Special Education Assistant Director, Academic Programs - 1.0 FTE - Special Education

PPS strongly encourages and recommends everyone who is able, to be vaccinated and remain current on the COVID-19 vaccine.

This job is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received. Portland Public Schools reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any point during the posting period.

We are dedicated to building a team that reflects a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We encourage applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds, as we believe that diverse viewpoints enhance our ability to serve our community effectively.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a dynamic leader with a demonstrated record of improving student performance and eliminating achievement disparities to join us as our Assistant Director of Special Education Services with focus on the Grade K-12 level. This position will be part of Portland Public Schools’ Department of Special Education Services, reporting to the Senior Director of Special Education. The Assistant Director of Special Education supports a culture of high expectations which provides effective instructional programs for students with disabilities in District and assists with the operation of the District’s Special Education programs and services. The Assistant Director assumes primary responsibility for ensuring program compliance at the Grade K-12 level.

Responsibilities

• Integrates researched-based instructional programs and strategies for students with disabilities that align with the District’s general education program.
• Coordinates the implementation of best practice and oversight for our Focus Classroom learning environments (SES, CB, ISC).
• Analyzes data to apply critical thinking and problem solving skills to address student centered problems of practice.
• Assists in the planning, development, implementation, maintenance and evaluation of programs for individuals who qualify for special education services.
• Supports implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in social emotional and academic domains.
• Plans and supports professional development regarding instructional programs and strategies for students with disabilities.
• Supervises, evaluates, and assists with the training of assigned District-level and site special education staff.
• Participates in the design, coordination and implementation of collaborative programs that support Least Restrictive Environment.
• Serves as a resource in the assessment and instructional planning of individuals who qualify for special education services.
• Provides direct support and assistance to site administrators and educators.
• Works with other central offices, departments and school staff to develop strategies that reduce inappropriate referrals for special education programs and services.
• Organizes and develops professional development opportunities that are aligned to their assigned building goals and objectives in supporting student achievement.
• Plans, designs and implements mandated components of IDEA as well as prepares documents and reports related to state and federal legislative compliance, (i.e. System Performance, Review and Improvement.
• Knowledge of K-12 and post K-12 requirements for IDEA.
• Recruit, evaluate, and manage special education staffing including certificated staff, paraprofessionals, and other support staff.
• Supervises and evaluates certificated and classified staff; and works on other duties as directed.

Knowledge Requirements:

• Demonstrated knowledge of public school laws and policies as they relate to the delivery of instructional service, including data privacy.
• Knowledge of student safety procedures.
• Knowledge and experience with school policies and procedures relating to special education and the administration of school district programs, including student suspensions.
• Demonstrated knowledge and implementation of Trauma Informed practices within schools.
• Knowledge of Oregon state and federal laws, rules, regulations, due process and requirements relating to special education.
• Knowledge and experience of writing and evaluating Individual Education Plans, and conducting functional behavioral assessments.

Qualifications:

• An active Oregon Administrative License issued by Teacher and Standards Practice Commission or the ability to obtain licensure by the first day of employment.
• A minimum of three (3) years of educational leadership experience in a PK-12 environment including a minimum of one (1) year of experience as an academic/educational administrative leader with demonstrated results in improving the academic performance of students is required or equivalent central office administrative experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Evidence of improving student achievement and outcomes.
• Evidence of strong conceptual, analytic, organizational and management skills, and demonstrated leadership ability; evidence of the ability to collaborate with diverse individuals.
• Evidence of working in a multicultural/urban school environment and with diverse school communities.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a regional team.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of student and program assessment, data analysis, program development and evaluation, child growth and development, effective instructional strategies, classroom management, learning assessment and diagnosis, research related to learning and curriculum implementation.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate people and interpersonal skills to relate well with students, staff, administration, parents and the community.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbal and written.
• Demonstrate the ability to use electronic equipment for word processing, data management, information retrieval, visual and audio presentations, and telecommunications.

Any other combination of education, training and experience which demonstrates the candidate is likely to possess the skill, knowledge, ability and trait characteristics essential for this classification may be considered.

Salary

This position is classified as Assistant Director - Academic Programs, on the Licensed (Certified) Administrator Salary Schedule FLSA Exempt. The Licensed (Certified) Administrator Salary Schedule for 260 day employees can be found here. A full review of the classification specification can be found here.

Portland Public Schools (PPS) offers several competitive and comprehensive benefit packages to employees. Fringe benefits include medical, dental, vision, prescription, life and disability insurance, employee assistance program, 403(b) retirement savings plan and various leave and professional development programs. Depending on the insurance option selected by the employee, there may be an employee contribution toward insurance.

Portland Public Schools is a public employer and participates in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS/OPSRP). Eligible employees are required by statute to contribute 6% of salary on a pre-tax basis to OPSRP/IAP, after serving six months under a PERS employer.

For more information about additional benefits or compensation options by employee group, please visit our website at: https://www.pps.net/Page/1635