Director of Specialized Instruction

Position Description

Director of Specialized Instruction

Salary: Competitive Salary and Benefits

Location: Chicago, IL

Reports To: Chief Education Officer

How to Apply: https://platform.teachermatch.org/jobsboard.do?districtId=569404168

Position Overview

The Director of Specialized Instruction plans, develops, implements, and evaluates programs for diverse learners across our network of 15 Acero schools. The Director provides training to special education staff, general education staff, administrators; monitors program compliance; provides curricular resources to teachers and specialists; provides consultation and support to administrators and staff in the area for diverse learners and related services; and other related functions as directed.
 

Core Responsibilities

• Coordinate curricular resources and supports in the areas of special education, psychological, health and mental health services
• Lead the evaluation of Special Education programs and/or projects for the purpose of carrying out and achieving Acero Specialized Instruction goals and objectives within area of responsibility
• Supervise network staff in the area of Specialized Instruction, and support Principals in the supervision of school-level Specialized Instruction Staff
• Prepare documentation for the purpose of ensuring compliance with Special Education requirements, providing written support and/or conveying information to state and local regulatory agencies
• Present information on programs, services, regulations, etc. for the purpose of serving as a resource to network and school personnel
• Observe, consult with, and assist teaching staff and specialists in the development and implementation of individualized education programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities
• Provide training and consultation to administration, teachers, support staff and parents in the areas of special education and multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) to improve instructional capacity and student outcomes
• Evaluate and analyze complex problems, issues, and concerns, and recommend appropriate alternative solutions and make effective and timely decisions
• Plan, organize and conduct comprehensive professional development programs for teachers, administrators, apprentices, specialists and parents
• Work cooperatively with parents, community, colleagues and agencies
• Plan, organize and coordinate site and network-wide special education programs and services
• Establish and maintain cooperative organizational, public, and educational community relationships
• Demonstrate ethical behavior

Core Competencies

• Understanding of instruction, assessment, and support strategies for diverse learners
• Understanding of laws, regulations and education code pertaining to special education
• Understanding of principles, practices and trends in the field of special education
• Understanding of the continuum of special education services and placement options
• Knowledge of philosophical, educational, fiscal, and legal aspects affecting a school system operation as it pertains to specialized instruction
• Understanding of curriculum and instruction design and delivery systems for students receiving special education services
• Experience with human relationships, conflict resolution strategies and procedures, and team management building methods and techniques

Key Characteristics

Commitment to Equity: Passionate about ensuring that every child, regardless of background or circumstance, receives an excellent education
Leadership: Coaches, mentors, and challenges others to excel despite obstacles and challenging situations. Builds positive relationships in and out of the organization
Focus on Data-Driven Results: Makes informed decisions to improve organizational outcomes by utilizing a data-driven approach
Innovative Problem-Solving: Approaches work with a sense of possibility and sees challenges as opportunities for creative problem solving; takes initiative to explore issues and find potential innovative solutions
Teamwork: Increases the effectiveness of surrounding teams through collaboration, constant learning and supporting others; sensitive to diversity in all its forms; respects and is committed to learning from others
Dependability: Does whatever it takes to consistently deliver with high quality under tight deadlines
Communication and Customer Service Skills: Communicates clearly and compellingly with diverse stakeholders in both oral and written forms; anticipates and responds to stakeholder needs in a high-quality and courteous manner

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Master’s Degree in a related field (preferred)

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years’ teaching experience in Special Education or closely related field (required)
• Experience in site administration or district administration with increasing levels of responsibility (required)
• Communicate effectively in oral and written form
• Effectively utilize computer technology in day-to-day work

Certification

• Valid Special Education license issued by the Illinois State Board of Education
• Must hold permanent residency in the United States

Physical Demands

Nature of work requires an ability to operate standard business office equipment.  Requires ability to communicate and exchange information, collect, compile and prepare work documents, set-up and maintain work files.  Physically demands require the ability to stand, bend, reach high and low, stoop, and walk around the classroom 60% of the day.  In addition, walking up and down stairs several times a day.  Must be able to lift 15 to 20 pounds for short periods of time and push and pull 15 to 20 lbs. 

Working Conditions

Majority of work performed in a general office environment.  Position requires availability for extended hours plus non-traditional hours required to perform job duties.  Also requires participation and attendance at organization-sponsored events and meetings.

NOTE: The foregoing list of essential duties and responsibilities is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

The Acero Schools is committed to a policy of equal treatment for all individuals. Acero Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.

www.aceroschools.org