Department Head of Student Services (Thurston Middle School)

Overview Department Head of Student Services at Thurston Middle School (Westwood Public Schools, Westwood, MA). This is a full-time, permanent position starting July 1, 2026. The Department Head of Student Services oversees all school-wide special education, assessment, and tutoring programs and works with the school leadership team to maintain an inclusive, high-expectation environment.

Responsibilities Student Achievement: Diagnosis and Planning Provide effective leadership and vision in the area of special education and related support services Identify data sources and analyze data for student-centered decision-making Coordinate the ongoing strategic assessment of school-wide special education needs and develop, implement, and evaluate programs and services Develop and implement an organizational structure, guidelines, and procedures to meet local, state, and federal regulations and reporting requirements Student Achievement: Learning, Engagement, and Behavior Supervise the development of individual education programs for students with special needs Monitor student progress, oversee screening and evaluation processes, and support evaluation teams Monitor and consult with student support teams Cultivate authentic, supportive relationships with students Collaborate with staff and families to implement a team-based approach to student support Engage with students and families at school events and in the community Supervision, Evaluation, and Professional Development Recruit, hire, develop, supervise, evaluate, and retain diverse and talented Student Services staff Coach educators in growth plans to promote professional growth and student learning Assist department members with day-to-day instructional guidance and act as a resource Make classroom visits and conduct post-observation discussions to support reflection and improvement Provide consultation for the department and design professional development sessions for student growth Priority Management and Operations Oversee Extended School Year, tutoring programs, and other school projects Manage registration, placement, and orientation programs for student transitions Prioritize tasks and foster effective teams; delegate ownership Communicate openly with staff, parents, and community members Maintain student records and ensure compliance with student rights Develop and manage the middle school Student Services budget, including grants Assume other responsibilities assigned by the district Director of Student Services and building Principal Qualities Committed to inclusive educational practices Innovative approach to programming and resources Sensitivity to the needs of students and families Calm and effective under pressure Strong organizational and communication skills Good judgment Required Qualifications Master’s Degree in relevant educational area Massachusetts DESE licensure as an Administrator of Special Education SEI administrator endorsement preferred 5 years of experience in K-12 education required; some leadership experience within a middle school preferred Thorough knowledge of current state and federal regulations and legal issues regarding students with disabilities Clear understanding and knowledge of disabilities and current practices/models for educational and clinical intervention; the ability to articulate a clear vision and plan for the effective implementation of that vision Ability to skillfully and thoughtfully handle a multitude of varying and complex issues with creativity and empathy Demonstrated commitment to celebrating diversity, pursuing equity, and promoting inclusion Familiarity with trauma-sensitive educational practices Job Environment Work takes place in a fast-paced office environment within a large school building, primarily indoors. Training in crisis prevention and intervention is required. Physical Requirements Requires sufficient vision to read printed documents and view details on a computer screen Ability to speak clearly in normal conversations, on the telephone, and in the classroom Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and to sit, stand, and walk as needed Some travel within district required The Westwood Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.

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