Educational Program Supervisor

The Overbrook School for the Blind is seeking an Educational Program Supervisor who exudes a passion for the school, its students, and its employees. This position will report directly to the Superintendent.

The Mission of Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) is to develop and deliver education that enhances the options available for persons with visual impairments, including those with additional challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives.

Organizational Description: OSB is a dynamic and multi-faceted organization centered around the operation of a private non-profit school for ages 3 to 21. Formal and informal parental feedback consistently highlights the caring and committed staff as a primary strength of the School. Along with three other Chartered Schools for the Deaf and Blind throughout Pennsylvania, OSB receives general operating support through an annual state appropriation that partially subsidizes the salaries and benefits for over 230 employees. In addition to school operations, OSB manages expansive Birth to 3 Services in multiple counties and oversees an International Program that serves nine developing countries in Southeast Asia. Additionally, OSB provides itinerant services by Teachers of the Visually Impaired to students in local school districts and charter schools. Since 1832, OSB’s legacy of innovation in service to children who are blind or visually impaired has been propelled by an energetic and dedicated workforce.

Job Functions: The Educational Program Supervisor is responsible for ensuring a high-quality educational program for students who are blind or visually impaired, deafblind, or visually impaired with additional disabilities; hiring and supervising teachers and paraeducators; and working with families, school districts, and agencies to support the students. The goal is to provide a continuum of services to educate students to be self-assured, well-rounded students who have the skills needed to be college, career, and community ready. The Program Coordinator is responsible to ensure that all student assessments, IEPs, Re-evaluations, and other IDEA and Chapter 14 guidelines are implemented and stay within the appropriate timelines.

Essential Functions:

• Assigns classes for teachers, paraeducators, other support staff and students.
• Creates class schedules.
• Maintains contact with Health Services and works cooperatively with medical staff to support students and provide specially designed instruction.
• Works with School Districts, Intermediate units, Early Intervention MAWAs and Agencies to coordinate educational programs and supports for the student in school and the community.
• Ensures the IEP process is followed with fidelity.
• Ensures use of appropriate student assessments and curriculum.
• Monitors students’ progress by reviewing data collection and IEP reviews.
• Ensures the use of specially designed instruction for each student including accommodations and adaptations for students with CVI or who are deafblind.
• Ensures that students have an appropriate communication system that is used throughout the day.
• Coordinates Therapeutic and Special subject classes.
• Guides teachers in the development of student IEPs to meet the diverse needs of the students.
• Participates in meetings for students, i.e., IEP meetings, transition meetings, student team meetings.
• Reviews curricula to ensure they are appropriate and current as well as monitors their implementation for fidelity and rigor. Provides training as needed.
• Participates in meetings for Coordinators and others as assigned by the Superintendent.
• Manages program budget.
• Supervises and evaluates all assigned staff including contract staff from the Agencies.

• Implements the disciplinary process and plans for improvement with staff if needed.
• Reviews all weekly lesson plans and provides training and support to teachers to ensure high quality lessons that meet the state core standards and the Expanded Core Curriculum.
• Works closely with Human Resources for staff recruitment and the hiring process.
• Works with other supervisors and program coordinators on school-wide projects or areas of need.
• Ensures all students have appropriate IEPs and Transition Plans and that all specially designed instruction is in place.
• Supports families and address any parent concerns.
• Supports students and their families as they prepare to graduate or transition to other programs.
• Observes students in a variety of educational environments.
• Provides classroom coverage
• Oversees extra-curricular activities
• Manages student referrals throughout the Admissions process.
• Attend conferences and/or professional trainings to be actively engaged in the field and for professional growth.
• Maintains a positive work environment for the students and staff.
• Performs other duties as needed or required to insure the successful operation of the program.

Minimum Education and Experience Qualifications:

• PA Special Education Supervisor Certification or Principal Certification,
• PA Certification as a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI); Master's degree in TVI or Masters Degree in Special Education
• Three (3) to Seven (7) years of experience in the Education of Students with Visual Impairments; experience in a leadership position preferred.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment :

• Lifting: must be able to lift 50-lbs minimum, with assistance. Participate in 2 person lifts.
• Working Environment : Employees are subject to accidents and/or injuries, which may be incurred during the performance of the essential functions of the position. Work is primarily indoors but some outdoor activities may be required.

Benefits and Pay:

OSB offers a competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant’s training and experience, including liberal financial support for the pursuit of advanced degrees. Applications from members of communities traditionally under-represented in school administrative positions are invited.

Overbrook School for the Blind Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) has, and will continue to follow, a policy of recruiting, employing and promoting individuals best qualified for any position by reason of education, training, and experience without regard to race, color, ancestry, genetic information, familial or marital status, domestic or sexual violence victimization, ethnicity, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or a related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or non-job-related disability or the use of a guide or support animal because of blindness, deafness or physical disability. OSB shall not discriminate against an individual who has exercised his/her rights against discrimination in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Overbrook School for the Blind offers a competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant’s training and experience.