Job Description:
Youth Development Institute, a locked residential treatment facility for disadvantaged and troubled youth is looking for an exceptional principal who can support the educational program for all middle school and high school troubled and disadvantaged students, general and special education, in a therapeutic environment. Responsibilities encompass leadership, education program oversight, staff management, and ensuring a safe and supportive environment for students, focusing on their education, well-being, and treatment outcomes. You are the person if you can work in a therapeutic environment while emphasizing the importance of education with each student, being flexible enough to address the day-to-day needs of teaching and learning that can change based on therapeutic needs, and plan long-term for the future of students’ education and teacher satisfaction.
You are the person if you have a dedication to supporting the education of the most traumatized students in a safe, therapeutic, environment with like-minded educations, therapists, milieu staff, and nurses.
You are the person if you are flexible and caring, see students’ strengths and heart, and have a strong belief in healing and hope, putting “Kids First.”
Our year-round (216 school days) accredited school services 75 6th – 12th grade students in a typical school day of five periods. Teachers are special education and/or regular education certified. YDI contracts with a speech/language therapist, a gifted certified teacher, and a reading specialist. Students are grouped by grade level, academic needs, and special education needs, SLD, EDP, A, MIIR, OHI, and SPL. Classes range from 6 to 12 students, with a Youth Care Worker in every classroom, Teachers teach core subjects, PE, Art, Music, and Home Economics.
Leadership and Program Oversight:
· Develop and implement an education program that aligns with Arizona Department of Education, Special Education requirements, and Youth Development Institute’s mission and the needs of the students.
· Oversee the implementation of special education specifically designed instruction, accommodations, and modifications for all students with an IEP or 504 Plan.
· Address the specific learning and behavioral needs of general education students.
· Advocate for the education and treatment needs of the students within the broader system of YDI care.
· Ensure a safe and secure environment for students, implementing and enforcing safety protocols throughout the school day.
· Implement and enforce a trauma-informed approach to teaching and learning that considers students’ physical, emotional, social, and educational wellbeing.
· Maintain open and effective communication with residents, therapeutic staff, and other stakeholders.
· Oversee and refine the education program, ensuring it is evidence-based and meets the needs of all students.
· Coordinate the education program within the therapeutic programming at YDI.
· Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the education programs and make adjustments as needed.
· Ensure the facility adheres to YDI policies and procedures, ethical standards, completes training requirements, and maintains certifications.
· Supervise and evaluate staff performance, providing feedback and support to ensure high-quality instruction.
· Address and resolve conflicts among education staff, staff, and other department staff (nursing, therapy, milieu, recreational therapy), and staff and students.
· Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment for teachers in the education department and with all other departments such as nursing, clinical, recreational therapy, milieu, and management.
· Complete yearly ADE Special Education recertification application, and the Cognia Accreditation Review every four (4) years.
· Coordinate and collaborate with the CEO and CFO, Directors of clinical, nursing, logistics, quality control, IT, and Case Managers as a member of the YDI management team.
Essential Competencies
· Ability to motivate YDI teaching staff, and students around the vision of YDI.
· Clear and effective communication skills for diverse audiences including students, teaching staff, YDI staff, and other invested stakeholders.
· Well-organized, ability to balance competing priorities and multi-task.
· Leadership style that encourages teamwork and collaboration to support excellent instruction
· Willingness to foster creativity and innovation.
· Persistence in the face of obstacles, and productive problem-solving skills to counter setbacks,
· Belief in student empowerment and willingness to allow students to play an active role in their treatment and education.
· Commitment to the service of students and families
· Awareness of strengths and weaknesses, and willingness to take responsibility for actions and mistakes.
· Empathy for the perspectives of students, staff, and stakeholders
· Clear understanding of policies and law affecting special populations.
· Ability to model an exemplary work ethic.
Minimum Requirements
· Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution in special education with certification in PrK-12 in Moderate Disabilities.
· Possession of a master’s degree from an accredited educastion institution in education administration with certification for PreK-12.
· Minimum of five years of supervisory and administrative experience as a principal or assistant principal in education at a middle or high school, or five years of administrative and supervisory experience at a district-level position.
· Minimum of five years teaching experience in general and special education 6th-12th grades.
This is a full-time position, 12 months a year with 13 school holidays, in service days and vacation and sick time.
YDI offers a competitive salary based on experience, medical dental, and vision benefits, and year-long training.
Send your vitae to pat.blanton@ydi,org. Fill out an online application at www.ydi.org.