Founded in 2011, People's Prep prepares all of our students to graduate from the college of their choice as informed, involved, and resilient citizens. Our core values of Grit, Empathy, Achievement, Curiosity, Humility, and Enthusiasm are at the heart of students’ daily experiences so that they are successful at the college of their choice and in life.  

• Grit: We never give up. We do whatever it takes. We find another way.
• Empathy: We understand and serve the needs and feelings of others. We listen first and welcome differences of opinion. We support our teammates.
• Achievement: We set ambitious goals. We focus on results. We make each other better.
• Curiosity: We are eager to learn. We explore new things. We ask questions that deepen our understanding.
• Humility: We embrace our mistakes because we always have room to grow. We relentlessly seek feedback. We are grateful for our opportunities and advantages.
• Enthusiasm: We choose to stay positive. We invigorate others. We go all in, all the time.

We believe that serving all students and holding ourselves to a high academic bar are not mutually exclusive.  We can do both and believe that our mission compels us to do so.  The Dean of Student Interventions serves as a school leader who drives excellence and equity for all students with special needs or in need of  interventions.  He or she drives ambitious student achievement by overseeing the RtI and IEP processes and the delivery of special services.  The Dean of Student Interventions manages the special education teachers, instructional aides and interventionists, and oversees the Grade Team Leaders’ facilitation of the RtI process.

Skills and Characteristics

• Belief in the People’s Prep core values and educational philosophy is non-negotiable
• Belief in People’s Prep’s mission and that it’s our responsibility to embrace and serve students with disabilities.
• Unyielding commitment to students, self and school’s constant learning and development
• Strong instructional and classroom management skills
• Record of success developing teachers
• Strong problem analysis and problem resolution skills at both strategic and functional level
• Demonstrated mastery of subject matter
• Experience and familiarity with the IEP process, behavior modifications and special education law
• Relentlessness
• Team player
• Excellent communication skills
• Highly organized
• Maturity, humility, strong work ethic, sense of humor, flexibility and ability to work autonomously and take direction as needed

 

Education Background and Work Experience

• Three or more years of teaching experience in an urban environment required; special education experience strongly preferred
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
• Willingness to aggressively seek special education certification
• Willingness to seek administrative certification

 

The responsibilities of the Dean of Student Interventions include, but are not limited to:

 

• Ensure all students, including those with IEPs, make ambitious academic progress each year.
• Lead systematic improvement and expansion of People’s Prep’s continuum of special education services, including building the knowledge, skills and mindsets of colleagues
• Internalize standards and the scope and sequences of all core content areas and know how standards build and are assessed.
• Collaborate with members of the Instructional Leadership Team to set measurable, ambitious, yet attainable goals for the year and for each interim cycle for all students with IEPs.
• Serve as “owner” and “facilitator” of all aspects of the special education and 504 processes (i.e. writing and implementing rigorous, standards-driven IEPs, managing legal documents and files related to students’ IEPs and 504 plans, ensuring all students are in compliance with mandates, coordinating annual IEP review process and initial IEPs, collaborating with and leading team of related service providers at the school, etc..)
• Manage a strong, professional relationship with the local district and act as the school administrator when meeting with the district.
• Manage the Response to Intervention (RtI) process.
• Manage the initial referral process, simultaneously identifying students with potential disabilities while actively working against the mis- and over-referral of students.
• Build and maintain strong family partnerships, including, but not limited to demystifying the special education process.
• Build rapport with students inside and outside of class so that students understand unambiguously that you care about them.
• Assume responsibility for every student’s success by holding all students accountable during transitions, meals, trips, etc.
• Manage the Manifestation Determination Review process, if necessary.
• Collect and analyze special education data trends and proactively problem solve ways to better serve all students.
• Coach a team of special education teachers and instructional aides.
• Design and deliver high impact professional development for the special education team and all teachers.
• Coordinate the IEP program services and ensure all teachers know their special education responsibilities.
• Understand guidelines for suspension and expulsion of students with IEPs and ensure procedural rights are upheld.
• Partner with other school leaders to coordinate testing accommodations.
• Manage ELLs identification, service and testing.
• Contract, coordinate and oversee all related services.
• Write and submit annual reports to the state and district in regards to special services.  This happens in conjunction with other school leaders.
• Oversee the implementation of EASY IEP.
• Collaborate with instructional leaders to support our neediest students during summer months.