SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR (AUTISM)

POSITION: SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR (AUTISM)

REPORTS TO: Superintendent of Schools

Assistant Superintendent of Student Services and Equity

FUNCTION

The primary function of the Special Education Program Administrator is to vision, direct, and facilitate continuous improvement of instructional programming and operations within the self-contained special education program at the building level. The administrator is responsible for all instructional and managerial leadership, administration, and coordination within the school setting. The Administrator shall be responsible for the administration and supervision of all professional development, fiscal, maintenance, and safety programs associated within the school program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Ensure the implementation of an educational environment that meets the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical needs of students;
• Provide leadership to ensure understanding and implementation of the mission, vision, and core values contained within the District's strategic plan;
• Organize, direct, and supervise the educational program within the school/program and the policy structure of the District and the District Administration;
• Direct, collaboratively design, implement, monitor, and evaluate all activities and initiatives related to ensuring continuous improvement, including the school/program improvement plan, support the school improvement leadership team, teacher-level and program leadership teams, the utilization of a variety of data as evidence of effectiveness, and regular reports of progress;
• Lead, observe, support, and collaborate with teams in the analysis of student data, and lead the professional development that improves instructional practices and student outcomes with a particular focus on standards, accommodations, modifications, and materials used in the special education classrooms;
• Screen, select, assign, supervise, and evaluate the performance of certified and educational support staff, including contractual personnel, following District protocols, policies, and procedures, including terms of collective bargaining agreements;
• Administer an articulated curriculum program; conduct regular needs assessments and interpret results to staff and community;
• Keep abreast of developments and trends in program design, curriculum and instruction, and provide leadership in program direction and improvement in collaboration with District administration;
• Ensure that all staff employ best practices in the delivery of instruction and support to students with disabilities, such as autism, cognitive disabilities, physical impairments, and diagnosed emotional disabilities;
• Lead the coordination and work of specialized groups of educators (nurses, psychologists, social workers, counselors, speech clinicians, coordinators, etc.)
• Supervise all matters related to supporting substitute teachers and staff;
• Lead the development, supervision, and management of all site operations, equipment, and systems to ensure safety and efficiency; Ensure coordinated use of facilities;
• Lead efforts to ensure the overall safety of students and personnel, including the supervision and documentation of investigations of emergencies, disturbances, crisis management, and proactive safety measures;
• Consult with leaders to facilitate programs and operations in the building, including cleaning, maintenance, nutritional services, co-curricular activities, and building usage;
• Vision and lead efforts to build and maintain family-school partnerships and engagement with community groups, promoting a positive image of the school within the community.
• Ensure appropriate record-keeping, communications, and processes related to student attendance within the building and with District leaders;
• Secure and collaborate with community partners; Communicate effectively with the business and residential community, and participate in civic activities;
• Communicate regularly with staff, verbally and in writing, in individual, small group, and whole faculty settings;
• Lead planning and execution of a student activities calendar, including special events that inform families, build school climate, enhance and highlight student learning, and communicate events with the District and stakeholders;
• Supervise the coordination of student transportation needs in cooperation with District leaders;
• Supervise student involvement in all aspects of co-curricular programs, including clubs and activities;
• Work closely with District leaders to facilitate special education and other student services within the building;
• Implement a responsive learning environment through mutually respectful relationships with all stakeholders, including positive, proactive, and effective student discipline policies, rooted in restorative practices, according to District policies;
• Administer a balanced budget and operate the school using a collaborative management system consistent with District priorities.
• Coordinate the assignment of student teachers within the building, including cooperation with District and university representatives, and assist with ensuring a positive learning experience;
• Organize and supervise the procurement, issuance, maintenance, collection, and storage of instructional materials; supervise the collection of all student fees, fines, and other obligations; maintain accurate student records;
• Supervise the development of master schedules and calendars to maximize the achievement of program objectives and direct the registration and placement process for students at the building level;
• Supervise accurate record keeping and timely reporting as required by the District, ISBE, and all other state and federal agencies, and ensure the implementation of requirements
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Superintendent and/or his/her designee.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND LICENSURE:

• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university with training in administration, supervision, or special education
• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with appropriate administrative endorsement (ie: Principal, General Administrative, etc.) and LBS1 Endorsement; Director of Special Education Endorsement is strongly preferred
• Appropriate Illinois Credentials for the Evaluation of Certified Staff and Principals

EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum of four (4) years of successful teaching experience, preferably in the special education setting
• A minimum of four (4) years of successful administrative/supervisory experience, with specific supervision of special education programs, preferred

OTHER SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• An administrative leadership style based on effective human relations and a student-focused continuous improvement model;
• Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in curriculum and instruction in the general and self-contained special education classroom
• Ability and flexibility to work in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions
• Demonstrated excellence as an educational leader with strong organizational, problem-solving solving and human relations skills;
• Effective verbal and written communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills with a record of building relationships that foster collegial trust, promote teacher efficacy, family engagement, and motivate others to aspire to high expectations and accountability with a common instructional focus;
• A positive attitude toward the role, and flexibility as an innovative team builder;
• Accessibility and visibility to building stakeholders
• Evidence of regular engagement and desire to continue professional learning, implementation, and reflection, in the areas of curriculum, child development, equitable practices, and instructional methods;
• Experience with the integration of instructional technology to enhance the delivery of learning
• Knowledge of District policies, Local policies, State, and Federal laws relating to students and special education services and delivery models
• Understanding of the range of services and requirements to meet the needs of a diverse student population, including special education, enrichment, and multilingual services, and demonstrated use of strategies for ensuring practice of the same;
• The vision, compassion, and enthusiasm for effective team leadership to motivate high standards and continuous improvement;
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in Spanish is strongly preferred

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The position may require the ability to participate fully in the training and regular certification and use of established methods of crisis management, including de-escalation and physical management. May require valid CPR and First Aid Certification.

Work is performed within the school/district environment where unusual temperature, noise, and hazards are relatively non-existent. Work requires the employee to perform the following critical physical demands of the job:

• Ability to regularly communicate verbally and hear;
• Ability to use close and distant vision and adjust focus/
• Ability to push, pull, ambulate, perform tasks from a standing or seated position, and use fine motor manipulation during the normal performance of tasks and responsibilities
• Ability to occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, and lift or move up to 30-50 pounds.
• Ability to travel from building to building and within the local community as needed.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Minimum annual base salary for this position is $106,000.00 to be determined by the Superintendent based on experience and credentials. In addition to salary, this position offers fringe benefits, including, but not limited to, Contribution to the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) by the Board, health, dental, vision, and life insurance. This is a 12-month certified administrative, non-bargaining position. FLSA Exempt Status.

EVALUATION: Performance of this role will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the Board's policy on evaluation of professional personnel and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Illinois School Code related to Principal evaluation.

The information contained in this job description is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position.

RELATES TO: Deputy Superintendent

Assistant Superintendent – Equity and Student Services

Assistant Superintendent – Business and Financial Services Assistant Superintendent – Curriculum and Instruction

Assistant Superintendent – Human Resources and Labor Relations Chief Officer for Legal Services and Labor Relations

Chief Officer for Technology & Innovation

Director of Human Resources

Director of Special Education

Director of Equity & Student Services

Director of Teaching and Learning

Director of Building Support Services

Director of Nutrition Services

District Coordinators

Other School Principals

PTO / PTA and Community Groups Parents/Families

SUPERVISES DIRECTLY: Teachers

Secretary

Clerical Aides

Paraprofessionals

Engineer and Custodial Personnel