Position Title: Special Education Director

Appointment: 2025 - 2026 School Year

Reports to: Head of School & Assistant Head of School

The Special Education Director at The Mountain School at Winhall (MSW) plays a vital role in ensuring that students receive individualized academic support to meet their unique learning needs. This position involves collaboration with teachers, administrators, and families to develop effective intervention strategies, manage IEPs and 504 Plans, and provide direct instruction. The coordinator will also oversee compliance with state and district special education regulations.

Mission: 

Our purpose is to establish an educational foundation of curiosity, confidence, and competence while practicing kindness to oneself, the community, and nature. 

Compensation & Benefits:

The Mountain School at Winhall offers a competitive salary based on experience and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, and 403B opportunities. Professional development opportunities.  Supportive, mission-driven work environment. This is a full-time, in-person position with occasional evening meetings or events.

Duties include:

• Identify and evaluate students who may need accommodations or specialized instruction.
• Conduct academic achievement assessments and interpret results to guide instruction.
• Provide direct instruction in reading, writing, executive functioning, and independent learning skills.
• Implement Wilson Reading System, Fundations, and progress monitoring strategies.
• Support behavioral interventions and oversee targeted behavior plans.
• Work closely with teachers to modify the curriculum and implement differentiated instruction.
• Lead the development of Response to Intervention (RTI) strategies for struggling learners.
• Train and support faculty in accommodations, interventions, and progress monitoring tools.
• Serve as a resource for faculty and staff regarding best practices in special education.
• Write and manage IEPs, 504 Plans, and ESTs, ensuring compliance with Vermont state and federal regulations.
• Oversee quarterly billing of special education services.
• Organize, schedule, and facilitate stakeholder meetings, including Eligibility, IEP, and EST meetings.
• Maintain communication with parents, guardians, and external service providers.
• Ensure accurate documentation and tracking of student progress.
• Oversee and schedule paraeducators, ensuring effective student support.
• Coordinate with local school districts and agencies on special education processes.
• Actively participate in faculty meetings, professional development, and school-wide initiatives.
• Foster an inclusive, supportive environment aligned with MSW’s mission and values.
• Attending field trips (which may include overnight trips).
• Attending community events: open houses, and evening/afternoon student program events and other school and community events as designated by the Head of School or designee.
• Other Duties as assigned by the Head of School

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to the Head of School, Margaret Schlachter - mschlachter@themountainschool.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

About The Mountain School at Winhall: 

The Mountain School at Winhall opened in 1998 and serves students in the Winhall and Stratton communities and surrounding towns in Southern Vermont. As an independent day school serving primarily towns with non-operating schools, we serve a diverse socio-economic community with most of our students receiving town tuition. The Mountain School at Winhall is dedicated to serving as many families in our surrounding community while also maintaining an intimate, close-knit community. We serve approximately 55 students in grades K-6 and offer a complete Special Education program, STEAM program, and Health and Fitness education. 

Our campus boasts ample spaces for outdoor learning, including a four-season greenhouse, forest classroom, fields, two playgrounds, additional outdoor classroom space, and a pavilion where the students eat lunch during the fall and spring. We embrace the outdoors and believe that nature and Vermont are part of our classroom. We strive to build strong family/school partnerships and create a learning environment where each student can thrive. Join us in making a difference in the lives of young learners!

Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy

The Mountain School at Winhall does not discriminate against any person or group on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), ancestry, national origin, place of birth, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, political affiliation or marital status in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities. MSW complies with all applicable state and federal nondiscrimination statutes, including the Vermont Public Accommodations Act (9 V.S.A. Chapter 139), the Vermont Fair Employment Practices Act (21 V.S.A. Chapter 5, Subchapter 6) and Vermont State Board of Education rules 2226.6 and 2229.1.

As a condition of hire, The Mountain School at Winhall requires that all candidates consent to a background check. Satisfactory completion of a background check, along with pre-employment verifications and references are required as a condition of employment, to the extent permitted by federal, state, and local law.

Minimum Requirements: 

• Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field (preferred)
• Vermont Special Education License (or eligibility)
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in special education instruction or coordination
• Expertise in IEP development, progress monitoring, and evidence-based intervention strategies
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
• Experience with behavior management, RTI, and differentiated instruction
• Passion for working with elementary-age students and supporting their diverse learning needs
• Wilson Learning Systems Certified or willingness to become certified

About The Mountain School at Winhall

Connections working at The Mountain School at Winhall