with a clear pathway for financial security, personal fulfillment and a choice-filled life.  The Director will oversee the Empower Elementary program, a truly inclusive program that will benefit not just the students who require specialized support, but the community at large, by building a program that meets a wider range of student needs, through thinking deeply about how to raise the rigor of our thinking, collaboration, planning and instruction so that, over time, we can meet the needs of more students in more inclusive environments.  The Empower Director will sit on the leadership team and report directly to the principal. This is a unique opportunity for a passionate special education leader to collaborate with Fellow Empower Middle & High school School leaders and network leaders to set a vision that has a significant impact on students with disabilities.

All ideal candidates will be passionate about meeting the needs of all students, have expertise in coaching and leading adults, have demonstrated results working in special education, and have a “make it happen” attitude.  We are seeking hard- working candidates who are fanatical about doing right by all students.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

Key Goals for the Director

• Accelerate the growth of program scholars such that their rate of growth dramatically outpaces previous performance.
• Manage and develop all faculty and practitioners who are engaged in supporting Empower scholars.

Essential responsibilities of the Director include but are not limited to: 

Drive student achievement by creating and influencing the conditions in which ALL staff and scholars can thrive.

• In partnership with the principal, refine the vision for all Empower classrooms to ensure it meets the needs of all students .
• Set the vision for our classrooms (and reset when our program is off vision) and coaching all teachers to meet the vision, maximize their potential, and meet student outcomes.
• Cultivate a positive and inclusive student culture rooted in high expectations for all students.
• Determine and drive data-driven refinements to the program ongoing.

Use data to drive student outcomes

• Set the vision for data collection to progress monitoring all students’ individualized goals.
• Use progress monitoring to make informed decisions related to a student’s progress.
• Manage the development of individual learning profiles to inform specialized instruction.

Demonstrate exceptional instructional and people leadership

• Hire, onboard, and train instructional and support staff for the program.
• Define, communicate, and manage the roles and responsibilities of special educators/learning specialists/other staff
• Establish a thriving adult culture rooted in an unwavering belief that all program students can achieve at high levels.
• Observe teachers regularly and use real time coaching strategies to establish strong instruction in interventions and co-taught classrooms.
• Institute systems and structures to build the capacity of four teachers-in-residence such that they are equipped to teach in the Comprehensive program within 2-3 years

 

Cultivate positive and productive partnerships

• Develop and support a thriving parent network such that parents receive the support they need and parents are able to in turn support their student and the program.
• Foster a positive and productive working relationship with the entire school community such that Empower is fully included.
• Collaborate with the principal to ensure staffing and scheduling of special service team members meet the needs of all scholars

Skills and Characteristics

• Firm conviction that all students – including students with disabilities – can achieve at high levels.
• Exemplary instructional and people leadership skills.
• Proven track record of meeting extremely high standards for student achievement.
• High level of personal organization and planning.
• Excellent communication skills with diverse constituents (teachers, parents, children, board members); clear writer, facilitator and public speaker.
• Proven ability to proactively lead by example, effectively manage adults, and seek out feedback.
• Team player; maturity, humility, strong work ethic, follow-through, sense of humor, and “roll-up-my-sleeves” attitude.
• Intellectual interest in curriculum development, assessment and models of instruction.
• Strong belief in the Achievement First mission and educational model.
• Nice to have; not required: Working knowledge of post-secondary pathways and graduation requirements for NY.

 

Educational Background and Work Experience

• At least 3 years leading and managing adults in a school leadership role to strong outcomes for staff and students.
• At least 2 years of teaching experience with a record of high student achievement.
• A bachelor’s degree; master’s degree in special education, reading specialist, or comparable field.
• Specific experience and knowledge of special education teachers and students with disabilities

 

Compensation

Salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience. Additionally, Achievement First offers a comprehensive benefits package.

 

To Learn More About AF and Apply:

Please visit the Achievement First careers site at http://www.achievementfirst.org/careers/ in order to apply by May 26th, 2022.

 

Achievement First is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity. People from all diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Spanish language proficiency is a plus. You can learn more about diversity at Achievement First here: Http://www.achievementfirst.org/about-us/diversity/.

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Last updated on Feb 29, 2024