Director of Special Education and English as a New Language
Harlem Children's Zone
Director of Special Education and English as a New Language
Harlem Children's Zone
Breaks poverty cycle through on-the-ground programs
Harlem Children's Zone · New York, United States · Full-time · Posted 2026-06-26
Salary: USD 140,000–150,000
Workplace: on_site
Department: PA I Central Office
The Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) started with one mission that was the most ambitious and audacious in U.S. history: to end intergenerational poverty in Central Harlem and lead the way for other long-distressed communities nationwide and around the world to do the same. HCZ breaks the cycle of intergenerational poverty with on-the-ground, all-around programming that builds up opportunities for children and families to thrive in school, work, and life. From early childhood education and career programs to community outreach and wellness initiatives, HCZ opens pathways to mobility and prosperity. HCZ believes that the pathway to college begins when a child is born and doesn’t end until a student has graduated and has the tools to thrive in a fulfilling career. The organization’s aim is to light that pathway, from cradle to college to career, with community-responsive and wraparound youth programs that support children and their families in every way and in every year of a child’s development.
We are seeking a Director of Special Education and English as a New Language. The Director of Special Education and English as a New Language will serve as the Network instructional leader, responsible for ensuring high-quality instruction to foster a productive learning environment. The ideal candidate will have a passion for the mission of HCZ Promise Academy, a demonstrated track record of success moving students and using data to inform the big picture, and an understanding and respect for the families and community of Central Harlem.
JOB GOAL:
The Director of Special Education and English as a New Language is responsible for the leadership and coordination of the School’s Special Education Program. The Director of Special Education (SpED) and English as a New Language (ENL) plans, implements, and supervises SpED Programs, ENL and all related student support services.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
This list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
1. Coordination of Special Education and English as a New Language Program
Oversee a well-articulated Special Education program that is current, comprehensive, and consistent with Promise Academy Charter School pillars of instruction and ensures the implementation of NY Learning Standards.
Design and implement practices that utilizes multiple measures of data in order to study, research, recommend, and evaluate existing and new programs for modification and implementation by the department.
All special education/ENL services will be provided appropriately and effectively, with compliance as a minimum and critical threshold;
Manage plans to address most critical scholar needs (ie: severe levels of behavioral, cognitive, language, medical/health needs);
Organize regular school Special Services meetings with all educational stakeholders to monitor students' progress;
Monitor accountability for all roles, systems, and processes related to special education and ENL services;
Supervise and coordinate enrollment processes related to SpEd and ENL;
1. All scholars' special education and language needs will be addressed;
2. All special education/ENL teachers and all providers will be held accountable for their responsibilities.
Plan events to celebrate scholars' progress and growth;
Assist in the development and coordination of the sections of the budget that pertain to SpEd and ENL;
Provide specialized instruction to scholars in need during extended learning as needed; and
Serve as a member of network committees to ensure the consideration of students with disabilities and English language learners
2. Personnel Administration
Support the Principals and Education Directors in the review of the day-to-day performance, observation, and evaluation of Learning Specialists;
Ensure that all Special Education Coaches are completing deliverables; and
3. Assessment and Reporting
4. Staff Development
5. School and Community Relations
6. Professional Development
7. Other
QUALIFICATIONS, SKILL, AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS
REPORTS TO: Managing Director of Teaching and Learning
SUPERVISES: Special Education Coaches, Related Service Providers, English as New Language Teachers, and School Psychologist
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
As a member of the Harlem Children's Zone team, you will join a supportive and inclusive community dedicated to helping children, families — and our staff — thrive. We offer highly competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for growth.
Our exceptional full- time benefits include:
The salary range for this position is $140,000-150,000 per year. To be considered, interested applicants should apply directly through the posting. No telephone inquiries or recruiters, please. Replies will only be sent to qualified applicants. Harlem Children's Zone and Promise Academy Charter Schools will not provide work visas for candidates who require employer sponsorship to ensure work authorization in the United States. Harlem Children’s Zone is an EOE.
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Breaks poverty cycle through on-the-ground programs
Harlem Children’s Zone coordinates a place-based set of programs across early childhood through adulthood in Harlem to help children and families thrive. It operates directly through schools, community centers, and outreach to deliver education, career pathways, health and wellness, and family supports. Programs are integrated, meaning services at different stages coordinate for each family, rather than one-off initiatives. This approach distinguishes HCZ from peers by offering a wraparound, long-term support system in a single community, focusing on mobility and prosperity rather than only schooling. The goal is to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty by creating opportunities in education, work, and life for residents of Harlem.
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