Metro

The Dean of Students of Special Education serves as a critical leader within the Forest Lake Area High School student services team, with a focus on supporting students receiving special education services. This position is responsible for building and maintaining systems that ensure equitable access, inclusive practices, and high levels of support for students with disabilities. The Dean collaborates closely with special education case managers, general education teachers, paraprofessionals, families, and academic deans to promote academic success, social-emotional growth, and behavioral supports aligned with each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Key Responsibilities:
Instructional and Program Support
Collaborate with the Assistant Principals to design and maintain the Special Education Master Schedule, ensuring alignment with student needs, staff expertise, and IEP service minutes.
Oversee the scheduling and daily deployment of paraprofessionals, ensuring appropriate coverage and student support throughout the day.
Provide classroom support for teachers, including coaching, resource development, and co-facilitating interventions or behavior plans as needed.
Serve as a critical member of each student’s IEP team, working collaboratively with case managers, related service providers, families, and administrators to monitor and adjust programming.
Partner with the building’s Academic Deans to ensure that students with disabilities receive equitable access to general education and academic interventions.
Student and Family Engagement
Maintain proactive communication with families and staff regarding student progress, challenges, and successes.
Attend and represent the school and district at IEP meetings, ensuring compliance, alignment to best practices, and support for student goals.
Support restorative practices and behavior interventions for students on IEPs when needed.

Leadership and Supervision
Support professional development and coaching for special education staff and paraprofessionals.
Supervise and evaluate paraprofessional performance in alignment with district expectations and student needs.
Collaborate with district-level special education administration on program needs, compliance updates, and initiatives.

Operations and Supervision
Assist in the supervision of school events and student activities, including after-school events, dances, and athletics.
Support building-level leadership on student management, safety, and behavior-related concerns.