• Professional development - show initiative in increasing present skills and learning new ones.

• Dependability - on time and on task throughout the day and completing tasks promptly.

• Cooperativeness - positive attitude with others; cooperative and helpful with co-workers; foster an open and trusting work environment.

• Professionalism - maintain appropriate boundaries with students; dress appropriately; maintain confidentiality; use appropriate channels of communication to express concerns; accept responsibility.

• Adaptability - accept and apply constructive feedback; demonstrate flexibility to meet new needs or challenges; incorporate new ideas; suggest better ways to do things.

• Communication skills - respond promptly to phone and email messages; communicate effectively with staff, students, and parents; listen carefully and ask questions when needed; clear and accurate verbal and written communication.

• Decision-making/problem-solving - make sound and timely decisions by analyzing facts; reach logical conclusions by the use of foresight and planning; independent but seeking help from the right source when appropriate; prompt response to safety and security concerns.

• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - demonstrate in personal actions and decision making, and interactions with colleagues and students, the ability to create, promote, and maintain a safe and positive environment for all students and employees, regardless of race, religion, religious belief, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, and socio-economic status; call out violations of the DEI policy when encountered.

• Service to Franklin - act as an ambassador in any setting, supporting both the school’s mission and handbooks; support students in both the context of the job and involvement in their extra-curricular and co-curricular activities.

The Assistant Principal of Student Support ensures Ben Franklin High School delivers exceptional individualized instruction based on student needs and that students receive the academic, social, and post-secondary planning support they need to succeed. This role oversees all aspects of the school’s Special Education services,  sets the vision for and manages the counseling services team, and builds systems to create active connections between the counseling team and academic staff so that student's academic and social needs are being addressed.  By fostering a collaborative and student-centered approach among the student support team and other staff, the AP of Student Support is a self-directed, committed professional who works purposely and passionately to ensure data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement in student support services. The Assistant of Student Support plays a crucial role in ensuring every student has the resources, guidance, and support needed to thrive academically, socially, and beyond high school.

Individualized Student Support:

• Ensure effective implementation and compliance with district, state, and federal laws of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 Plans, along with SAT processes.

• Collaborate with teachers, specialists, and families to meet the unique learning needs of students.

• Oversee the monitoring and maintenance of student achievement data associated with Ben Franklin’s MTSS and RTI processes.

• Monitors and adjusts student support plans based on progress and feedback.

• Ensures accurate, timely reporting to NOLA Public Schools and the Louisiana Department of Education regarding all Special Education data, reviews, etc.

• Guides specific training and development efforts for teachers on meeting the needs of students’ IEPs.

• Coordinates with AP of Academics and other staff to support teachers in instructional delivery aligned to IEPs and 504 plans.

Student Support Services Leadership:

• Sets a clear vision for student counseling services aligned with academic, social-emotional success, and college and post-secondary success

• Ensures Ben Franklin has efficient and effective processes to implement Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) for students

• Manages the counselors and mental health professionals to track and seek solutions for students’ academic and social-emotional  needs

Secondary & Post-Graduate Planning:

• Set the vision for post-secondary planning at Ben Franklin, in collaboration with staff, to ensure staff is proactively guiding students to explore and prepare for college & post-secondary pathways, including college and career opportunities

• Oversee Counselors as they implement initiatives that proactively drive post-secondary planning, ensuring students are exposed to meaningful career pathways

• Develop programs and resources that equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for life beyond high school.

Additional Responsibilities: 

• Directly coach and evaluate  a cohort of teachers aligned to expectations and practices outlined by AP of Academic

• Execute special projects as needed to meet the evolving needs of the school community

• Communicate academic progress to parents, students, and school administration through reports, meetings, and other channels as needed

• Support Department Chairs as needed in academic planning aligned to student support needs.

• Maintain complete, accurate, and confidential student records

• Evaluate members of student support staff semiannually

• Plans and delivers professional development offerings for the student support staff and faculty.

• Provide accountability data for stakeholders

• Attend, participate, and be a school-based representative at student events, including but not limited to all school dances and after-school activities

• Additional duties as assigned

• Possess a deep understanding of students' needs and challenges; demonstrate empathy and compassion when addressing their concerns 

• Proficiency in data analysis to inform decision-making processes that enhance student support services and drive positive outcomes

• Considerable knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding special education, students, and staff, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities ACT, IDEA, FERPA, the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, Title 28, etc

• Have an understanding of counselors' and mental health professionals’ practice and ethical issues and standards.

• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple competing tasks and responsibilities of equal importance

• Ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, and families from diverse cultural, social, economic, and educational backgrounds

• Strong collaboration, interpersonal, oral, written, and communication skills

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to lead and provide the same directions as the school’s mission and vision

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling, Social Work, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred)

• At least 5 years of teaching experience, school leadership experience preferred

• Experience in student support services, counseling, or academic interventions

• Strong leadership and organizational skills

• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities

• Knowledge of IEPs, 504 Plans, and multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS)