Brilla Public Charter Schools

Director of Student Services



About Brilla Public Charter Schools

Brilla Public Charter Schools is a network of K-8th grade schools that currently serves 1,600 students from Mott Haven, University Heights, and other neighborhoods in the Bronx. The network is growing from its current four elementary and two middle schools to five elementary and five middle schools educating some 4,000 students in the Bronx and Paterson, NJ.

Brilla combines a Classical approach to education - an emphasis on an ennobling and content-rich curriculum, inductive inquiry-driven instruction, and virtue formation that fosters an encounter with Truth, Beauty, and Goodness - with co-teaching practices and individualized online instructional support. We approach the formation of our students holistically and maintain high academic expectations. Ours is a joyful community that honors the dignity of each student, our staff members, and the families we serve.

Position Overview

In collaboration with the K-8 Brilla Paterson leadership teams and the Brilla Network staff, the goal of this position is to oversee the continuum of programs, related services, and language proficiency supports that serve the needs of our diverse learning communities. The selected candidate will be a dynamic leader who advocates for access for all learners.

Core Competencies & Responsibilities

Set the Standard

• Responsible for the data-driven instructional leadership of the K-8 program, in collaboration with school Principals. Includes, but not limited to: direction for curriculum programming and pedagogical practices, co-leading the instructional leadership teams, coaching teachers, developing & facilitating professional development, and creating & managing all academic benchmark assessments.
• Build teacher capacity and their understanding of instructional practices as related to New Jersey Student Learning Standards, Common Core, and Data Driven Instruction; Provide additional coaching for newer teachers or teachers needing additional support.

Honor the Team.

• An active member of the schools’ leadership team, setting and supporting the schools’ strategic direction to guide the vision and implementation of Brilla’s centralized, classically-inspired curriculum and to ensure high-quality implementation.
• Collaborates with leadership team and network staff to support and provide exceptional instructional leadership and guidance
• Serves as point person for external instructional consultants

Make it Count

• Collaborate and coach, when necessary, with Principals as the day-to-day instructional leaders of the school. Set the vision and goals for academic achievement, with collaboration, support, and guidance provided by the Head of Schools
• Ensure that the vertical scope and sequence of content results in high academic outcomes over time, meeting or exceeding Brilla Network targets of proficiency

It Starts with You

• Align Brilla New York Curriculum to New Jersey Standards and ensure it supports NY/NJ Mission & Components of a High-Quality Curriculum by June 2023, with ongoing revisions and edits as necessary
• Conducts regular in-class observations, models effective lessons and instructional strategies, and regularly provides clear and written or verbal feedback to teachers
• Analyzes and uses data to identify instructional and professional development needs and to evaluate, improve and report on program effectiveness.

Qualifications:

• A collaborative leadership style with outstanding problem solving, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Effectively able to support special education programs, and to work with parents, community groups, and agencies.
• Well versed in State & Federal laws governing special education and multilingual learners.
• Must be knowledgeable of NJAC 6A:14 Special Education Code.

Main Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and direction for the delivery and maintenance of a comprehensive program of special services which includes child study team and MLL services, in-class support services, and medical and health services.
• To develop all procedures for identification, referral, evaluation, classification and placement of educationally handicapped pupils in accordance with state and federal regulations and timelines.
• Assist in recruitment, selection, and recommendation for hiring of special education personnel; assume responsibility for compiling, maintaining, and filing all reports, records, and other documents legally required or administratively useful; develop and maintain processes and oversight for complete and cumulative individual records of all children receiving special services or enrolled in special classes.
• Disseminates information on new education research and new state department rules and regulations in the area of special education.
• Collects, organizes, and submits charter performance data based on need for the completion of state grant applications, plans and reports.
• Coordinates special education scheduling in collaboration with case managers and related service providers.
• Ensure that every one of our schools is creating equitable experiences for all students by increasing support at high-needs campuses when needed, and partnering with other regional stakeholders in order to drive rapid improvement in key academic systems and processes.
• As a resident content expert, lead professional development for leaders and teachers in accordance with the annual professional development strategy.Embrace and develop skill in a wide range and methods of professional development and coaching, including real-time feedback, co-teaching and model teaching, observation and debrief, etc.
• Serve as a case manager and consult with school personnel, parents and outside agencies regarding student need and progress as needed.
• Lead development of Individualized Education Plans (I.E.P.s) and maintain compliance with N.J.A.C. 6A:14.
• Complete comprehensive psychological evaluations, including the use of cognitive, socio-emotional, and behavioral assessments for use in eligibility determination and program planning.
• Serve as a contributing member of the Child Study Team (C.S.T.) and participate in all C.S.T. meetings and requirements as per N.J.A.C. 6A:14.
• Provide crisis response and intervention, crisis counseling, and risk assessments as needed.

Requirements:

• Minimum of a Master's Degree in Special Education, Educational Administration/leadership, or School Psychology
• Experience as Special Education Teacher, Child Study Team Member or Supervisor
• NJ Principal and/or Administrator Certification

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