Dean of Student Transitions

What You’ll Do

As the Student Transition Coordinator, you will support special education students in all key moments of transition, 4th to 5th grade, 8th grade to high school and from high school to early college and college. The Student Transition Coordinator will play a pivotal role in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, including developing plans, setting goals, and facilitating meetings in grade levels where transitions typically occur. This position also involves training teachers and tracking student success throughout their educational journey to ensure that students are well supported and successful at Veritas and beyond. 

Responsibilities:

• Support Cohesive, Equitable, and Successful Educational Transitions at Veritas
• Ensure the school, students, and families are well-prepared and informed during all key transitional moments in a student's educational journey at Veritas.
• For new students (primarily 5th grade), identify incoming students with IEPs and coordinate intake meetings with the Dean of Student Services within 45 days of their start date.
• Develop individualized transition plans for students moving from 8th to 9th grade, aligning with their IEP goals and future aspirations, as well as the high school schedule and programming.
• Create tailored support plans for students transitioning to full-time Early College programs on college campuses.
• Facilitate smooth transitions for students moving from 12th grade to college.
• Monitor and Support Student Academic Progress
• Ensure the academic progress of students during major transitions (5th, 9th, and 11th/12th grades).
• Collaborate with the career and college counselor to ensure students with IEPs pass their classes and earn credits in 9th grade.
• Monitor and evaluate both academic and social progress as students move between grade levels.
• Maintain accurate records of student progress and use data to guide instructional decisions and support strategies.
• Develop and implement necessary interventions to promote student success.

• Manage the IEP Process During Key Transitions
• Oversee the IEP process for 8th and 9th grades, ensuring comprehensive support for special education students.
• Take full responsibility for the caseload of 8th and 9th-grade students, ensuring smooth transitions from middle school to high school and from high school to college.
• Collaborate with students, families, and educational staff to facilitate seamless transitions.
• Equip teachers with the necessary skills to effectively write and implement IEPs.
• Facilitate IEP meetings, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Monitor and adjust IEPs as needed to meet student needs.
• Act as a liaison between the school, families, and external agencies to coordinate support services.
• Maintain regular communication with parents and guardians regarding student progress and transition plans.
• Work with teachers to integrate IEP goals into classroom instruction and provide ongoing support and resources to enhance their ability to assist students.

• Manage Speech and Language Service Providers
• Coach and manage speech language services across both schools, providing constructive feedback.
• Collaborate with the speech teacher to ensure all students receive their scheduled speech services.
• Conduct eight observations of pullout services annually (four scheduled and four unscheduled).
• Special Education Filing and Documentation
• Work with clerks and Deans of Student Services to maintain up-to-date and accurate filing systems.
• Ensure all necessary information is in the files, organized, and compliant with DESE regulations, particularly for TFM reviews.

Benefits

About Veritas Prep

Veritas Prep is a public, tuition-free school in Springfield that prepares students in grades 5 through 12 to compete, achieve, and succeed in college and beyond. Veritas Prep accelerates every student’s path to college and career by helping them set a strong academic foundation in middle school and guaranteeing access to college classes and college prep support in our wall-to-wall Early College high school. 

At Veritas Prep, we are not only breaking down barriers to college access but also providing the tools students need to persist through college and prepare for a successful career. Our middle school program has been serving students in Springfield since 2012 and our scholars are supported by skilled, dedicated, and diverse teachers. Scholars learn important academic habits and are challenged to achieve at high levels academically, socially, and emotionally, setting them up for success as they enter our high school. 

Our Early College high school program, in partnership with STCC and Worcester State University, prepares students to earn high-impact college degrees, saving students up to two years’ time in college and thousands of dollars. Students can earn up to an associate degree for free, and the general studies associate degree from STCC means students enter as JUNIORS at any Massachusetts public college or university after high school graduation.

Students at Veritas Prep benefit from high academic standards and robust support, an exceptional learning environment, a diverse staff of high-quality educators, a strong commitment to social/emotional and practical skill development, and an inclusive, anti-racist community that values the identities and backgrounds of all students.