Assistant Director Education / Assistant Principal

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES: 

• Assist the Director of Education in managing daily operations of the educational program 

• Oversee curriculum planning and ensure instruction aligns with state standards and student IEP goals 

• Provide supervision, evaluation, and professional development for teaching staff 

• Collaborate with clinical and residential departments to promote a cohesive and consistent educational experience 

• Participate in the development and monitoring of IEPs and other educational documentation 

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations and agency policies 

• Serves as behavioral resource for the Academy; consults with staff to prepare Functional Behavior Assessments to develop Behavior Intervention Plans; determines appropriate action in cases of serious behavioral incidents. 

• Represents The Learning Center at PPT’s. Ensures appropriate educational discharge planning for students and coordinates educational programming through the PPT process. 

• Fosters and maintains good public relations image consistent with the Connecticut Code of Professional Standards for School Administrators 

• Assumes teaching responsibilities in a classroom when appropriate staffing needs to be ensured. 

• Interviews new candidates for certified staff positions and provides feedback on candidates following interviews and shadowing experiences to the Director of Education. 

• Attends all scheduled after school and evening Academy functions, as requested by the Director of Education. 

• Act as a liaison with school districts, families, and external agencies as needed 

• Promote a safe, structured, and therapeutic classroom environment 

• Support continuous quality improvement initiatives across the education program 

• Maintain active certification in agency-approved crisis intervention training, including all required levels of Physical and Psychological Management Training (PMT). Apply training techniques appropriately to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals served, staff, and others in the environment. Demonstrate competency in de-escalation strategies, safe physical interventions, and adherence to agency protocols.  

• Perform other duties as assigned 

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES: 

SKILLS 

• Strong leadership and team-building skills with the ability to supervise, mentor, and support educational staff 

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage with families, staff, and external stakeholders 

• Organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, priorities, and timelines efficiently 

• Problem-solving skills to analyze educational challenges and develop appropriate strategies 

• Conflict resolution and crisis management skills within an educational setting 

• Competency in using technology for administrative tasks, data collection, and instructional support 

KNOWLEDGE 

• In-depth understanding of special education laws and regulations (e.g., IDEA, FAPE, IEP process) 

• Knowledge of evidence-based practices in special education and trauma-informed care 

• Familiarity with the needs and learning styles of individuals with ASD and IDD 

• Understanding of positive behavioral supports and functional behavior assessment 

• Awareness of relevant accreditation and licensing standards for educational programs in therapeutic settings 

• Knowledge of curriculum development and adaptation for diverse learners 

ABILITIES 

• Ability to implement and monitor individualized educational plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams 

• Ability to provide professional development and coaching to instructional staff 

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards in education and care 

• Ability to lead school operations in the absence of the Director of Education 

• Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines to support the academic and emotional needs of students 

• Ability to interpret and respond to data for continuous improvement of educational services 

• Ability to remain flexible and adapt to evolving program needs 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:    

• Master’s degree in Special Education, Education Administration, or related field 

• Valid teaching and/or administrative certification (as applicable to the state) 

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in special education or therapeutic educational settings 

• Must hold Connecticut Department of Education, Intermediate Certification (092), as well as, Special Education or related services endorsement. Excellent written and verbal skills. 

• Supervisory experience strongly preferred 

• CPR/First Aid and other relevant certifications (or willingness to obtain)