Assistant Director of Special Education 2025-26

JOB SUMMARY: The Assistant Director of Special Education supports the Director of Special Education in managing the district’s special education programs and services. The Assistant Director is responsible for implementing systems of leadership, support and guidance for district and special education staff to ensure compliance with IDEA and related federal and state laws, rules and regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters in Educational Administration, Special Education or related field
• Valid Iowa Professional Administrator License or Professional Service License
• Valid Evaluator Approval certification
• Minimum of four years of successful teaching experience
• Minimum of two years of related successful leadership experience

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborates with the Director of Special Education to develop and implement systems of training, coaching, support and monitoring so that students with disabilities are provided research-based instruction to meet their needs in the least restrictive environment.
• Provides effective communication and support to build strong partnerships with parents, school leaders, instructional personnel and district administration in order to support and enhance the educational program for students with disabilities.
• Develops and implements professional development activities and programs for special education teachers and support staff to improve instruction, assessment and documentation.
• Provides administrative guidance and support for IEP and consultation meetings including assistance with prior written notice, goal writing, service minutes, phaseline, data review and recommendations for future goals.
• Supervises and evaluates assigned special education staff.
• Collaborates with building principals on the evaluation of special education staff.
• Ensures compliance with due process laws, practices and procedures.
• Meets regularly with special education teams during PLCs.
• Supports all schools and programs.
• Assists in coordinating and overseeing extended school year and four plus programs.
• Assists with legal and compliance related matters.
• Engages in professional development related to functions and responsibilities
• Completes all required training.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Assists with recommendation of curriculum and materials.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of current special education law, curriculum, equipment and resources
• Knowledge of professional learning standards and effective models
• Computer proficiency in programs and applications relevant to area of responsibility
• Ability to analyze and evaluate programs services for students with disabilities
• Ability to develop and implement trainings for staff
• Ability to handle adversity in a constructive manner
• Ability to grasp and adjust to new and changing situations
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with all stakeholders
• Effective collaborative decision-making skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving and organizational skills
• Competency working in a culturally diverse environment
• Demonstrates initiative and ability to work without close supervision

In evaluating candidates for this position, Johnston Community School District may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Frequent walking, standing and sitting
• Moderate stopping, bending and kneeling
• Carrying and lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Use of hands to finger, handle and feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms
• Specific vision abilities to include close, distance and peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus
• Ability to travel within district
• Occasional exposure to irritated or agitated individuals
• Indoor work environment primarily in an office or school setting

District Statement

Johnston Community School District is an equal-opportunity affirmative-action employer. It is the policy of the District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, creed, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, age, marital status in its employment and personnel practices. Johnston Community School District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact the Director of Human Resources, 6510 NW 62nd Ave, Johnston, IA 50131, 515-278-0470.