Program Administrator

Meeker & Wright Special Education Cooperative #0938 
Date Posted: April 19, 2024
Position Title: Program Administrator
Assignment Location: Village Ranch Alternative Program, Cokato, MN
Hours per Day: 8
Schedule: 215 day contract per calendar year
Anticipated Start Date: July 1, 2024
Salary: Commensurate with education and experience

POSITION OVERVIEW:
Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Care and Treatment Programs, the Program Administrator is responsible for providing leadership to school staff and effective management to ensure the overall success and growth of the students who attend Village Ranch Alternative Program. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of educational philosophy, culturally responsive teaching methods and approaches, and current best practices and strategies for a diverse student population.
• Knowledge of:
  • theory and research in education
  • application of methods used in improving academic achievement
  • educational assessment practices and techniques
  • effective intervention, academic and behavior techniques
  • academic curriculum and pedagogical techniques that is effective across diverse populations
  • procedures, methods and strategies pertaining to the administration of an middle school/secondary level program operation
  • Minnesota State Academic Standards
  • school safety procedures
  • effective supervision and discipline of students
  • State and Federal laws relating to minors, the Teacher Code-of-Ethics, and local policies and procedures
  • instructional technology
  • evidence-based research and best practices in educational interventions
• Skills in:
  • crisis management, handling emergencies and de-escalation techniques
  • effective problem solving, decision making, and judgment
  • leadership and exceptional interpersonal skills
• Ability to:
  • communicate well both orally and in writing
  • plan, organize and coordinate the activities of an educational program
  • establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff and the stakeholders
  • work with individuals from diverse backgrounds
  • lead and supervise staff and students
  • remain flexible and develop alternative strategies to achieve established goals
  • manage and prioritize complex issues
  • apply leadership skills within a shared decision-making model
  • evaluate the instructional process

Essential Functions

• Plans, organizes, directs and controls the operations and activities at a Village Ranch Alternative Program
• Creates equitable school culture and climate for students and staff;
• Coordinates all educational services provided by the facility or program;
• Supervises staff in the program;
• Evaluates staff performance;
• Allocates resources within the educational program in order to maximize efficiency and effectiveness of service;
• Ensures that the educational program is in compliance with Federal and State regulations and district policies and procedures;
• Organizes staff schedules and school calendar to meet State and District guidelines and program needs;
• Recommends policies and procedures that are consistent with the goals and objectives of the District and Federal and State mandates;
• Provides consultation to staff in curriculum development and program planning;
• Evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of existing educational programs;
• Revises educational programs and plans, develops, and implements new programs;
• Directs the maintenance of educational records;
• Prepares written and oral reports;
• Assists in the preparation and administration of allocated budget;
• May direct the recruitment, screening and selection of professional staff.
• Foster a culture of innovation and facilitate action on innovative ideas in order to achieve our mission.
• Lead staff meetings
• Work with Curriculum and Instructional Specialist related to instruction provided by teachers
• Collaborate with teaching and learning related to evidence based instruction
• Complete evaluations for staff each year
• Engage in classroom walkthroughs and provide feedback
• Meet with staff to discuss reflections
• Work with administrative support to adjust staffing allocations as needed
• Complete written reports and create/deliver professional development to staff
• Attend staffings and meetings with Village Ranch Staff

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of:
  • A Master’s Degree in Education or a closely related field
  • Five years of classroom experience, preferred experience in special education
  • Prefer at least three years at the secondary level in an administrative capacity
    • Or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• State of Minnesota Teacher Licensure
• State of Minnesota Administrative License in K-12 Principal and/or Director of Special Education
• Minnesota driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility

ABOUT VILLAGE RANCH:
Village Ranch Alternative Program (VRAP) is located in Cokato, MN and is an educational facility on the grounds of the Village Ranch, Inc. Residential facility. The educational program provides a flexible and safe environment in which students can experience educational success. VRAP serves boys ages 12 – 18, some of whom have pre-identified disabilities. Enrollment for the program is up to 45 students who primarily live in the Village Ranch residential setting.

ABOUT MAWSECO:
MAWSECO is an agency of seven-member school districts (Annandale, Dassel-Cokato, Delano, Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted, Litchfield, Maple Lake and Rockford) that have joined together to provide services in the area of special education. The mission of the Cooperative is to provide quality special education leadership, services, and support to its seven-member school districts’ staff, students and families as well as other agencies/districts that purchase its services. The MAWSECO central office is located in Howard Lake, MN which is west of the metro and south of St. Cloud.

HOW TO APPLY: 
Meeker and Wright Special Ed Coop #938 utilizes an online application system. Please visit the site to apply:  https://www.applitrack.com/mawseco/OnlineApp/  
If you have questions or concerns regarding the application process, please contact Elizabeth Sullivan (612) 417-6491 or email at: esullivan@mawseco.k12.mn.us

POSITION QUESTIONS: 
Contact Caren Heltne, Assistant Director of Care and Treatment Programs at: (612) 441-0651 or email cheltne@mawseco.k12.mn.us  or 
Melissa Hanson, Executive Director: phone (320) 543-1122 or email mhanson@mawseco.k12.mn.us

MAWSECO is an equal opportunity employer