Gateway Public Schools is committed to helping each student—regardless of learning style or previous academic achievement—gain the skills, habits and knowledge necessary for post-secondary success. Foundational to our approach is a commitment to anti-racist practices that address white supremacy in our society and in our institutions.
Key Characteristics of Gateway Public Schools:
- Small schools where all students are known well and supported to achieve at high levels
- Diverse student bodies that are supported to be active partners in their education
- A strong commitment to and respect for diversity and difference
- Innovative and challenging curriculum that engages students and excites them about learning
- A supportive adult community characterized by continuous learning, reflection and collaboration-- particularly around anti-racist and culturally responsive practices.
- A staff who believe that all students learn differently and who vary their approaches to meet individuals’ needs
Description of role: Because Gateway recognizes and supports the distinct learning needs of each student, the Director of Inclusive Practices plays a critical role in carrying out the mission of our schools. The Director of Inclusive Practices is responsible for managing and supporting our Learning Support staff at Gateway High School and Gateway Middle School, partnering with Gateway and SFUSD staff to coordinate learning services for our students, and supporting staff as they develop inclusive pedagogical practices to equitably support all students, especially students with learning differences.
Primary Responsibilities of the Director:
Leadership of Inclusive Education Practices
- Foster shared vision, priorities, and best practices around inclusive education by championing inclusive practices rooted in anti-racism and pro-Blackness, collaborating with instructional leaders, and identifying opportunities to share practices across school sites
- Collaborate with school site leaders, schedulers, and case managers on equitable scheduling for students with IEPs and learning differences
- Collaborate with leaders at both sites to design and facilitate professional development ( school-wide or with teams) related to inclusive practices
- Foster partnerships between special education and general education staff and support co-teaching and collaboration practices amongst paraprofessionals, teachers, and specialists.
- Collaborate with Learning Specialists, Student Support staff, and General Education teachers around Tier 2-3 academic and behavioral supports and interventions
- Consult with site leaders, deans & IEP case managers on restorative practices, disciplinary actions, and behavioral supports for students with learning differences.
Coordination of IEP Services and Supports and Partnership with SFUSD SELPA
- Lead partnership with San Francisco SELPA Content Specialists and Supervisors to coordinate goals and services for students with IEPs; collaborate on staffing allocations; and consult on case management and service/placement questions.
- Work with Learning Specialists and staff at school sites to coordinate services and supports, including related services providers.
- Serve as an administrator in IEP meetings.
- Consult with Gateway staff regarding students’ IEP goals, accommodations and services to ensure that students have equitable access to learning.
- Consult with families/caregivers related to learning services and supports (IEPs, 504s, SSTs) and inquiries about learning differences.
- Partner with Gateway Enrollment Director, Learning Specialists, and SFUSD staff to support the transition to Gateway for students with IEPs
Supervision and Support of Learning Support Teams and Staff
- Supervise and support Learning Support staff, including Learning Specialists, 504 Coordinators, Interventionists, and Paraprofessionals; this includes collaboration with SFUSD SPED Supervisors to provide supervision and support to all SFUSD staff.
- Lead the recruitment, selection, onboarding, and training of Learning Support team staff in collaboration with site leaders, Learning Support teams, and SFUSD staff.
- Coach and support Learning Support Team subject area leads at each school site; co-lead team meetings and professional development and provide consultation.
- Provide consultation and support to Learning Support staff related to student goals and needs, writing of IEPs, and IEP implementation/compliance as needed.
- Support 504 coordinators at each school site to ensure effective systems and implementation of 504 plans.
Assessments, Data and Accountability
- Collaborate with instructional leaders at each school site to plan for implementation of school-wide assessments (e.g. MAP, F&P/SRI, Math assessments, CAASPP, SEL assessments, etc.)
- Collaborate with site leads and GPS data team to collect and analyze data related to inclusive practices and equitable outcomes
- Support teams’ effective use of data for progress monitoring and to inform the improvement of instruction and practices.
- Collaborate with site staff to evaluate situations and respond to concerns, conflicts, or complaints related to IEPs and inclusive access to education.
- Collaborate with GPS leaders, school site leaders, and SFUSD staff to prepare data and reporting related school-wide plans or compliance requirements.
Core Competencies and Qualifications:
- Commitment to Gateway’s unique educational mission and to equitable outcomes for all students, and ability to translate this mission into practice
- Extensive knowledge of inclusive pedagogical practices, co-teaching practices, and tiered academic and behavioral supports
- In-depth knowledge of current Special Education laws and practices and navigating Special Education systems
- Expert knowledge of writing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and facilitating effective IEP meetings
- Ability to lead professional development and coach educators
- Excellent project and time management skills: highly organized; able to manage multiple projects at once
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues, parents and students
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a wide range of constituents
- Unfaltering belief that all students have potential for academic success
- Dedication to inclusive, anti-racist, and pro-Black practices
- Valid California Education Specialist credential required
- Minimum 5 years Special Education experience
- Experience leading and supporting school staff; California Admin credential preferred
To Apply: Please email the following to [email protected]:
- Your resume
- A cover letter addressing your understanding of and commitment to Gateway’s unique mission
- Three professional references (names and contact information) or letters of recommendation
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they met every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our qualifications described.