Founding Director of Special Education - Vacancy ID: 252237

Action Research Community High School seeks a founding Director of Special Education to lead the design and implementation of inclusive special education services for Milwaukee's first Gold Standard project-based learning high school. Opening Fall 2026, ARCHS will serve 80 students in grades 9-12 on Milwaukee's South Side, growing to 160 students at capacity. We anticipate 20-40% of students will have IEPs.

The SPED Director reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for all aspects of special education programming, IDEA compliance, IEP development, SPED and pupil services staff supervision, and ensuring students with disabilities have full access to our project-based learning model. This is a unique opportunity to build inclusive systems from the ground up—designing how PBL works for diverse learners before practices become entrenched.

Our model centers Gold Standard PBL (Buck Institute/PBL Works), restorative justice practices, and deep community partnerships. The SPED Director must ensure all students can engage meaningfully in authentic projects while meeting IEP goals and WI state standards.

Key Responsibilities

•      Develop and oversee all special education programs, ensuring full compliance with IDEA, Section 504, and Wisconsin DPI regulations

•      Lead IEP development and implementation, ensuring goals align with PBL experiences and state standards

•      Design inclusive practices that enable students with disabilities to access Gold Standard project-based learning

•      Supervise and coach special education staff, including SPED Advisors and paraprofessionals

•      Coordinate related services (speech, OT, PT, counseling) through contracts or direct hire

•      Manage compliance documentation, timelines, and reporting for UWM charter authorization and DPI

•      Collaborate with Core Advisors to implement accommodations and modifications within PBL units

•      Build family partnerships and ensure bilingual communication for IEP processes

Required Qualifications

•      Valid Wisconsin DPI License 80 (Director of Special Education and Pupil Services) or reciprocity eligibility

•      Valid Wisconsin special education teaching license (cross-categorical or specific disability area)

•      Minimum 3 years special education teaching experience

•      Minimum 3 years leadership experience in special education (coordinator, department chair, or equivalent)

•      Demonstrated expertise in IDEA compliance, IEP development, and due process procedures

Preferred Qualifications

•      Experience with inclusive education models and Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

•      Experience with project-based learning or competency-based assessment for students with disabilities

•      Charter school or startup school experience

•      Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field

•      Training in restorative justice or trauma-informed practices

•      Bilingual Spanish-English proficiency (for effective engagement with our predominantly Latino community)

•      Connection to Milwaukee's South Side community

Benefits

•      Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) enrollment

•      Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

•      4 weeks paid vacation + sick leave

•      Professional development budget including PBL Works and SPED-specific training

•      Founding leadership opportunity to design inclusive systems from inception

Application Instructions

Submit resume, cover letter, and three professional references through WECAN. In your cover letter, please address: (1) your experience ensuring students with disabilities access rigorous, authentic learning experiences, (2) your approach to building inclusive culture, and (3) why you want to design a SPED program from scratch rather than inherit an existing one.

Equal Opportunity Statement

ARCHS is committed to building a diverse leadership team that reflects the community we serve. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who identify as Latino, bilingual, and/or from Milwaukee's South Side. ARCHS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.