Special Education (K-6) Evaluation Team Lead (ETL) in Worcester, Massachusetts at Abby Kelley Foster School

Job Title: Special Education (K-6) Evaluation Team Leader
Location: Special Education
Reports to: Building Principal in Partnership with the Special Education Department

Subordinates: None

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary Range: School Year Instructional Salary Scale ($56,079-$105,077)

Job Summary:
Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School seeks an experienced, collaborative, and energetic Team Lead to join the district as the Special Education Evaluation Team Leader (ETL). Under the supervision of the Director of Special Education, the ETL maintains compliance with federal and state regulations and AKFCS policies for students with disabilities, and acts as an expert resource for special education instruction, assessment, and programming.

The selected candidate will possess an optimistic, growth-oriented mindset and adhere strictly to all Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) guidelines, ensuring our diverse student body receives the highest quality of support. This job description outlines core duties but is not exhaustive; the ideal candidate must remain flexible and adaptable to the evolving compliance and operational needs of the District.

This job description outlines the core duties and responsibilities for the position. It is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all tasks that may be required in this role. The ideal candidate should be flexible and adaptable in meeting the evolving needs of the District.

Key Responsibilities:

• IEP Team Leadership: Serve as the K-6 representative and Chairperson for IEP Team meetings. Review documents and evaluation data, facilitate Team discussions, and oversee the development and implementation of IEPs. Authoritatively commit district resources during meetings as qualified.

• Compliance Oversight: Oversee the Special Education evaluation process, IEP development, and school-based compliance with Massachusetts DESE regulations. Monitor IEP implementation, progress reports, and record-keeping required for DESE reporting.

• Referrals & Transitions: Coordinate the referral process for special education evaluations. Coordinate transition planning across all school levels (PreK to Elementary, Middle, High School, and post-HS) and design procedures to support student and parent transition programs.

• Policy & Regulation: Implement procedures, plans, and directives required by state and federal laws. Assist the Special Education Team with the interpretation of federal and Commonwealth laws regarding eligibility determinations and Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) requirements. Implement or assist with regulatory requirements related to the discipline of special education students.

• Staff Consultation: Serve as an instructional expert regarding educational assessments, curriculum modifications, and accommodations for school-based staff. Assist building principals and the Director with program evaluations, state-mandated testing, and the preparation of MCAS Alternate Portfolios.

• Community & Agency Liaison: Assist parents, guardians, staff, and community members in understanding the special education process and available services. Coordinate with state agencies (e.g., DCF, DMH) as needed.

• Professional Development: Actively participate in ongoing professional development (workshops, courses, in-service training) to remain current on special education methods, legal updates, and general curriculum standards.

• Collaboration: Meet regularly with the Special Education Leadership Team regarding resource allocation and service delivery within the schools. Perform other duties consistent with the role as assigned by leadership.

Qualifications:

• Education: Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Special Education or a related field, with documented coursework or experience in administration, supervision, special education, psychology, or guidance.

• Licensure: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) certification as a Special Education Teacher or Related Service Provider.

• Endorsement: SEI Endorsement is required.

• Experience: Strong background working with students with diverse learning needs (including emotional, cognitive, or physical disabilities). Proven expertise in educational testing, evaluation data, and compliance management.

• Skills: Exceptional communication, conflict-resolution, and organizational skills. Ability to work effectively with parents, educators, and administrators in a collaborative, culturally responsive environment.

• Bi-lingual applicants are highly encouraged to apply.

• DESE Special Education Administrator license is preferred.

Additional Requirements:

• Background check and fingerprinting as required by Massachusetts state regulations.

• Ability to work in compliance with federal, state, and district policies and regulations.

• Completion of any required professional development or certifications as mandated by the District.

Work Environment:

• The work environment is typically inside school buildings, classrooms, and meeting spaces across the district's Elementary, Middle, and High schools.

• Noise levels vary from moderate to occasional higher noise levels due to student and school activities.

• Local travel between district school buildings is required.

• The role requires the ability to move educational files/materials and actively engage in meetings and school-based environments.

Important Note:

Applicants who are hired for this position and are found to have provided falsified or inaccurate information during the application process are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Compensation and Benefits:

Full-Time Exempt Salary Position in accordance with the established Teacher’s Salary Scale. AKFCS also provides a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:

• Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System (MTRS): Eligible

• Medical/Dental/Vision

• Life Insurance

• 403(b) & ROTH403(b) with Match

• Stipend for Professional/Personal Development

• Dash Pass (DoorDash)

• YMCA Discounts

• Comprehensive Private Leave of Absence Program (PFML)

• Sick Time with Sick Bank

• Personal Days

• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) & Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Abby Kelley Foster Public Charter School is an affirmative action employer, ensuring that its programs and facilities are accessible to the public. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, religion, disability, gender identity, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related medical conditions, national origin, homelessness, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other status or class protected by state or federal law.

Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School Mission

The mission of the Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School is to assist families in their role as primary educators of their students by providing a liberal arts education representative of diverse works and global perspectives and aimed at academic excellence, musical competence, and character formation.