The Role
Lead design and implementation of an inclusive instructional framework and special education service model across the network. Build educator and leader capacity through professional learning, coaching, and implementation tools. Ensure compliance with IDEA/LRE, integrate special education within MTSS, develop accountability measures, and directly supervise Specialized Services leaders while partnering with school and network leadership to improve inclusive outcomes for students with disabilities.
Summary Generated by Built In
About Mastery:
Founded in 2001, Mastery Schools is a public charter network of 23 K-12 schools in Philadelphia and Camden, serving more than 14,000 students.
At Mastery, we’re on a mission to provide all students with the academic and personal skills they need to succeed after graduation and pursue their dreams. Student achievement is not just a goal for our organization; it's the reason we exist, and every member of our team is dedicated to securing student success. We are also committed to pursuing equity, actively disrupting systemic racism, and addressing the disparities that limit our students' choices.
Our culture is built on respect, service, and the belief that the success of our students, their families, and the communities we serve will help us achieve our mission. We foster a positive, open, and inclusive environment where honesty, humor, and continuous improvement are celebrated.
Join us in creating a model urban school district that serves all students with excellence. Together, we can make a lasting impact.
Position Summary:
The Senior Director of Inclusive Instruction is a senior leadership position within the Specialized Services Department responsible for shaping and executing the network's vision for inclusive instructional excellence. As the architect of the network's inclusive instructional framework, this leader drives the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of instructional practices, educator capacity, and service delivery models that ensure students with disabilities have equitable access to rigorous, grade-level learning and achieve strong academic outcomes in the least restrictive environment. The Senior Director leads the development of instructional models, implementation guidance, professional learning systems, and organizational structures that support inclusive outcomes across the network.
The Senior Director of Inclusive Instruction is a senior leadership position within the Specialized Services Department responsible for shaping and executing the network's vision for inclusive instructional excellence. As the architect of the network's inclusive instructional framework, this leader drives the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of instructional practices, educator capacity, and service delivery models that ensure students with disabilities have equitable access to rigorous, grade-level learning and achieve strong academic outcomes in the least restrictive environment. The Senior Director leads the development of instructional models, implementation guidance, professional learning systems, and organizational structures that support inclusive outcomes across the network.
Through direct leadership of Specialized Services team members and close partnership with school-based leaders, the Senior Director builds the capacity of educators and systems to deliver effective, compliant, and equitable services for students with disabilities. Working in close collaboration with the Senior Director of MTSS and other network-level instructional leaders, this role ensures that special education instructional practices are seamlessly integrated within the broader student support framework while maintaining a clear focus on the unique instructional, legal, and programmatic requirements of special education. This is a high-impact systems leadership role suited for a strategic and results-oriented leader who combines deep expertise in inclusive education with the ability to drive sustainable change across a complex organization.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Design and lead implementation of the network's inclusive instructional framework and special education service delivery model, establishing expectations for how students with disabilities access grade-level instruction across inclusive, co-taught, push-in, and specialized settings.
- Develop and maintain network-wide guidance, tools, and implementation resources that define high-quality inclusive instruction, including Universal Design for Learning (UDL), differentiation, Specially Designed Instruction (SDI), and effective co-teaching practices.
- Advise school leaders on staffing models, scheduling structures, and service delivery configurations that maximize access to the least restrictive environment while ensuring legally compliant and individualized supports.
- Design and oversee a comprehensive professional learning strategy for special education teachers and Specialized Services leaders focused on SDI, standards-aligned IEP implementation, inclusive instructional practices, collaborative planning, and data-informed instruction.
- Build the capacity of Specialized Service Leaders to serve as instructional coaches through observation tools, feedback systems, coaching frameworks, and differentiated learning pathways.
- Facilitate cross-campus professional learning communities and partnerships with school leaders and instructional teams to strengthen shared ownership of inclusive practices and outcomes for students with disabilities.
- Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Deputy Chief of Specialized Services in shaping network-wide inclusive instructional strategy, special education redesign efforts, and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring organizational decisions are informed by evolving research, evidence-based practices, and federal and state special education requirements.
- Partner with the Senior Director of MTSS and other instructional leaders to ensure special education instructional models integrate effectively within the broader MTSS framework while maintaining compliance with IDEA and LRE requirements.
