School Year 2026-2027: Director of Special Education (Part-Time, .2 FTE) at TAPA: Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts | Providence, RI TAPA: Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts, an academically rigorous public charter school for the arts, seeks a part-time Director of Special Education to oversee Special Education programming and compliance one day per week (0.2 FTE) for the 2026–2027 school year. This role is ideal for an experienced, certified Special Education leader looking to work in a collaborative, student-centered school environment with a small but passionate team of educators. The Director of Special Education provides leadership, technical assistance, and support to ensure that all Special Education services at TAPA are compliant with IDEA and aligned with best practices. They will oversee IEP compliance, coach and support special educators, participate in IEP meetings as needed, review and sign off on documents in PowerSchool, and coordinate with service providers and families. This is a one-day-per-week position; flexibility in how that time is structured (on-site or remote) is possible depending on the needs of the school and candidate availability. TAPA serves a diverse student body representing a wide range of cultural, religious, racial, ethnic, linguistic, learning, and family backgrounds. Our students are predominantly Latino, and many speak both English and Spanish in their homes. We seek educators and leaders who are able to build strong relationships across differences, communicate effectively with students and families, and recognize the individual strengths, needs, and experiences that students bring to school. The Director will work closely with school leaders, teachers, and service providers to maintain a strong Special Education program that promotes student independence, meaningful participation in general education, and access to TAPA’s academic and arts programming. This is a collaborative role that requires strong attention to detail, deep knowledge of Rhode Island Special Education law and compliance systems, and a belief that all students can make meaningful academic and personal progress with appropriate supports. At its core, TAPA is a student-centered, caring community that fosters leadership, intellect, self-confidence, creativity, and responsibility. We value educators who hold high expectations for students while working thoughtfully and collaboratively to meet a wide range of learning needs. Candidates who bring experience working with students and families from varied backgrounds are encouraged to apply. NOTE: SchoolSpring is notoriously user unfriendly. If you would prefer, you can send your application (cover letter, resume, and references) to [email protected]

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Rhode Island certification in Special Education Administration

• Deep knowledge of IDEA, Rhode Island Special Education regulations, and IEP development

• Experience leading Special Education programs, including oversight of IEP meetings and compliance systems

• Demonstrated commitment to effective, inclusive Special Education practices and student-centered planning

• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to build productive relationships with educators, service providers, families, and school leaders

• Experience coaching and supporting special education teachers or related service providers

• Strong attention to detail in documentation, compliance, and state reporting

• Ability to work effectively with students, families, and colleagues from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working in an urban public school environment or with students from communities similar to those served by TAPA

• Experience working in a small school or charter school environment

• Proficiency in using PowerSchool or similar IEP documentation platforms

• Familiarity with relationship-centered, restorative, or other effective student support practices

• Proficiency in conversational Spanish

• Experience mentoring new special educators

• Participation in or appreciation for the arts and arts-integrated learning

TAPA is a student-centered school community built on strong relationships, high expectations, creativity, and respect. We believe students are best served when educators recognize their individual strengths and needs, work closely with families and colleagues, and create learning environments in which every student has meaningful opportunities to succeed. As a performing arts school, we also value the role that creativity, collaboration, and the arts play in building a vibrant school community. TAPA considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, race, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. TAPA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

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