High School Dean of Special Education

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!

The Dean of Special Education (DOSS) is passionate about supporting the students with disabilities who are at-risk for academic underperformance due to emotional and/or physical challenges so that they can succeed in the school’s rigorous academic program. The DOSS holds primary responsibility for the ongoing development, implementation, and leadership of the school’s special needs program.  As part of the administrative team, the DOSS plays a central role in the success of the school. The DOSS also works closely with the Principal and Director of Operations of his or her school and other schools supported by Uncommon.  Specific Responsibilties are as follows:

Student Support Compliance and Coordination

• Ensure the quality of the services provided to students with IEPs, through walkthroughs of Special Education settings across the school and managing and ensuring ensure testing accommodations are being met
• Coordinate Behavior Intervention Plans planning and execution, with support of Special Education Coordinators, Dean of Students & Social Workers  including the use of monitoring tools and re-evaluation multiple times throughout the school year as well as running weekly meetings to develop support plans for individual students who are struggling
• Facilitate support for general education teachers on their responsibilities towards student with Individual Education Programs (IEPs), including leading professional development sessions and assisting in the implementation of classroom modifications and accommodations
• Communicate with families to request initial evaluations for potential new IEPs

Student Support Management, Leadership, and Collaboration

• Manage and oversee the Special Education Coordinators to coordinate paraprofessionals and Related Service Providers and  provide updates to the grade level team about student progress
• Work closely with the Dean of Student to establish a positive, structured, achievement-oriented, and creative school culture;
• Run Special Education Team and coach Special Education teachers, Social Workers, and the English New Language Teacher
• Collaborate with the Director of Special Education, Leaders within the school and Special Education Leaders across Uncommon Schools to maximize the ability of the school to support students’ academic and socio-emotional development;
• Support teachers to hold all students to high and consistent behavioral expectations;

Cultural Leadership and General School Support

• Demonstrate a relentless drive to improve the minds, characters & lives of students both in and out of school.
• Show unwavering commitment to urban youth achieving greatness.
• Create a positive, structured learning environment to ensure that students observe the school’s core values, high expectations, and strict code of conduct.
• Oversee implementation of curricula and activities to meet academic standards.
• Use assessment data to refine curriculum and inform instructional practices
• Teach classes or small groups, as necessary;

• Drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom.
• Proven track-record of high achievement in the classroom.
• Mastery of and enthusiasm for academic subjects.
• Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player.
• Bachelor’s degree is required; Master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of five years teaching and leading experience in an urban public school or charter school setting.
• Special Education teaching certification required
• Belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable. 

Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent.

Compensation

Compensation for this role is between $87,000 to $130,000. Most candidates who meet job description requirements will receive an offer of $87,000 - $97,400. 

Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant professional development, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools.

* The range above represents our compensation scales for the 2025-2026 school year. If starting prior to June 30th, 2025, compensation will be based on a slightly lower range, reflective of current compensation scales. New hires who fall into this category will see an increase in their compensation starting on July 1st, 2025  for next school year which aligns to the scale above.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time, paid holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer). 
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development  
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA)
• Financial Planning
  • 403(b) retirement savings program + employer match
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits

*A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE.

At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve---with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.

As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email [email protected].