- Develop accountability measures, implementation benchmarks, and performance indicators that evaluate
instructional quality, educator practice, and inclusive outcomes for students with disabilities. - Directly supervise and develop members of the Specialized Services Network Support Team, including Directors of Specialized Services and other assigned staff.
- Establish clear performance expectations, coaching structures, and professional growth opportunities that build leadership capacity and drive continuous improvement.
- Foster a collaborative, results-oriented team culture focused on advancing inclusive practices and improving outcomes for students with disabilities.
Inclusive Instructional Design & Special Education Service Delivery
Professional Development & Capacity Building
Strategic Leadership & Systems Alignment
Team Leadership & Organizational Capacity
Qualifications:
- Deep expertise in inclusive instructional practices, including SDI, co-teaching, UDL, differentiation, and evidence based instruction for students with disabilities.
- Demonstrated ability to design and facilitate high-impact adult learning, coaching, and capacity-building systems for educators and leaders.
- Strong systems-thinking, project management, and change leadership skills, with the ability to translate strategy into scalable implementation.
- Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence diverse stakeholders and drive cross-functional collaboration.
- Commitment to equity-driven practice and the ability to frame inclusive education as both a legal obligation and a moral imperative.
Education and Experience:
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in special education, including direct instructional experience supporting students with disabilities in inclusive settings.
- Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience with responsibility for improving instructional outcomes for students with disabilities across one or more schools.
- Demonstrated experience leading large-scale professional learning, instructional improvement initiatives, or special education program implementation.
- Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field preferred. Special Education certification and/or administrative certification preferred.
Other Requirements:
- Ability to physically perform the essential duties of the role as outlined above, and to work in the environmental conditions required, such as traveling to network campuses, monitoring and interacting with students, in-person facilitation of trainings, etc.
- This role may require frequent travel between multiple locations. Reliable transportation is essential to fulfill job responsibilities.
Bonus and Salary Information:
- External candidates hired for this role are eligible for a $5,000 signing bonus as well as up to $5,000 for relocation expenses!
- The Senior Director of Inclusive Instruction at Mastery can expect a starting salary between $138,500 to $153,400, based on education and experience, with opportunities for growth as your career progresses. Each offer is made in alignment with Mastery’s compensation philosophy and commitment to pay equity, ensuring fairness and consistency across our team.
Mastery's Benefits Package:
We offer a full benefits program and opportunities for professional growth. Some of our most popular benefits include our 403(b) retirement plan for PA employees (with a 5% match from Mastery for full-time employees), enrollment in the State of New Jersey Pension Plan for NJ employees, a robust Employee Assistance Program, mental health and counseling programs, an annual Professional Development Fund, and discounts and perks at a myriad of retailers, travel organizations, insurance providers, and so much more, as well as access to the HealthAdvocate Helpdesk to help you navigate various benefits-related topics. Please go here to see all of our Benefits offerings!
Annual Calendar:
As you plan to make Mastery your new work home, please feel free to review our calendar here. We like to think our calendar is a benefit of working here too!
Why You Should Apply:
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. Mastery may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
Skills Required
- Deep expertise in inclusive instructional practices (SDI, co-teaching, UDL, differentiation)
- Demonstrated ability to design and facilitate high-impact adult learning, coaching, and capacity-building systems
- Strong systems-thinking, project management, and change leadership skills
- Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills to influence diverse stakeholders
- Commitment to equity-driven practice and framing inclusive education as legal and moral imperative
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in special education, including direct instructional experience in inclusive settings
- Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience improving instructional outcomes for students with disabilities across one or more schools
- Demonstrated experience leading large-scale professional learning, instructional improvement initiatives, or special education program implementation
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field
- Special Education certification and/or administrative certification
- Ability to travel frequently between network campuses and reliable transportation
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The Company
What We Do
Mastery Charter Schools is a growing nonprofit charter public school network operating more than 24 schools serving over 14,000 K-12 students in Philadelphia and Camden. Recognized nationally for its work in school turnarounds and dramatic student achievement gains, the organization integrates modern management and effective educational practices to ensure all students learn the academic and personal skills necessary for postsecondary success and pursuing their dreams.
