What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Special Education and Student Support Services position at Cotulla ISD?
Job Title: Director of Special Education and Student Support Services
Exemption Status/Test: Exempt/Administrator
Reports to: Superintendent or Assigned Executive Leadership
Date Revised: February 10, 2025
Dept./School: Districtwide
Pay Grade: Administrative Pay Scale, Grade 5
Work Days: 226
Primary Purpose:
Provide leadership and oversight for the district’s Special Education, Section 504, and Multi- Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) programs. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while supporting campus administrators, educators, and support staff in meeting the diverse academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of students. Oversee the provision of appropriate instructional services and accommodations for students with disabilities and those requiring additional supports to succeed.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
- Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Administration, or a related field
- Valid Texas Administrator Certification (preferred)
- Special Education Certification or related field certification (preferred)
Special Knowledge/Skills:
- In-depth knowledge of federal and state laws regarding Special Education (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and MTSS frameworks
- Experience in program development, compliance, and implementation for Special Education, 504, and MTSS
- Ability to manage multiple programs, personnel, and initiatives across campuses
- Strong skills in collaboration, communication, leadership, and problem-solving
- Proficiency in data-driven decision-making to support student success
Experience:
- Minimum of five years of experience in Special Education, 504 coordination, or related leadership roles
- Experience in managing compliance and instructional support for students with disabilities and diverse learning needs
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
Program Oversight & Compliance
- Ensure the district remains compliant with Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504, and Texas Education Agency (TEA) regulations related to Special Education, 504, and MTSS programs.
- Oversee the identification, evaluation, placement, and provision of services for students with disabilities under IDEA and Section 504.
- Develop and implement districtwide MTSS processes, ensuring systematic support for struggling students in academics, behavior, attendance, and social-emotional
- Monitor Section 504 compliance, ensuring appropriate accommodations, procedural safeguards, and nondiscrimination policies are followed.
- Ensure all ARD/IEP and 504 meetings comply with federal and state guidelines and are conducted with fidelity.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Supervise and provide guidance for district Diagnosticians, Licensed Specialists in School Psychology (LSSP), Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP), and Speech-Language Pathologist Assistants (SLPA).
- Work closely with campus administrators and instructional staff to ensure best practices in instructional strategies, accommodations, and interventions for students receiving Special Education, Section 504, and MTSS services.
- Serve as a liaison between central administration and campuses to align policies, procedures, and interventions that meet student needs effectively.
- Develop and provide ongoing professional development for educators, administrators, and support staff regarding Special Education, 504, and MTSS compliance and best
MTSS Implementation & Student Support
- Guide campuses in data-driven decision-making processes to identify students needing intervention and ensure appropriate tiered supports are in place.
- Oversee screening, progress monitoring, and data evaluation processes for academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs under the MTSS framework.
- Ensure that all students receive appropriate instructional, behavioral, and mental health supports, including interventions before consideration for Special Education
Parent & Community Engagement
- Serve as a district contact for parent inquiries related to Special Education, Section 504, and MTSS, ensuring concerns are addressed in a timely and appropriate manner.
- Facilitate parent meetings, trainings, and resources to support families in understanding their child’s rights and available services.
Personnel & Budget Management
- Develop and oversee the budget for Special Education, Section 504, and MTSS programs to ensure financial resources align with student needs and district goals.
- Participate in the hiring, training, and evaluation of staff working within Special Education, 504, and MTSS services.
Other Responsibilities
- Maintain knowledge of current research and best practices in Special Education, 504, and MTSS and implement improvements districtwide.
- Collaborate with state and local agencies to remain informed of policy changes and opportunities for program development.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or
- Attendance is an essential job
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Supervise and provide leadership for Diagnosticians, Licensed Specialists in School Psychology (LSSP), Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP), Speech-Language Pathologist Assistants (SLPA), and other special education personnel.
- Collaborate with campus administrators to support teachers and intervention staff in implementing Special Education, Section 504, and MTSS services effectively.
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Tools/Equipment Used:
- Standard office equipment including computers, software, and specialized assessment tools
Posture:
- Prolonged sitting, standing, bending, and occasional kneeling
Motion:
- Frequent walking and repetitive hand motions
Lifting:
- Occasional lifting of materials or student-support devices up to 25 pounds
Environment:
- Office and school campus settings; occasional travel within the district
Mental Demands:
Ability to work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress, and handle multiple projects simultaneously
Salary : $101,573 - $126,795