PRINCIPAL, SPECIAL EDUCATION

Special Education School has a vacancy for a Principal who will serve as the chief administrator and instructional leader. A focus on Autism Spectrum Disorders would be an asset.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

PRINCIPAL, SPECIAL EDUCATION

(Permanent Hire)

Job Purpose

Serves as the chief administrator and instructional leader of a special education school; establishes and maintains curriculum in compliance with international best practices and guidelines from the Ministry of Education; directs the operations of the school site; establishes and maintains a positive school climate for the learning, behavior, safety, health and welfare of students, families and staff.

Reports to:  The Board of Directors

Qualifications & Experience:

Master’s degree in Special Education or other relevant field OR First Degree in Education plus five (5) years experience in teaching students with special education needs PLUS at least three (3) years experience in a senior administrative role.  A focus on Autism Spectrum Disorders would be an asset.

Responsibilities:

• Supports the Board of Directors, attends monthly Board Meetings and keeps them informed of decisions and changes.
• Prepares agenda, minutes and supporting materials for Board Meetings.
• Embraces and models the Centre’s mission and vision, philosophy and beliefs.
• Performs the duties of chief administrator at serving a community of special education students and their families in compliance with the Ministry of Education regulations.
• Interviews, hires, assigns, formally evaluates and manages staff as required.
• Oversees the medical needs of the students by monitoring treatment protocols and ensuring that the proper equipment and supplies are available; plans for and responds appropriately in an emergency or crisis, utilizing community medical resources.
• Maintains the well-being of the medically fragile and vulnerable students by coordinating the reporting of all suspected cases of child abuse to the proper authorities in the prescribed manner.
• Evaluates special education programmes on an annual basis and makes recommendations for programme development.
• Serves as the instructional leader of the school by providing in-service training and development to staff regarding new instructional methodologies and technology; assists teachers in the study and implementation of effective teaching practices.
• Oversees the Individualized Education Programme (IEP) meetings for enrolled students; verifies that the meetings are conducted annually and that the necessary records and other legally required documents are completed, processed and updated by all staff members involved.
• Plans and coordinates programme activities and ensures the safe and appropriate transportation of all students and staff where necessary.
• Interacts with various stakeholders that serve special education to optimize services for the students; collaborates to develop and maintain relationships with the wider community.
• Improves and develops communication material for the organization such as a brochure, website, and other promotional material.
• Provides parents with information concerning the special needs of the students and any other assistance available. 
• Responsible for the maintenance and repairs of the property to meet the special needs of the school’s population.
• Prepares the school budgets and maintains control over budgetary allocations.
• Identifies fundraising strategies that benefit and complement the mission and vision and ensures fundraising programmes are carried out with high ethical standards.
• Ensures donors are kept happy and are regularly informed about the organization.
• During periods of critical personnel shortage or other emergency situation, shall temporarily perform any necessary duties.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Personal Characteristics:

• Knowledge of the fundamental principles and best practices related to special education instruction, teaching methodology and behaviour management of students with Autism and other disabilities.
• Knowledge of effective administrative and managerial practices and ability to implement them.
• Ability to lead and manage staff effectively.
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and manage time for self and others.
• Appropriate interpersonal style and use of methods to guide individuals and groups toward task accomplishment.
• Leadership skill in facilitating group processes, including consensus building and resolution of conflict.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures of the Ministry of Education.
• Knowledge of staff development resources.
• Knowledge of, and skill in, effective budgetary processes and school finance.
• Skill in obtaining alternative funding resources.
• Ability to work effectively with all racial, ethnic, disability and socioeconomic groups.
• Strong communication skills and leadership qualities to work effectively with the Board of Directors, staff, students and their families, community representatives and other personnel, both individually and as a group.
• Ability to make formal, public and virtual presentations.
• Excellent computer skills.
• Ability to cope with multiple tasks and crisis situations.
• Ability to travel to other sites/locations.
• Maintain good physical and mental well-being.

[This job description is not a complete statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements.  Requirements are representative of the minimum level of knowledge, skill, and/or abilities.  The Board of Directors retains the discretion to add or change typical duties of the position at any time.  The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities duties and skills required of personnel so classified.]