Application Guide

How to Apply for Special Education Assistant Principal

at Rocketship

🏢 About Rocketship

Rocketship is a pioneering network of public charter schools that focuses on eliminating the achievement gap in underserved communities. Their unique model combines personalized learning, teacher development, and strong family engagement to ensure every student reaches their full potential. Working here means joining a mission-driven team committed to educational equity and innovation.

About This Role

As the Special Education Assistant Principal, you will lead the special education program across multiple schools, ensuring students with disabilities receive high-quality instruction and support. You'll coach teachers and staff, oversee IEP compliance, and drive the MTSS framework to improve student outcomes. This role is impactful because you directly shape the success of students who need the most support.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with observing a special education classroom and providing real-time feedback to the teacher. Then, you could facilitate an SST meeting to discuss a struggling student's data and plan interventions. Afternoon may involve reviewing IEP drafts for compliance, coaching a paraprofessional on behavior support strategies, and ending with a call to a parent about their child's progress.

🚀 Application Tools

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🎯 Who Rocketship Is Looking For

  • Deeply committed to Rocketship's mission of educational equity and believes all students can achieve at high levels.
  • Experienced in coaching and developing special education teachers and paraprofessionals through data-driven feedback and co-planning.
  • Expert in IEP and 504 compliance, MTSS implementation, and using student data to inform instruction and interventions.
  • Strong collaborator who can build relationships with staff, families, and external partners to ensure holistic student support.

📝 Tips for Applying to Rocketship

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with MTSS cycles, IEP facilitation, and coaching special education staff.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your personal mission to Rocketship's vision of closing the opportunity gap.

3

Research Rocketship's blended learning model and mention how you would integrate special education supports within that framework.

4

Prepare to discuss a specific example of how you improved IEP compliance or student outcomes through data analysis.

5

Network with current or former Rocketship employees on LinkedIn to gain insights into the culture and interview process.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your belief that adult preparation is essential to student success, with examples of how you've developed teachers.", 'Your experience with MTSS and using data to drive interventions for students with IEPs and 504 plans.', 'Your commitment to equity and the hard work of creating equal access to opportunity.', 'Your desire to become an elementary content expert and your strategy for developing teachers in planning and execution.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Rocketship's website to understand their model, including personalized learning time and teacher development structures.
  • → Read recent news or reports about Rocketship's impact in the communities they serve.
  • → Look up the specific state's special education regulations (if applicable) to show awareness of local compliance requirements.
  • → Familiarize yourself with Rocketship's leadership competencies and core values listed on their careers page.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you coach a special education teacher who is struggling with IEP implementation?
2 Describe a time you used MTSS data to modify instruction for a student with an IEP.
3 How do you ensure compliance with special education laws while maintaining a focus on student outcomes?
4 What strategies do you use to build buy-in from general education teachers for inclusive practices?
5 How would you prioritize tasks when balancing compliance deadlines, coaching, and family communication?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on compliance without emphasizing student outcomes and teacher development.
  • Not demonstrating a clear understanding of MTSS and how it differs from traditional special education service delivery.
  • Showing a lack of alignment with Rocketship's mission or appearing disinterested in serving underserved communities.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Rocketship!

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