An equal opportunity employer, Public Academy for Performing Arts seeks

For SY 2027-28

Full Time In-Person Special Education Director

Must have administrative license

Assistant Director / Assistant Principal – Special Education

Public Academy for Performing Arts (PAPA) | Albuquerque, New Mexico

Position Overview

The Public Academy for Performing Arts (PAPA), a public charter school serving students in grades 6–12, is seeking a dedicated, student-centered Assistant Principal to lead and oversee the school’s Special Education program. The ideal candidate is an experienced special education educator and licensed school administrator who is committed to inclusive practices, student achievement, legal compliance, and collaboration among educators, families, and service providers.

This individual will provide instructional leadership and program oversight to ensure students with disabilities receive appropriate services, meaningful access to the general education curriculum, and the support necessary to succeed academically, socially, and artistically.

Key Responsibilities

Special Education Program Leadership: Oversee the implementation, coordination, and continuous improvement of the school’s Special Education program.
IEP Compliance: Ensure Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are developed, implemented, monitored, and reviewed in accordance with IDEA, New Mexico Public Education Department requirements, and applicable state and federal regulations.
Instructional Leadership: Support special education teachers, general education teachers, and instructional assistants in implementing effective instructional strategies, accommodations, modifications, and inclusive practices.
Staff Supervision and Development: Supervise, coach, and evaluate special education staff as assigned; provide professional development and support to strengthen instructional practices and student outcomes.
Student Support: Collaborate with school leadership, teachers, related service providers, students, and families to address academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
Compliance and Documentation: Monitor IEP timelines, evaluations, progress reporting, service delivery, accommodations, and required documentation.
Problem-Solving and Collaboration: Facilitate IEP meetings, support resolution of parent concerns, and promote effective communication among school personnel and families.
Data-Driven Decision-Making: Analyze student performance, progress-monitoring data, and program outcomes to identify needs and improve services.
Schoolwide Leadership: Collaborate with the administrative team to support school operations, student services, professional learning, and the school’s mission of combining rigorous college-preparatory academics with excellence in the performing arts.

Required Qualifications

Valid New Mexico teaching license with appropriate credentials for the candidate’s teaching assignment.
Valid New Mexico administrative license authorizing service as a school administrator.
Demonstrated experience teaching students with disabilities in a special education setting.
Knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, IEP development and implementation, evaluation procedures, and applicable New Mexico special education regulations.
Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively with students, families, teachers, related service providers, and school leadership.
Commitment to equitable access, inclusive education, and high expectations for all students.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience coordinating or supervising a school-based Special Education program.
Experience supporting and evaluating special education teachers and instructional assistants.
Knowledge of Multi-Layered Systems of Support (MLSS), behavioral interventions, accommodations, and differentiated instruction.
Experience with compliance monitoring, program evaluation, and data-driven instructional improvement.

Desired Professional Qualities

The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to student-centered leadership, professional accountability, confidentiality, collaborative problem-solving, and continuous improvement. The candidate will be proactive, organized, and responsive while maintaining high expectations for students and staff.

About PAPA

The Public Academy for Performing Arts is a tuition-free public charter school serving grades 6–12 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. PAPA integrates rigorous college-preparatory academics with high-quality performing arts education in a small, supportive learning community. We are committed to helping students develop their academic potential, artistic talents, and personal strengths.

Join the PAPA community and help ensure that every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a résumé, cover letter, and documentation of current New Mexico teaching and administrative licensure to the executive director Tamara Lopez at tlopez@paparts.org.