Classroom Teacher - The Spire School
Position: Classroom Teacher
Subject Area: Special Education
Job Title: Academic Dean
Job Location: The Spire School
Beginning: Immediately
Deadline: Open until filled **
Certificate: Admin- Intermediate Adminstration or Supervision (092)
Certificate: Comprehensive Special Education, Grades K-12 (165)
District: The Spire School
Stamford, CT 06905
Telephone: 203-661-1609 EXT 107
Email:
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Job Description:
The Spire School in Stamford, CT, is actively recruiting for an Academic Dean.  Spire is a CT State Approved Special Education Program, grades 8-12, for students with social and/or emotional challenges that impact the student's ability to thrive in a typical academic setting. Our model of individualized life coaching and our small group, college-prep instruction (classes are typically 6:1, some are smaller) makes us unique, and 70-80% of our students are district-placed.
Candidates for the position must have a demonstrated passion for teaching and leading. Our school has 65 students enrolled and has a very strong, established team of leaders, teachers, and Life Coaches who collaborate for the common goal of having each child reach their full personal potential.
The Academic Dean shares (with the Chief Administrator and Education Director) the responsibility for protecting the health and welfare of students, and fulfills the following job responsibilities: 
Administration
  • Assists Chief Administrator/Education Director in establishing and enforcing high academic and behavioral standards 
  • Coordinates with Chief Administrator and Education Director to implement school improvement initiatives
  • Partners with Education Director to ensure the implementation of student IEPs
  • Arranges substitute teacher coverage and communicates with teachers regarding substitute teaching plans
  • Collaborates with Chief Administrator and Education Director regarding the State Approval process and NEASC accreditation
  • Develops and drafts policy recommendations for leadership’s consideration and action 
  • Makes recommendations for appropriate revisions of and assists in the interpretation of programs, policies, and procedures affecting students’ lives in school  
  • Serves on the Leadership Team and Admissions Committee
  • Supports Director of Guidance with the coordination and administration of all College Board and State assessments
  • Assists in planning and leading professional development activities 
  • Assists in developing the school year Master Schedule and summer extended school year (ESY) process, including all necessary faculty/staff and student/family communication
  • Supports teaching staff in development/implementation of classroom management techniques and works with designated school staff to develop proactive disciplinary interventions 
  • Maintains disciplinary records required by policy, regulation, law or good practice 
  • Manages (with Student Activities Coordinator and other staff) coverage at all school events at which coverage is necessary
  • Partners with Education Director to supervise and evaluate teachers and Life Coaches
  • Monitors Academic Programming
  • Oversees Curriculum & Instruction
  • Serves as District Facilitator for TEAM (teacher) Mentoring Program
  • Manages Senior Internship and Junior Shadow Day programming and processes
  • Assists/partners with designated Life Coaches to develop ESY schedules and activities
  • Manages day-to-day operations of ESY programs
Student and Family Support
  • Responsible for ongoing review of student academic progress and oversees teacher adherence to policies related to parent communication regarding progress and grades
  • Attends and leads, when necessary, PPTs and related meetings (e.g., pre-PPTs/quarterly ratings)
  • Manages and coordinates Student Transition program (rolling admissions students)
  • Assists in the investigation and resolution of discipline problems in a fair and just manner, in accordance with Spire policy
  • Investigates student complaints and grievances, interviews students and witnesses in disciplinary investigations
  • Investigate, adjudicate, and monitor minor infractions of the school code in the form of restorative discipline
  • Confers with parents, teachers, counselors, support service personnel and students on matters of academics, discipline, and welfare
  • Properly and expediently addresses issues of student attendance 
  • Represents the school at community meetings and conferences 
  • With school leaders and staff, builds a strong, positive, and sustaining community 
Requirements:
  • At least five years of administrative or leadership experience at the school or district level. 
  • Ability to work with a variety of stakeholder groups including students, families, staff, Board Members, and the broader community.
  • Experience educating students who may require differentiated instruction and may have emotional and/or learning challenges.
  • Masters Degree in Special Education preferred
  • Connecticut Certificate for Administration and Supervision (092) required 

** District reserves the right to close any Job Posting when a suitable applicant has been found before the deadline date.
**** REAP Applicants: If you want to notify the school district of your interest in this job, click here.