2023-24 School Year

Position: Director of Special Education

Circle of Seasons Charter School, a Public Waldorf School, seeks a collaborative, dedicated Director of Special Education.

Circle of Seasons Charter School is a K-8 public charter school that offers an approach to teaching and learning that is both whole child focused and student centered. We are the first, and one of just a few, public charter schools on the east coast that is guided by the core principles of Public Waldorf Education. Circle of Seasons campus is located in Fogelsville, PA and is positioned on a 35 acre hilltop with access to outdoor classrooms, hiking trails, woods and playing fields. 

COS nurtures a supportive academic learning environment and classroom community by helping students develop respect, confidence, acceptance, in addition to other positive social values. We believe that happiness, inspiration, creativity and fun are compatible with public education and should not be limited to those who can afford a public school experience.

Using a Waldorf approach thoughtfully synced to Pennsylvania State Standards, students are immersed in a curriculum that emphasizes teaching and learning from where the students are physically, emotionally, and developmentally. This approach encourages developmentally appropriate engagement in both math and literacy and also includes nature based exploration, creative arts, movement and music. All of these components are embedded intentionally throughout all areas of the curriculum and the students' experiences. 

School business hours are 8:00 - 4:00 Monday through Friday; however administrative roles often mandate working beyond these set hours. The Director of Special Education is expected to participate in all meetings, open house events, and school festivals and gatherings outside of these hours.

The salary for this position is $80,000 and includes participation in the 403b retirement plan and healthcare benefits. Background clearances, physical examination and TB test will be required.

Expectations

COS expects that the Director of Special Education will maintain and further the mission, vision and values of the school. The Director of Special Education is responsible for leadership of the special education team and development of the special education program and shares responsibility with the administrative team for the execution of our charter, commitment to positive school culture, and participation in the administrative team’s decision-making processes.

Please submit letter of interest, resume, and description of educational philosophy to hr@circleofseasons.org

Qualifications

Experience with Child Find process and understanding of special education laws, policies, and procedures

Special Education Supervisory Certification required

Charter school administrative experience preferred

Minimum five years of public school experience that includes both teaching and supervising (preferred)

Ability to effectively work with diverse adult and student populations

Excellent communication skills

Dedication to developing a special education program aligned with principles of Public Waldorf education

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

Oversee all Special Education Programs for students in Grades K-8 and their families and teachers

Oversee Special Education teaching staff and paraeducators in grades K-8, including evaluation process

Assist in oversight of English Language Learning supports

Oversee Special Education budget

Coordinate Individual Education Plans

Consult with Special Education counsel regarding compliance with Special Education law

Participate in hiring process for new staff as needed

Oversight of professional development to support implementation of Special Education programs

Lead and manage COS strategic planning goals regarding Special Education

Hold high standards for school norms that maintain and support a strengths-based network of support for student achievement and behavior

Point of contact for all Special Education concerns

Coach teachers in best practices in Special Education instruction

Attend to school-wide administrative issues as a member of the COS Administrative Team

Participate in ongoing professional development

Maintain a positive professional environment that is calm, safe, joyful, kind, and nurturing

For a more detailed job description, please visit our website at circleofseasons.org