What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Special Education position at Methuen Public Schools?
Director of Special Education The purpose of this position is to assist the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services in all duties necessary for the proper and efficient operation of the Special Education Department. Prerequisite Training and Experience: Minimum: Masters Degree from an accredited institution in the field of educationMinimum of five years as a special education team chair and/or special education coordinator/administratorMassachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education certification as an Administrator of Special Education Duties: The Assistant Director of Student Services shall: Ensure that all students with disabilities in the Methuen Public Schools are provided a free and appropriate public education through the provision of instructional programs and related servicesAssist in the development of policies and procedures to govern the evaluation of students referred for special education services, including staffing patterns and organizational structuresConduct performance evaluations for special education staff, related service providers and other staff as appropriate in accordance with the MA Educator Evaluation systemConduct ongoing assessments to identify needs within the district for use in planning of budgets and special education programsDevelop procedures and train staff as needed to assist the district as needed for Federal Medicaid Program reimbursementOversee, manage and ensure compliance with all Equitable Services requirementsArrange and deliver professional development as needed to general education and special education staffAssist in oversight of transportation services for students who receive transportation (IEP, 504, homeless)Attends regular meetings with building Special Education Administrators and provide supervision and guidance ensuing DESE complianceSchedule regular meetings with related service providers; provide supervision and guidanceProvide leadership in developing, implementing, evaluating and revising the Districts Special Education programs preschool through age 22; maintain program descriptionsCoordinate and monitor Districts related services programs including but not limited to speech and language, psychological, visually handicapped and Occupational Therapy, Physical TherapyPlan, supervise and oversee all aspects of the extended school year program (ESY)Work closely with the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services in the development of in-district programs with the explicit intent of ensuring Methuens students are educated in the community to the maximum extent possibleOversee the compliance of record keeping as it pertains to IEPsAssist the Assistant Superintendent with curriculum development activities of certified Special Education staffMaintain effective working relationships with various public and private agencies involved in social services and/or law enforcementInvolve SEPAC and community in the development, implementation and evaluation of the Districts Special Education program; attends SEPAC meetings and other appropriate community activitiesRespond to concerns and questions from families and community members in a timely and professional mannerAssist in preparing mandated state and federal reports within the area of responsibilityParticipate on district subcommittees as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services or Superintendent of SchoolsUse effective and respectful communication to manage conflict; participate in BSEA Mediations and Hearings as neededEnsure legal agreements and timelines are adhered to and communicated to the appropriate personnelChair BID meetings as necessary; collaborate with DCF, DMH, DDS and other agenciesEffectively manage the resources for which he/she is responsible including personnel, finances, facilities, programs and timeMaintain a familiarity with current educational issues through a process of ongoing personal and professional development pursuitsWork cooperatively with building administration and staff in planning, implementing and managing programs and services for students with disabilities; maintain high level of visibility in the school systemEmbrace and encourages the acceptance of diversity and fosters a safe workspaceAll other responsibilities as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services and/or the Superintendent Position Type: Full-time; 12 months
