Program Leader in Special Education

Location: Newport, VT

NSM is approved as an independent school by the Vermont State Board of Education to provide general and special education services to students, ages 5-22 in grades K-12 in the disability categories of Intellectual Disability, Specific Learning Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Other Health Impairment, Emotional Disturbance, Speech or Language Impairment, Developmental Delay, Multiple Disabilities, and Traumatic Brain Injury. Additionally, NSM operates a program for adult alumni with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

Mission: NSM is a learning community committed to preparing individuals with unique and complex challenges for successful lives. We use evidence based practices to promote independence, communication, social/emotional skills and academic growth, within a culture of safety and belonging. 

Position: NSM is currently seeking an Program Leader that is responsible for providing leadership, administration, planning  and oversight of the daily operational functions of the Program, including delegation of duties as appropriate, that are consistent with the Program’s mission and vision. The Program Leader is responsible for ensuring high quality program development and implementation in collaboration with educational staff that is consistent with all federal and state requirements.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, Human Services, or a related field required, with experience supporting students with developmental disabilities. Preferred candidates will hold licensure as a teacher with a Special Education endorsement or as a Speech-Language Pathologist. A minimum of five years of supervision and relevant experience is required.

Other requirements for this position include:

• Development of programming and administration of students with significant challenges.

• Experience with supervision of staff, including licensed peers.

• Responsible for managing a small caseload of students.

• Maintain an effective, creative and success-oriented learning environment that meets the educational needs of students.

• Comply with all policies and procedures with the NSM handbook, Student and Family handbook, and state/federal requirements.

• Must have excellent written, verbal, and time management skills. 

• Must have the ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with school and outside team members, and parents/guardians. 

• Valid driver’s license, current vehicle inspection and car insurance is required.

Compensation & Benefits: We are seeking a qualified candidate for a full-time, 222-day position, including 12 paid holidays and 13 paid personal days off as part of the annual school calendar.

This position offers a pay plus benefits package totalling between $63,780 to $95,412 for the 2026–2027 school year, based on qualifications and experience.

Current Pay Plus Benefits Package Includes:

• Salary Range: $50,000 - $80,000

• Employer-Paid Benefits: $13,780 - $15,412

  *health insurance or health stipend, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, paid time off, and 401k retirement plan with employer match.

*Pay plus benefits is effective July 1, 2026. Current pay plus benefit package is between $63,780 - $84,868. 

Apply: Please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@nsmvt.org. We encourage applicants to apply via email; or can also be mailed via USPS mail to The New School of Montpelier Human Resources, 9 West Street, Montpelier, VT 05602. Please note that only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

If you need assistance or an accommodation in the application process, please contact the Human Resources Director at 802-222-6129. 

The New School of Montpelier is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.