Job Title: Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
Term of Employment: 12 Months
Classification: Administration: Senior Management
Reports To: District Superintendent
Position Overview:
The Assistant Superintendent of Instruction is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing and enhancing the BOCES instructional programs including but not limited to: special education, alternative education, and general education programs. This position also includes the administrative oversight of the BOCES school improvement cosers. The Assistant Superintendent will play a critical role in leading all aspects of our instructional and instructional support programs including providing strategic leadership in program development, building strong working relationships with component school district administrators to ensure that coser offerings meet current expectations, and working with the BOCES administrative team to continue to enhance student outcomes and foster a supportive learning environment across a diverse spectrum of needs, including students with disabilities, at-risk students, and those enrolled in specialized educational tracks. The Assistant Superintendent will collaborate with school leaders, educators, staff, community stakeholders, and other educational institutions to elevate educational standards and continue to improve access to instructional programs that focus on enhanced student outcomes and support the district’s mission of equity and excellence in education.
Job Goals:
- To provide visionary leadership, ensuring the development, implementation, and evaluation of effective instructional programs, particularly for special education, alternative education, and general education.
- To supervise instructional staff and support services, ensuring alignment with state and federal regulations, and fostering a culture of inclusion, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee the administrative functions and ensure compliance with both state and federal laws regarding education.
Key Responsibilities:
Instructional Leadership and Program Oversight:
- Lead and oversee all special education and alternative education services and programs across the district, including supervision of the intake process for students, and ensuring appropriate placements and services for students with disabilities.
- Guide instructional improvement, curriculum development, and teaching practices in special education, alternative education, and general education, ensuring alignment with the BOCES needs and goals.
- Direct the coordination of county-wide professional development initiatives for educators, school leaders, and instructional support staff.
- Evaluate and adjust instructional programs based on district needs and regulatory compliance, ensuring high standards, diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) goals.
- Participate in Staff and Curriculum Development Network (SCDN) Meetings and ensure the dissemination of all relevant NYSED updates as needed.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:
- Foster collaboration with school leaders, district administrators, community organizations, and educational stakeholders to expand and enhance instructional support services and best practices.
- Serve as the liaison between district schools, local BOCES, county-wide CSE Chairs, and state/regional education committees, ensuring alignment and shared best practices.
- Engage with stakeholders to ensure responsive support services are in place, addressing the unique needs of students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and at-risk students.
Program Management and Resource Allocation:
- Manage budgets for all assigned institutional programs as well as ISS coders, ensuring resources are effectively allocated to support district goals and student success.
- Oversee instructional services across various programs, ensuring effective use of resources, facilities, and instructional materials.
- Supervise enrichment programs and ensure that all educational activities and materials are culturally responsive and meet diverse student needs.
Team Leadership and Supervision:
- Supervise and mentor a team of instructional coaches, teachers, administrators, and other support personnel to ensure high-quality instructional practices and student outcomes.
- Recruit, hire, and train staff, fostering professional growth and ensuring alignment with BOCES and component district's goals.
- Monitor staff performance and provide regular feedback, including supervising the instructional observation process for all personnel.
Compliance and Regulatory Oversight:
- Ensure compliance with all New York State Education Department (NYSED) education laws and regulations.
- Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations concerning special education, alternative education, and general education programs, including adherence to NYSED requirements.
- Oversee and report on the effectiveness of special and alternative education services, preparing data reports and ensuring transparency and accountability.
- Ensure all programs meet necessary regulatory standards and that appropriate documentation is maintained for audits, funding, and reporting purposes.
Innovation and Program Development:
- Promote innovative educational practices, including the integration of educational technology and the development of new programs that support the needs of a diverse student population.
- Lead and supervise special initiatives, projects, and community partnerships that advance student development and educational excellence.
Equity, Ethics, and Professional Norms:
- Uphold high standards of ethics, professionalism, and integrity in all aspects of leadership and decision-making.
- Promote and implement culturally responsive and inclusive practices in all educational settings, ensuring equity and fairness.
- Act as a role model for staff, demonstrating leadership by example in all aspects of professional conduct.
Community and Public Engagement:
- Represent the BOCES positively in interactions with community groups, business leaders, and local stakeholders.
- Advocate for the district’s programs and services, ensuring a strong and positive community image.
- Respond to inquiries and issues related to the district’s programs and services.
Data-Driven Decision Making:
- Ensure all annual reports are complete and submitted to the appropriate regulatory agency by the required deadlines.
- Collect, analyze, and report on instructional program data to measure effectiveness and guide decision-making.
- Use data to inform instructional strategies, identify areas for improvement, and guide the development of new programs and professional development initiatives.
Flexibility and Adaptability:
- Demonstrate the ability to work a flexible schedule, including evening or weekend workshops and meetings, to support district needs.
- Adapt to changing priorities and new challenges in a dynamic educational environment, ensuring continuous support and improvement for all students.
Qualifications:
Education:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Education, Instructional Leadership, or a related field is required; a Master’s degree and NYS Certification as an SDA or SDL are required.
Experience:
- At least 3-5 years of experience in educational leadership, special education, and instructional support services strongly preferred, with a strong background in special education and at-risk populations.
- Demonstrated experience in budgeting, program management, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Supervisory or administrative experience in an educational setting is required, particularly in special or alternative education.
Skills and Competencies:
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
- In-depth knowledge of educational trends, curriculum development, and instructional strategies, especially in the context of special and alternative education.
- Knowledge of education law, special education regulations, and operational policies.
- Data analysis skills to inform decision-making and continuous program improvement.
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive, culturally responsive educational environment.
Working Conditions:
- Travel to regional events, statewide meetings, and district offices as required.
- Flexibility to conduct workshops and meetings during evenings or weekends.
- A hybrid work environment with both office-based and fieldwork responsibilities.
Evaluation:
Performance will be evaluated in accordance with district administrative practices.
This merged job description combines both leadership aspects of the role, as well as the focus on special and alternative education, including key administrative and supervisory responsibilities, stakeholder collaboration, compliance, and program management.