KIPP Colorado

About the Dean of Special Services Role:The Dean of Special Services reports to the Assistant Principal of Instruction and is a member of the Campus Leadership Team. In support of the mission of KIPP Colorado, the Dean of Special Services is responsible for leading the coaching, development, and accountability of Special Education teachers in order to strengthen instructional quality, legal compliance, and outcomes for students with disabilities. The Dean of Special Services works closely with the Assistant Principal of Instruction, Principal, and key stakeholders to support strong implementation of programming for students with IEPs and 504 plans, establish strong progress monitoring practices, and build staff capacity to ensure high quality support for learners with disabilities across the school. This role is grounded in the belief that excellent schools develop and sustain the capacity of teachers and leaders to lead and take ownership of their classroom, department, and school’s success. This role sits on the Campus Leadership Team and reports to the Assistant Principal of Instruction

About KIPP: Together with families and communities, KIPP creates joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. KIPP is a national network of tuition-free, public charter schools open to all students. There are 255 college-preparatory KIPP schools in 20 states and the District of Columbia, serving more than 100,000 students. Nationally, KIPP students are graduating four-year colleges at three times the national average for low-income students. 

Who we are: KIPP Colorado Public Schools is a network of six free college-preparatory public charter schools open to all students. Our 350-person staff educates 2,600 students from ECE to 12th grade. At KIPP Colorado, we partner with our KIPPsters, educators, families and communities to ensure that we are all united around the goal of a choice-filled future for our KIPPsters. Our KIPP Forward Team supports our 1,000+ high school Alumni as they create their own paths. Our core values of excellence, belonging, belief, advocacy and courage are central to who we are and how we operate at all levels of our organization.

What we do: We believe in the unique gifts and brilliance of every student. We believe in setting a high bar for joy and academic excellence to ensure the infinite possibilities our students have before them become a reality. We aspire to create and reinforce a culture of achievement, belonging and support. We know that every student is different and we personalize learning based on a student's needs, skills, and interests.

Professional Responsibilities 

• Believe deeply in the mission, values, and Race, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (RIDE) commitments of KIPP Colorado Schools and that all children can and will learn 
• Assume personal responsibility for student achievement 
• Read, internalize, and adhere to the KIPP Colorado Policies and Procedures manual and guidelines
• Provide an active presence, strategic supervision, and intentional monitoring to ensure student safety and engagement in rigorous learning (regardless of my role and its proximity to students)
• Take ownership for the development of your craft and engage actively in coaching sessions (meet 1-2 times every 1 or 2 weeks (depending on need and role) with a manager, receive coaching, implement all provided feedback, engage in active practice, etc.)
• Commit to being prepared. Such as: internalizing and preparing for lessons, preparing for O3s/coaching, preparing for meetings, coaching, PD, reading and internalizing written communication, etc. 
• Meet professional obligations including and not limited to meeting deadlines and honoring schedules 
• Consistently leverage existing professional tools, including but not limited to Google Suite (google documents, etc.) and Microsoft Suite (including but not limited to your KIPP Colorado email, Teams chat / meetings, Teams phone, and Microsoft Outlook calendar) 
• Maintain strong attendance each day and be on time to all responsibilities
• Collaborate with colleagues and seek feedback in the spirit of continuous improvement 
• Reflect on professional practices to meet individual professional development goals 
• Actively participate in professional development, grade level, and department meetings
• Actively engage and implement in all school-wide and Org wide professional development
• Serve as a positive, contributing member of a grade team or functional team, collaborating with colleagues to tackle common challenges and implement org and grade-wide initiatives
• Share candid, solutions-oriented feedback with peers and leadership on a regular basis, assuring that feedback is shared directly with the intended recipient. Ensure that feedback is focused on improving outcomes and experiences for students
• Assist with both student and staff recruitment and engagement- including events, home visits, calls home, and other determined and related requirements
• Know that your role, professional development, org wide meetings, etc. may require you to travel around Denver to other KIPP Campuses, our Home Office, or other KIPP or PD events 
• Assist with other duties as assigned (such as but not limited to, lunch duty, arrival/dismissal duty, bathroom duty, hallway duty, school support duties, etc.) 

