The Michigan School for the Deaf prospectus offers comprehensive information for prospective applicants, covering essential details about the organization, including its history, structure, programs, services, and finances. It also features a leader profile that outlines the qualities and qualifications desired by the community, based on insights gathered from the board, staff, and constituents through surveys and focus groups. Additionally, the prospectus (link) provides a clear job description, detailing the role and responsibilities of the Head of School position, and concludes with instructions on how to apply for the position.
The key qualifications for this job include:
EDUCATION:
Possession of a bachelor’s degree in any major.
EXPERIENCE:
Four years of professional experience, including two years equivalent to the experienced (P11) level or one year equivalent to the advanced (12) level.
Alternate Education and Experience
Education level typically acquired through completion of high school and two years of safety and regulatory or law enforcement experience at the 14 level; or, one year of safety and regulatory or law enforcement experience at the 15 level, may be substituted for the education and experience requirements.
Preferred: Approval in Michigan as Supervisor or Director of Special Education
Preferred: The ability to communicate using American Sign Language as prescribed and measured by the Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) assessment .
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Extensive knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to the delivery of special education programs and services.
- Extensive knowledge of training and supervisory techniques.
- Thorough knowledge of the principles and techniques of administrative management including organization, planning, staffing, trainings budgeting, and reporting,
- Thorough knowledge of labor relations, equal employment opportunity practices, and affirmative action.
- Ability to analyze and appraise facts and precedents in making administrative decisions.
- Ability to formulate policies and procedures based on information of a conceptual nature from varied and complex sources.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with government officials, private industry officials, professional personnel, and others.
The Michigan School for the Deaf is seeking a transformational leader to serve as the Head of School with the following qualities and capabilities:
- Visionary Leadership: A leader deeply committed to educational excellence within a bilingual-bicultural model, prioritizing the use of American Sign Language (ASL) alongside English.
- Advocate for Deaf Education: Someone who champions advocacy efforts at both state and national levels, particularly regarding early language acquisition initiatives like Lead-K, to enhance educational frameworks for Deaf students.
- Innovative and Inclusive: A leader who fosters an inclusive environment, ensuring all staff achieve fluency in ASL and promoting full participation in all aspects of the school environment.
- Strategic Community Engagement: Capable of forging strong relationships within the local and broader Deaf community, engaging regularly through events and collaborative projects to make MSD a central hub for Deaf education.
- Resource Management: Skilled in securing funding, managing budgets, and aligning the school’s mission with government educational priorities to ensure sustainability and growth.
- Commitment to Professional Development: Focused on addressing staff vacancies, attracting dedicated ASL-proficient educators, and supporting professional development to improve teaching efficacy.
- Supportive School Climate: Ability to create a nurturing and inclusive school atmosphere, implementing comprehensive support programs and fostering collaboration between staff and departments.
- Transparency and Collaboration: A leader who prioritizes transparent communication and decision-making, ensuring inclusivity and a sense of belonging among students, staff, and the community.
This leader will help shape MSD into the premier institution for Deaf education in Michigan, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded, high-quality education.
If you know of an ideal candidate who may be qualified for the Michigan School for the Deaf Head of School, please share the prospectus with them. Please note that this is a continuous posting, the department will begin reviewing applications on November 1, 2024, however, the posting will remain open until the position is filled.
To apply, please go to this link.
For any questions, please reach out to [email protected].
More information about the opportunity to attend the Michigan School for the Deaf finalist community forums will be shared in a future update.
The Michigan School for the Deaf search committee has been established. The committee’s composition includes individuals representing the various constituencies across Michigan School for the Deaf, such as teachers, leadership team, families, and community members. By working together, these individuals will play a critical role in conducting a fair, thorough, and ultimately successful search for the next Head of School.
The Michigan School for the Deaf Head of School Search Committee members are:
- Maeve Allen
- Penny Barnes
- Max Beaver
- Marianne Belsky
- Camille Jeter Lorello
- Tom Lam
- Rosemary Langevin
- Rebecca McIntyre
- Yuliette Parks
- Teri Rink
- Claire Roberts
- Kayla Sturdivant
- Edward VanBuskirk
- Rex Vernon
About Michigan School for the Deaf
Michigan School for the Deaf is a bilingual school, with a residential component, for students who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH). MSD provides a language rich environment in the least restrictive environment for students who are DHH, guaranteeing each student a free appropriate public education (FAPE). MSD ensures academic and social excellence – rich in ASL and English literacy for all students from infancy to graduation. An American Sign Language (ASL)/English bilingual approach is used to support the acquisition, development, and use of ASL and English. Students are placed at MSD through the individualized education program (IEP) process by their resident school district and either attend school as a day student or live residentially. All students are transported to MSD by their local school districts. Students whose families choose for them to live residentially through the week are immersed in deaf culture and participate in student life opportunities to develop self-advocacy, personal growth, leadership, and teamwork. MSD staff work collectively to empower students with a positive deaf identity so when they graduate from MSD each student possess knowledge, confidence, and leadership to become contributing citizens in a diverse, technological, and democratic society.
For more information about Michigan School for the Deaf, please visit https://www.michiganschoolforthedeaf.org
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