Assistant Director of Education

Are you looking for a career that makes your heart smile on a daily basis?
Come and work with our amazing students and staff at The Vanguard School!

Founded in 1959 and located on a beautiful 28-acre campus in Malvern, PA, The Vanguard School and Services (VSS) are dedicated to the growth and development of children and young adults with a variety of special needs. Through a collaborative and holistic approach to each individual served by the continuum of educational, recreation, and employment services offered, VSS commits to helping all students and participants develop a strong sense of self-worth in their communities in an environment driven by respect, appreciation, learning, and growth.

Title: Assistant Director of Education 

Program/Dept: Vanguard School 

Reports to: Director of Education 

Work Year/Day: 12 months, Monday to Friday, 7:45AM to 3:45PM 

FLSA Status: Exempt

Minimum Qualifications

1. Master's degree in Special Education or a related field.
2. Certified Principal or Supervisor of Special Education/Educational Leadership.
3. Current, valid Pennsylvania Special Education Teacher certification.
4. Five years teaching experience plus three years of experience in school administration.
5. Experience working with special needs population in a school setting and an understanding of autism, developmental delays, neurological impairments, and emotional disorders.
6. Demonstrated excellence in organizational ability, oral and written expression, and group presentation skills.
7. Ability to engage intellectually and physically in all components of the work process.
8. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with all constituents (administrators, colleagues, students, parents, and others).
9. Knowledge of correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
10. Ability to use computers and current computer software applications at a proficient level.

General Duties and Responsibilities

The Assistant Director of the Vanguard School will work closely with the Director to oversee academic programs and services and is responsible for oversight of professional development and staff training. Under the supervision of the Director of Education the Assistant Director will assist in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of educational programs and best practices. The Assistant Director provides direct oversight of the Extended School Year program. The Assistant Director will assist the Director in administrative duties including supervision of staff, participation in meetings and acting as a liaison with all stakeholders. 

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

1. Collaborates with directors and supervisors in the planning, monitoring, and evaluating of The Vanguard School's educational program.
2. Under the supervision of the Director, implement systems of leadership, support, and guidance for school personnel to ensure programs are in compliance with IDEA and all related federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.
3. Provide oversight of the curriculum review process acting as a liaison between the Program Supervisors and Resource Coordinator to ensure all programs have and are using appropriate and approved curriculum.
4. Organize, evaluate, and keep record of campus-wide professional development.
5. Oversight of all mandated state and local assessments.
6. Guide teams with implementation of instructional best practices.
7. Observe in classrooms on a consistent basis to offer constructive and supportive feedback and communicate back to Director and Program Supervisor
8. Assist staff with the use of student achievement data to inform the planning and implementation of effective programs and instruction.
9. Participate in (and potentially plan) meetings with staff and/or programs to promote problem solving and staff development.
10. Organize, keep record of and evaluate campus-wide professional development.
11. Develop and monitor PDE Act 48 plan.
12. Coordinate, facilitate and evaluate a PDE-approved induction program for level 1 certified staff that require participation in an induction program.
13. Attend IEP meetings as requested by the director. Provide guidance and support during the development and implementation of the IEPs.
14. Intervene and resolve issues with parents, students, and staff in collaboration with the Director and Program Supervisors.
15. Provide leadership in the development and implementation of Extended School Year program, including but not limited to interviewing, scheduling, program themes, student trips, and IEP related services.
16. Serves as an advisor for the development of individual program budgets and prepares and administers the overall department budget.
17. Provides direct supervision to assigned staff addressing professional growth, programming, and overall job duties and responsibilities.
18. In conjunction with the Director of The Vanguard School and Program Supervisors, develops an annual budget for curriculum and staff development and monitors the budget.
19. Learns and informs staff of new research, trends, and best practice in special education.
20. Maintains a professional, confidential and ethical relationship with all constituents (board members, administrators, colleagues, faculty, parents, students, and others).
21. Coordinate the use of school facilities for special events, activities, and professional development.
22. Effectively communicate to support and build strong partnerships with parents, school leaders, and school personnel.
23. Attends and actively participates in leadership meetings and other meetings as required.
24. Maintains proper credentials for assignment and remains educationally informed in all related areas including PDE regulations and state/national standards through continued professional study and attending workshops and conferences.
25. Attend evening and weekend events as necessary.
26. Performs related duties, special assignments and projects as assigned.

VSS offers a competitive salary, full comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, PTO, 100% short and long-term disabilities, a robust Employee Assistance Program, and a generous annual contribution to each employees' 403(b). Top that off with team-building events, staff outings, and working alongside professionals who care deeply about our mission and core values: Communication and Listening, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Ethics, Professionalism, and Teamwork!

The Vanguard School and Services is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. We will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations as part of this commitment. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment, be sure to let us know.