Overview

　　The assistant principal of student services works in conjunction with the school’s instructional leaders to ensure that the school provides the academic, emotional, and physical services for students who require additional support to thrive within the schools’ core academic programs.

　　Ascend is the largest Brooklyn-based public charter school serving nearly 6,000 K-12 students in 16 schools. We exist to serve every student – to help them embody their inherent excellence by providing rich, joyful learning experiences that unlock a life of boundless choice.

　　Access to education is a social justice issue. As educators, we center justice and live out our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism (DEIA) by ensuring that our students have the skills, tools, and confidence they need to thrive today and in the future. We are proud to have a workforce that mirrors the diversity seen in our students. Working at Ascend provides a community focused on developing an environment of support and belonging. Educators collaborate closely and encourage each other to achieve great outcomes.

　　Our schools honor, nurture, and challenge the whole child. Ascend fosters critical thinking skills and a love of learning through an inquiry-based learning approach, Responsive Classroom model, and anti-racist education. Students at Ascend benefit from a rich and rigorous liberal arts curriculum that nurtures natural curiosity about the world and guides them to think critically and independently.

　　Ascend invests in employees by providing ongoing professional development, coaching, and career pathways in our schools. We are proud to provide a generous benefits package, which includes flexibility in our healthcare plan, and 403(b) matching starting at year one. At Ascend, we care about our workforce’s mental health and offer services covered by insurance and additional time off for our staff to utilize for their personal care.

　　For more information on Ascend Public Charter Schools’ model, approach, and core values, please visit our website.

　　Responsibilities

　　The assistant principal of student services will ensure the school is in compliance with special education regulations, and coordinate staff professional development in the areas of special education, 504s, tiered system of support, ENL and other related services. Additionally, the assistant principal of student services services will:

　　Observe, coach, and supervise ELL teachers, SETSS teachers, and interventionists to ensure that teaching is at all times intentional, engaging, and rigorous, and that teachers are creating a warm, structured, and responsive classroom cultureDevelop and lead academic interventions strategic plans for the school

　　Serve as the school’s primary contact with the Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and directly manage the relationship to ensure that the school complies with applicable laws and regulations and maintains accurate and up-to-date records and other documentationImplement IEPs and manage the provision of direct services by related service providers approved by the New York City Department of EducationEnsure that all general education teachers know of, understand, and implement all classroom accommodations and modifications required by IEPs and 504 plansWork with the school’s special education professionals to share best practices across schools in the Ascend network and resolve any school-based crises expeditiouslyEnsure that all schools create, implement, and monitor at-risk tiered support through weekly data-driven meetings and planning sessions with the support of the school-based teamsCreate, implement, and review 504 plansServe as a model in differentiating small group instruction for students with special needsPrepare student individualized education plans in consultation with staff and families to ensure success for all scholarsUse formal and informal assessment data to drive instruction and ensure student mastery of standardsBuild a warm and inclusive classroom environment, implementing the practices of Responsive ClassroomCreate and maintain strong relationships with students and familiesActively participate in grade-level meetings, collaborative planning, and professional development, including an annual summer instituteAccept ultimate responsibility for the academic progress of his or her students, and work to actively overcome setbacks

　　Staff and reporting relationships

　　The assistant principal of student services reports to the principal. He or she also works closely with the school leadership team and managing director of student support services.

　　Qualifications

　　Bachelor’s degree, with advanced degree preferredAt least three years teaching experience with a proven track record of elevating student achievement, including for students who require additional support to thrive within the schools’ core academic programsAt least one year of experience leading, managing, and coaching a team of adults that demonstrates ability to drive results through othersExperience teaching in underserved areas is preferredAn unwavering belief that all students can achieve at high levels and that scholars with disabilities are as capable of greatness as general education scholarsA “can do” attitude and a total commitment to do whatever it takes to prepare all of the school’s students for collegeExceptional organizational skills and attention to detailPassion for urban education and closing the achievement gapEffective relationship-builder with students and familiesRelentless in the pursuit of the school’s academic objectives; hard-working and willing to take feedback and engage in a process of self-improvement

　　Compensation

　　Initial salary offers for this position range from $85,000 - $115,000. Salaries are determined using an equitable compensation scale that accounts for years of experience and levels of attained education.

　　Diversity at Ascend

　　Ascend is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community, both through our hiring practices and our focus on creating a culture and environment where diverse perspectives, ideas, and identities are valued and integrated into our way of working and educating students. Ascend staff represent a wide diversity of racial, socio-economic, gender, religious, and national identities—opening a window to the entire Ascend community on the richness of humanity. We welcome all applicants who share our mission and vision to join us in our deeply consequential work.