Job Type
Full-time
Description
Ascent Classical Academies is currently seeking school leaders who share a passion for our mission to grow the classical education movement and to play a key role in significant expansion throughout Colorado and the Western states.
Join Ascent Classical Academy of 27J as the Director of Student Services to support the development of the moral character and civic virtue of students in their pursuit of the Good, True, and Beautiful. The Student Services Director will support the mission and vision of Ascent Classical Academies and the ideals of classical, liberal arts education and its value in the development and formation of young people. As a leader in the school, the Director of Student Services must have high moral character and embrace the virtues of a free and just society.
The Director of Student Services leads the student services team comprising special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and special services providers to serve K-12 students across special education and general education populations who require universal, targeted, and intensive intervention. The successful candidate will have the knowledge, skills, and commitment needed to provide direct and indirect services that help students and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally and emotionally, as well as the understanding and empathy necessary for working with students and their families. The successful candidate will have knowledge of special education students’ needs within general education and special education settings, ensure the proper services and support for students who need supplemental programming, and understand compliance with state and federal laws. The Student Services Coordinator receives significant support and development under the Dean of Academics and the Headmaster. The Student Services Director is responsible for modeling, implementing, and continuously improving in the following areas and scope of work:

• Oversee the education of students with IEPs, 504 Plans, ELLs, ALPs, READ Plans or are in MTSS consistent with Ascent Classical Academies’ content-rich curriculum
• Assist and supervise general education teachers to meet individual educational goals for students with IEPs, 504 Plans, ELLs, ALPs, READ Plans or are in MTSS
• Ensure compliance with state and federal laws pertaining to student services programming
• Collaborative work with the headmaster to recruit and hire the best student services staff for positions that will meet the individual needs of students
• Coordination with outside providers including itinerant services with approval by ACA and the Governing Board, to ensure services align with student needs
• Management and monitoring of progress tracking within the school information system
• Supervision of paraprofessionals and student services staff to pursue excellence, the Core Virtues, and professionalism at all times
• Coordination of intervention support for general education students prior to potential assessment, as needed
• Management and monitoring of student documentation within the school information system
• Engage in effective communication with parents and teachers
• Appropriately facilitate formal student meetings with parents or other attendees
• Assess and provide research-based intervention to students with a suspected learning disability
• Work collaboratively to design formal educational plans for students that support academic growth and positive social interactions for learning to promote educational access
• Set budget priorities for the Student Services Department and have general knowledge of the Department’s fiscal status
• Oversee and ensure accurate reporting of students with specialized programming
• Close coordination with the enrollment coordinator regarding services for incoming students
• Educate school faculty and staff regarding student services programming, including by preparing and presenting written and oral information
• Maintain academic integrity and mission alignment in modifications and accommodations for students in specialized programming
• Maintain working knowledge and educate staff as needed regarding IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and ADA (American Disability Act), and other applicable state laws or regulations

About Ascent Classical Academies Ascent Classical Academies partners with a network of classical charter schools based in Colorado delivering a content-rich curriculum in the liberal arts and sciences, with underlying principles in the Western tradition of the study of history, literature, philosophy, and fine arts. Our American Classical Education includes, among other things, the study of Latin; a rich examination of American literary, moral, philosophical, political, and historical tradition; and a school culture centered upon moral virtue, respect, discipline, and studiousness among students and faculty alike. Ascent Classical Academy charter schools currently serve approximately 1,700 students in K-12 campuses located in the Denver and Fort Collins areas of Colorado, with significant expansion planned throughout Colorado, the Carolinas, and beyond.
See Ascent Classical Academy of Northern Colorado and Ascent Classical Academy of Douglas County to learn more about our existing schools.
Desired Start Date: July 1, 2023, to include summer training opportunities
Compensation Range and Particulars: $60,000 to $70,000 annually, year-round.
Schedule and Classification: Full-Time Exempt
Benefits Available:

• Employee-only coverage for group medical, dental, and vision plan; dependent coverage available
• Health savings account with employer contributions
• Short- and long-term disability and life insurance plans
• Retirement investment account with employer match
• Paid time off
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Free employee benefit and healthcare concierge guidance through HealthJoy
• Paid leave for qualifying events under the Family Medical Leave Act and the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act
• Robust teacher and school leadership training includes several weeks of training on-site and at Hillsdale College

Requirements
Minimum Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant and appropriate field necessary for licensure and endorsement
• Current Colorado special services provider or director licensure (see Colo. Dept of Education requirements)
• 3 or more years' relevant experience including familiarity with special education laws and regulations
• Eligibility to work in the United States
• After offer is accepted, satisfactory background check as required by state law and Colorado Department of Education
• Conviction in the values of a rigorous liberal arts education
• Loyalty to the school and ACA’s mission and vision
• Commitment to model moral character in line with the school’s core virtues and the pursuit of the Good, True, and Beautiful
• Adherence to all ACA policies, including but not limited to the Employee Handbook, Family Handbook, and all applicable school and board policies

• Health insurance