Director of Special Education - Special Education (2025-2026)

Salary commensurate with experience/Days: 226

Primary Purpose:

Serve as a thought leader and subject area expert who collaborates with district and campus leaders to ensure appropriate identification of students with disabilities and the delivery of effective instruction and related services in accordance with evidence-based best practices and federal, state and local requirements. Support organizational goals and demonstrate the ability to inspire, grow, and motivate others. Commit to championing the needs of all students, and instill confidence in families and community members in the District’s delivery of special education services.

Qualifications:

Education/Experience:

Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university

Three or more years supervisory experience in Special Education in a public school district

Three years of SPED itinerant staff member experience, preferred

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Possess a high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations and documentation
• Possess demonstrated team leadership and problem-solving skills which indicate listening, identification, and collaboration abilities
• Ability to work with diverse groups, facilitate group discussions, and teach adult learners
• Ability to develop, lead, and manage multiple projects and budgets with clear goals, strategies, targets and benchmarks for evaluation
• Possess a high degree of attention to detail and effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to guide the vision and clarify the purpose of the Special Education Department within the context of the district’s strategic plan
• Possess extensive knowledge of current federal, state, and local regulations and requirements for special education with an understanding of how to address the individual needs of students who receive special education services and the ability to provide consistent guidance for the delivery of services in compliance with these requirements
• Ability to develop and manage the department’s budget and personnel
• Ability to facilitate groups using team building, conflict resolution, consensus building and problem-solving skills
• Ability to promote innovation in serving students with learning or behavioral differences
• Possess a strong understanding of the roles of itinerant staff
• Ability to evaluate recommendations of others, decide on course of action in ambiguous situations, and oversee the deployment of innovative solutions
• Ability to collaborate with district leadership to develop strategies and broad departmental objectives, and establish methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for projects, programs and people in the achievement of strategic objectives

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional & Program Management

1.    Work with District administrators, program coordinators, and related service providers, to establish effective programs and other support services for students with disabilities.

2.    Work in collaboration with Special Education leadership, itinerant staff, campus staff, parents and community members to implement and evaluate the services on a systematic basis throughout the year.

3.    Promote inclusion of programs and support effective implementation of services for students with disabilities into the least restrictive environment.

4.    Demonstrate a clear sense of mission built around changing legal mandates and evidence-based best practices. Involve staff in planning and decision making in accomplishing this mission.

5.    Continually evaluate traditional practices and point the way to new, creative approaches when needed.

Student Management

6.    Provide leadership regarding the evaluation, placement, transfer and dismissal procedures for students receiving services.

7.    Encourage plans for improved student behavior that reflect enhanced opportunities for learning.

Personnel Management

8.    Mediate and facilitate effective and timely resolution of conflicts.

9.    Communicate and promote high expectations for staff and student performance in an enabling and supportive manner.

10.  Establish and maintain an environment that fosters positive staff morale, team building, and collegiality, supporting the achievement of the District's mission

11.  Establish clear expectations for District staff performance in Special Education.

12.  Establish clear expectations for District staff performance in Special Education.

12.  Encourage personal and professional growth and leadership among staff and recognize exemplary performance.

13.  Model and encourage personal and professional growth and leadership by providing a range of professional development activities for special education staff to address the unique needs of students with disabilities.

14. Comply with applicable personnel policies and regulations.

15. Effectively recruit, interview, recommend, orient, and match staff members with appropriate job assignments.

16. Utilize outside personnel and contract resources effectively to assist in attaining department goals.

Budget & Inventory

17. Develop budgets and staffing recommendations based on documented program needs, estimated enrollment, and fiscal requirements, and implement programs within budget limits while maintaining fiscal control and accurately reporting financial information.

18. Develop budgets and staffing recommendations based on documented program needs, estimated enrollment, and fiscal requirements, and implement programs within budget limits while maintaining fiscal control and accurately reporting financial information.

19. Supervise and evaluate applications, reports and compliance requirements for the acquisition and expenditure of federal and state funds.

20. Plan for the proper utilization of fiscal and staff resources available for Special Education.

Policy, Reports, & Law

21. Comply with District policies, as well as state and federal laws and regulations, regarding instructional programs, services, and staffing.

Communication & Community Relations

22. Promote collaboration among all members of the school community in SPED educational efforts and seek support for District and school programs.

23. Demonstrate an awareness of school/community needs and initiate action to address such needs.

24. Provide prompt and responsive response to parent/community and staff concerns.

25. Project a positive image to the staff, students and community.

Other

26. Maintain confidentiality of information.

27. Perform additional job-related duties and accept other responsibilities as may be assigned.

28. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise, evaluate, and recommend the personnel actions of assigned special education staff.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment

Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions; frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching; may also require climbing stairs and reaching over head

Lifting: Moderate lifting and carrying (up to 15 pounds); May require occasional heavy lifting and carrying (15-45 pounds)

Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours; frequent district wide travel; all campuses are temperature controlled with hard surface floors

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; frequent travel within the district; maintain emotional control under stress