Special Education – Program Head

The WCDSB is now accepting applications for the consideration for the aforementioned Program Area Head position commencing
September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2029
as noted above. The successful candidate will be assigned a maximum of up to a three (3) year term as noted above. The Program Area Head is a system level position of added responsibility.

Program Area Head roles and responsibilities are attached to this posting and are described as Performance Behaviours consistent with the Board's vision and the Ontario College of Teachers' Standards of Practice.

As the posting timeline for September 2026 Program Head postings fall within a transition year, applicants will have until April 15, 2026 to meet the minimum requirements listed below. This exception applies only for this year and differs from the usual expectation of holding all qualifications at the time of application.

*Minimum Requirements:*
1st consideration will be given to applicants who:

• Are in Good Standing with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) and Hold Senior Qualifications AND Hold Specialist Special Education or Master of Education with Special Education (Part 1 or Part 2) qualifications or confirm intent to complete minimum requirements with successful completion by April 15, 2026.

2nd Consideration Will Be Given To Applicants Who:

• Are in Good Standing with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) and Hold Intermediate Qualifications AND Hold Specialist Special Education or Master of Education with Special Education (Part 1 or Part 2) qualifications or confirm intent to complete minimum requirements with successful completion by April 15, 2026.

Applicants must have Religion Part I, or equivalency (as identified by the Ontario College of Teachers) or undertake the completion of Religion Part I during the first appointment term. If you apply to renew your term, Religion Part 1 is a requirement.

*Desirable Assets:*
The preferred candidate(s) will:

Have demonstrated leadership on learning teams associated with school and/or system improvement plans;

Have demonstrated leadership in curriculum development initiatives at a school and/or system level;

Have developed a professional portfolio tied to the Catholic School Level Leadership Framework that demonstrates a transformation of lifelong learning experience(s) to teaching and learning practices.

Have received certification in the Board's Catholic Leadership Program Part 1, Part II and Part III.

Program Area Head

Role and Responsibilities

• Commitment to Students and Student Learning

The Program Head:

• Leads the process of developing, implementing and reviewing curriculum within

and across program areas

• Leads the process of developing, implementing and reviewing tools used in the

process of assessment for, as and of learning

• Implements school policies and procedures (eg. assessment, evaluation, grading

and reporting, safe schools, etc.) and operational management tasks within the

program area

1.4 Utilizes student achievement data to set and monitor program area goals that

align with the school improvement plan

1.5 Creates a culture of professional commitment to continuous student

improvement

• Professional Knowledge

The Program Head:
2.1 Demonstrates a knowledge and application of current Board and Ministry policies and procedures

2.2 Demonstrates a knowledge of current research on teaching and student learning

2.3 Demonstrates the ability to analyze and use student achievement data to

facilitate the Professional Learning Cycle

2.4 Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of adult learning

• Teaching Practice

The Program Head:
3.1 Models highly effective teaching practices and the implementation of ministry and board curriculum and policy documents

3.2 Facilitates collaborative inquiry among program area teachers to discuss teaching and learning strategies, educational research and literacy and numeracy development

3.3 Supports teachers in the development and implementation of I.E.P.'s.

3.4 Models and promotes on-going feedback to parents and students regarding student achievement

• Leadership and Community

The Program Head:

• Identifies and exemplifies the qualities of a Catholic school leader and the Board

Vision Statement

• Demonstrates and promotes necessary changes in teaching practice to

support the achievement of goals identified in the School Improvement Plan for

Student Achievement (SIPSA) within the program area

• Facilitates the Professional Learning Cycle within the program area and School

Learning Team (SLT)

• Encourages and positively contributes to a climate that thrives on professional

dialogue and collaborative inquiry as a member of Program Council

• Ensures the timely completion of on-going operational and management tasks

related to program area resources

• On-Going Professional Learning

The Program Head:
5.1 Models life-long professional learning by participating in additional qualifications, courses, workshops and/or conferences

5.2 Recognizes and engages in professional growth opportunities with colleagues

within their school and program association

5.3 Utilizes centralized Board supports for their own professional development and

that of their colleagues

*List Of Mandatory Documents For External Applicants:*

• A complete and up-to-date personal resume
• Copy of a Roman Catholic baptismal certificate or confirmation letter from the Parish that you have completed the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program
• Declaration of Commitment form - Click here for the
• Provide two professional references. One of the references must be from a current administrator.
• Ontario College of Teachers' Certificate of Qualification
• Most recent teacher performance appraisal summative reports OR practice teaching reports (if applicable)
• A document outlining two specific examples of demonstrated curriculum leadership within the last two years that you have been involved with and details outlining your leadership role around the initiative and the gains made in terms of student learning. Please upload under 'Additional Documents' in your portfolio.

For more information regarding the application process, please review the WCDSB Application Checklist .

*Application Process:*
Please ensure all documentation required in the checklist is submitted as incomplete applications are not considered.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.

*Additional Information:*
The Waterloo Catholic District School Board serves over 30,000 learners and provides services to students in 50 schools (Kindergarten to Grade 12 and adult learners) across the Waterloo Region.

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board conducts intentional recruitment and selection as it seeks to achieve a state of greater equity for employees and students and to diversify its workforce.

All qualified applicants are welcome and encouraged to apply and applicants may choose to indicate if they are from a group who has experienced racial or social discrimination. This information is collected under the authority of the Ontario Human Rights Code and will be used to keep track of recruitment information. No personal information will be included.

At WCDSB, we are committed to respecting your privacy and will take appropriate measures to protect any personal information you may share with us through the job application process. All personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used to determine qualifications for employment. For more information about the Board's Privacy Policy, please contact our Privacy Officer at Ext. 2381.

To request this file in large print, please email . If you require disability-related accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please contact us at , extension 2368 to discuss your needs under the Human Rights Code. Responses to inquiries will be provided within 72 hours.

The successful candidate will be required to produce a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check. For further information on Vulnerable Sector Checks, please refer to policy APS 038 on the website of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board.