Lead with KIPP Values

• Internalizes, champions, and holds self & others accountable to KIPP Colorado values
• Demonstrates the ability to understand and navigate issues of identity, power, and privilege
• Values the range of different backgrounds people bring to our work, appreciates how those backgrounds make us better at what we do, and strives to create an environment in which everyone who demonstrates our values and delivers on their responsibilities thrives
• Expresses high expectations for all students and families, and expresses belief in their potential to complete college and succeed in life
• Seeks to understand the needs and motivations of students and families, and makes decisions with student best interests and needs in mind

Lead through Instructional and Cultural Leadership

• Collaborate with the Assistant Principal of Instruction, Principal, key stakeholders, and the Regional Director of Special Services to drive vision for strong Special Education instruction, compliance systems, and programming in support of students with IEPs and 504 plans 
• Manage and evaluate campus-based Special Education teachers and aligned Special Education staff, as applicable to campus programming, to achieve their individual development goals, coordinate action plans for professional growth, and evaluate progress toward student outcomes, campus-wide goals, and compliance timelines
  • Provide continuous coaching and evaluation on all competencies of the KIPP Colorado teacher performance rubrics
  • Lead a consistent coaching cycle for Special Education teachers that includes observation, feedback, modeling, lesson and intervention planning support, progress monitoring, and development of strong case management and compliance practices
  • Support teachers in monitoring and responding to the growth of students towards individual and school goals through the implementation of data cycles
  • Perform performance reviews of a cohort of teachers
• Partner with school social workers, Assistant Principals of Culture, and external supports, including outside agencies and DPS partners, to support student mental health needs as they intersect with Special Education programming and student access to instruction
• Coordinate contracted service providers (school psychologist, occupational therapists, physical therapist, speech therapist, etc)
• Partner with the Assistant Principal of Instruction and other campus leaders to align Special Education processes within the campus MTSS system, including intervention review, referral pathways, data based decision making, and evaluation readiness
• Lead and coach staff to implement Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans with consistency, fidelity, equity, and alignment to student needs and legal requirements
• Collaborate with the Assistant Principal of Instruction, Deans of Instruction, and other school leaders to use student data to identify students who may need additional support, intervention, or referral for evaluation, with particular attention to students who may qualify for Special Education services or need stronger implementation of existing services
• Manage, develop, and oversee implementation of 504s and the Special Education program, including compliance systems, service delivery, instructional supports, and case management routines for students with disabilities
• Manage reduced caseload of students with IEPs (as needed)
• Provide development opportunities for school leaders and teachers to strengthen inclusive practices, clarify roles in Special Education implementation, and partner effectively in support of students with disabilities
• Collaborate with the Assistant Principal of Instruction, Principal, and other school leaders to plan and implement professional development that strengthens Special Education instruction, compliance, inclusive practices, and staff capacity to support students with disabilities
• Support school-wide and grade level rituals and systems as needed throughout the year including, but not limited to, arrival, dismissal, and lunch
• Provide collaborative coaching for general education and special education teachers as needed with regard to implementation of student services
• Determines the need for and facilitates staff development on legal compliance including, but not limited to, due process requirements, procedures, forms, and timelines in alignment to local, state, and federal law
• Support onboarding of new staff in KIPP Colorado and Denver Public Schools procedures and practices related to Special Education services and compliance
• Provides information to parents regarding the referral/assessment process, special education services, and their rights relative to special education

Lead through Curriculum & Assessment Leadership

• Lead weekly Special Education team meetings focused on compliance, progress monitoring, data analysis, curriculum alignment, and planning 
• Oversee and ensure accountable implementation of assessment measures aligned to progress monitoring for exceptional learners
• Analyze schoolwide and student level data to recommend instructional improvements for students with disabilities
• Coordinate assessment planning and implementation for students with IEPs in partnership with school leaders

• Coordinate logistics for assessment needed to inform next steps with relevant academic interventions
• Assists the Assistant Principal of Instruction in analyzing, developing, and modifying special education programs to meet the needs of students

Additional Responsibilities

• Complete MLE coursework and certification requirements (required for most roles) 
• Partner with the Assistant Principal of Instruction and Special Education Teachers to ensure proper implementation of 504s, BIPs, IEPs, safety plans, accommodations, modification, and language support for students
• Enforce positive behavior systems and monitor behavior data 
• Attend designated school functions outside of school hours (Back to School Night, Report Card Conferences, Community Events, etc.)
• Perform necessary support duties including (but not limited to) bus, lunch, and dismissal duties,chaperone field trips. Participate in parent meetings, conferences, and periodic evening events

