Director of Academic Program

R-0056 Reference# 3130105515011

  Posting Date: December 4, 2024

Candidates who are Blind or Visually Impaired and/or Deaf or Hard of Hearing are encouraged to apply for this position and may be given preference in hiring as federal laws permit.  Information related to disability is not required and, if disclosed voluntarily, will be used only in AIDB’s efforts to create opportunities for individuals with exceptionalities. Non-disclosure will not subject any applicant to adverse treatment.

Position: Director of Academic Program

Helen Keller School of Alabama

ABOUT ALABAMA INSTITUTE FOR DEAF AND BLIND (AIDB)

Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) is the world’s most comprehensive education, rehabilitation, and service program serving individuals of all ages who are Deaf, Blind, DeafBlind, and multidisabled and their families. Founded in 1858, AIDB serves more than 32,000 infants, toddlers, children, adults, and seniors with hearing and vision loss throughout Alabama each year. 

Our services literally span a lifetime including five campuses in Talladega, ten regional centers located throughout the State of Alabama with programs that range from early and senior intervention, traditional and nontraditional education services in residential and outreach settings, and a manufacturing facility that is the state’s largest employer of adults who are Deaf, Blind, or DeafBlind. Our employees are among the organization’s most valuable assets and resources. We share compassion for leveling the playing field for all. Our mission makes AIDB a unique place to work.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess an Alabama Teaching Certificate with at least 3 successful years teaching special education. 
• Must hold Master’s degree in Education or Special Education.
• Must possess Alabama Certification in Instructional Leadership or Educational Administration or be able to obtain an Alabama Certification in Instructional Leadership or Educational Administration within eighteen (18) months of employment. 
• A sign language proficiency of Survival according to the AIDB evaluation system must be obtained within the first twelve (12) months of employment. Intermediate proficiency must be obtained within the first thirty-six (36) months of employment.
• Experience in working with children with visual impairments, hearing impairments or multiple disabilities is desirable.
• Upon offer of employment, the applicant must submit to a fingerprint background check at an agency designated and paid by AIDB."

REPORTS TO:  Principal of the Helen Keller School of Alabama

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide leadership based on best practices in the following areas for all assigned staff: 
• Curricular improvements
• IEP development, implementation, and accountability 
• Staff training and development 
• Instructional accountability
• RISE program staff
  • Actively involve parents in the learning process for their child.
  • Assist with reassigning staff to ensure safety of students.
  • Orient and train HKS substitutes.
  • Assist with providing mentoring for new academic staff members
  • Must be knowledgeable of IDEA requirements and implementation procedures.
  • Assist the principal in creating the school’s master schedule.
  • Assist in developing the staff schedule of morning and afternoon duties (bus duty, etc.)
  • Must be willing to attend extracurricular activities.
  • Must effectively communicate with all departments within AIDB and HKS.
  • Must work closely with the principal, transition coordinator, employment specialist and job coach to develop new partnerships throughout the community.
  • Must monitor and enforce the attendance policy (staff and students)
  • Must assist in planning and coordinating summer camp. 
  • Monitor and manage all aspects of the IEP Process including progress monitoring, reevaluations and teacher training.
  • Must work closely with the principal inserting any new additions or modifying any area of the HKS handbook.
  • Ability to navigate and enter information into PowerSchool SIS aligned with all appropriate guidelines. 
  • Collaborate with the HKS behavior specialists and student life director to ensure student needs are met and aligned with the academic program.
  • Regularly and routinely monitor instruction and provide support as required.
  • Stay abreast of state and federal laws/guidelines that impact special education, and AIDB policies and procedures.
  • Supervise and objectively evaluate performance of assigned staff, develop and monitor improvement plans, and coach for improved performance.
  • Interpret the academic program to visitors.
  • Attend and be punctual to all meetings, workshops, seminars, as required.
  • Submit thorough, accurate, and complete reports in a timely manner. 
  • Monitor assigned facilities for safety and cleanliness.
  • Act as supervisor of all student records. Maintain an accurate and up-to-date records system, ensuring confidentiality of information.
  • Coordinate and monitor high stakes testing for students.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal of the Helen Keller School of Alabama

MANDATORY ANNUAL TRAINING:

Medication Training 

Behavior Management recertification 

CPR - every 2 years

Blood Borne Pathogens

Using an AED

Mandatory Reporting - DHR

Policy and Procedure Review

Erin's Law 

Jason Flatt Act 

SALARY:      $75,000.00 – $100,000.00 Scale A1 Rank 04 

                        (260 Days)

                        Direct Deposit is required

This is an exempt position, and is not subject to overtime or compensatory provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Benefits: 

• Health, dental, and vision insurance available-Teachers Retirement System (TRS)
• Deferred compensation options available
• Paid time off

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: December 18,2024 

Click Below to Apply:

https://al.harrisschool.solutions/AIDB/S/Application