Special Education Director

Job Description

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Strategy and Implementation

• Develop and manage the Special Education strategy, internal systems, implementation plan, and calendar in order to coordinate Special Education services

ormulate policies and procedures for new or existing programs and activities (e.g. inclusion model, pull out, etc.)

• Guide the development and implementation of long-range and short-range plans for achieving Special Education goals and objectives in alignment with the network’s strategic plan.
• Facilitate the delivery of services among multiple external providers and act as the liaison among external partners working with Special Education students.
• Represent Okolona Schools at all local and regional Special Education meetings.

Compliance and Accountability

• Direct, monitor, and manage all schools for compliance with state and federal laws; ensuring consistent, failsafe, and quality documentation from school to school.
• Provide comprehensive, holistic reporting of student performance data to key stakeholders including School Leaders, Managing Director of Academics, and Executive Director.
• Ensure that all records are effectively maintained and that timelines are consistently met for initial evaluations, annuals, and triennials.
• Evaluate school level Special Education programs to ensure that objectives for student education are met.
• Create and implement an annual internal Special Education review process.
• Create and effectively maintain Special Education documentation systems and procedures.
• Lead due process cases and, when necessary, be present at contentious IEP meetings.
• Maintain and provide accurate and timely data to the Mississippi Department of Education.
• Manage/monitor network level compliance process.
• Ensure annual IEP meetings/guidelines are followed.
• Assist in and oversee maintaining compliant IEP files.
• Support school teams in identifying and correcting any compliance issues, including participation in family meetings with potential compliance issues.
• Help facilitate the entering and exiting processes for students in the special education system
• Serves as 504 Coordinator.

Management

• Manage the operations of Special Education programs via school leaders and Special Education case managers.
• Hire and manage regional service providers, including but not limited to: Speech Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Counselor, etc.
• Support school level Special Education faculty through instructional support, collaboration, and professional development.
• Conduct regular observations and provide instructional feedback to teaching staff.
• Secure and provide ongoing professional development and individual training to Special Education and general education teachers that includes research-based interventions, data analysis, and assessment modifications.
• Lead clear communication channels including conducting regular regional Special Education staff meetings and liaising with parents, teachers, and central office administrators.

Data Analysis & Response

• Analyze the performance of students with disabilities on benchmark and standardized assessments to make recommendations to school leaders and teachers.
• Analyze student suspension and retention/attrition data to make recommendations to school leaders.
• Use data and classroom observations to identify teachers’ needs and facilitate Special Education cohort sessions addressing best-practices for teachers across multiple content areas and grade levels.

Regularly plan and implement data-informed individual debrief meetings, audits, and professional learning rounds with Special Education teachers and case managers to drive effective and innovative instructional practices.
Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master's level degree preferred.
• Special Education certification required.
• 5 years of work experience, including 3 years as a high-performing special education teacher, who has experience closing the student achievement gaps between racial, ethnic and economic groups; PK-12 experience strongly preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of Mississippi state and Federal special education laws and regulations, including an understanding of IDEA, ADA, and other laws supporting individuals with disabilities.
• An unwavering commitment to anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion, with an ability to serve as an exemplar for the organization’s values and foster an inclusive and respectful workplace.
• Experience coaching teachers or managing adults, required.
• Ability to analyze and use data on a regular basis to drive decision making.
• Exceptional organizational skills and systems orientation; previous administrative experience preferred
• A strong desire to collaborate with school leaders and central office staff