• Develop strong relationships with the families of students through home visits, participation in school events and phone calls home
• Communicate regularly with families about academic progress and behavior
• Participate in daily duties (i.e. breakfast, lunch, dismissal) to support school operations
• Maintain accurate records, grade books, and data tracking systems
• Assist with both student and staff recruitment

Role Level Specifics, Scope of Work, and Level of Responsibility

• For more about how you’ll lead at this level, please visit the KIPP Colorado Role Levels Matrix (this is an internal document, only)

About the skills and qualifications you will bring to this role: 

• Bachelor's degree (required)
• Spanish bilingual (preferred)
• At least 5-7 years of relevant and aligned experience (required)
• At least 4 years of K-12 teaching experience, a provision of special services and/or a strong record of helping underserved students achieve academic success (required) 
• Past experience (2 years) of leading adults in a school environment (assistant principal, instructional coach, grade level chair, etc) (required) 
• Licensed special education teacher, social worker, or psychologist in state of Colorado (preferred at time of hire, must be obtained within the first twelve months in the position)
• Deep knowledge of Special Education, Section 504, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) compliance and instruction, with teaching experience and a proven track record of raising student achievement for exceptional learners (required)
• A full understanding and Commitment to an Exceptional Student Experience (more about that HERE) (required) 
• Outstanding organizational skills and high attention to detail; outstanding written and oral communication skills
• Ability to manage the ambiguity and multiple priorities inherent in an entrepreneurial environment
• Proactive problem solver who demonstrates initiative and teamwork
• Strong work ethic coupled with an enthusiastic and passionate approach to one’s work

• Multi-faceted, multi-skilled, resourceful and willing to do whatever it takes to help the school reach a level of academic excellence
• High level of detail orientation and sound excellent organizational skills
• Strong communication, feedback and facilitation skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Articulate, professional demeanor with strong self-confidence and initiative
• Entrepreneurial mindset, with the creativity and versatility to work productively in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment with a proven ability to meet and complete multiple deadlines and tasks with meticulous attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop productive working relationships with stakeholders across functional and organizational lines
• Passionate commitment to KIPP Colorado mission and to high standards of excellence

Employee retention and satisfaction is imperative for KIPP Colorado. We seek to provide competitive compensation and benefits including the following:

• Competitive Market Salary: Starting salary for this role begins at $74,542 and is commensurate with experience
  • Please submit a comprehensive resume to assure all your experience is accounted for! Tip: We don't care if your resume is more than one page, we are eager to see and compensate you for all of your experience and accomplishments
• Excellent Healthcare Plan: 100% of employee-only monthly premium paid by KIPP Colorado and options for family enrollment and coverage, through United Healthcare

• Time Off !!!: More than 6 weeks of annual vacation and Paid Time Off (PTO) 
  • Based on hire date, employees are eligible for up to 8 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) 
  • All employees receive summer break through an organization-wide closure, based on work location and position
  • Access to parental and medical leave: includes 6 weeks paid and 6 weeks unpaid for a total of 12 weeks (after your first year)

• Career Trajectory: Access to opportunity to move up, across schools, and grow your career during weekly coaching sessions to refine your craft

• Mental Health Care: Immediate and ongoing access to mental health support through our Employee Assistance Program 

• Technology & Access: Equipment provided: laptop & phone 

• Retirement Planning: Participation in the Colorado PERA retirement program, including a PERA 401k option
• Move to Join Us: Relocation reimbursement (when applicable)
• Additional Pay: Most schools offer various stipend opportunities
• Other Insurance Options: 
  • Wellness reimbursement
  • Voluntary employee, spousal, and child life insurance
  • Voluntary long term disability insurance
  • Voluntary short term disability insurance
  • Optional Basic Life and AD&D Insurance

• Additional Information: For more information, you can view our benefits FAQ here 

 
KIPP Colorado Schools is dedicated to equal employment opportunities and fair labor practices. KIPP Colorado Schools, KIPP Denver Collegiate High School, KIPP Northeast Denver Middle School, KIPP Northeast Elementary, KIPP Northeast Denver Leadership Academy, KIPP Sunshine Peak Academy and KIPP Sunshine Peak Elementary provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on job-related qualifications, and the ability to perform a job without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religious creed, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, legally protected medical condition, veteran status, sexual orientation, or on any other basis made unlawful by federal, state or local laws. It is our policy to maintain a non-discriminatory environment free from intimidation, harassment or bias based upon these grounds.