Job Description

Job Title: Special Education Administrator

Department: Learning Supports

Reports To: Director of Learning Supports

Identified Need/Link to Board Goals:

The Special Education Administrator shall be responsible for assisting in the efficient and effective operation of special education services of the District. The role of the position is to provide leadership in the planning, coordination and implementation of a comprehensive plan for special education services. Specifically the person who serves in this role will:

• Provide special education services tailored to the needs of students with diverse learning and behavioral needs in the least restrictive environment
• Increase achievement and reduce achievement gaps of students identified for special education services
• Increase graduation rates and decrease drop out rates of students identified for special education services

Roles & Responsibilities:

Work closely with teachers and administrators to increase their ability to support and implement high quality special education programming and instructional practices by…

• Assisting school administrators in understanding and properly enforcing district policies and regulations related to special education.
• Providing direct assistance to special education teachers on a plan of assistance, as appropriate and needed, to increase and maintain a high quality workforce
• Assisting teachers and administrators in implementation of IDEA and use of ACHIEVE.
• Providing direct supervision to the Special Education Instructional Coaches within the District
• Working directly with parents and building leadership to mediate and resolve problems, find solutions to difficult situations and to reconcile conflicting positions regarding students with disabilities
• Assisting the Director of Learning Supports with maintenance of records to document and administer special education programs
• Work collaboratively with the Elementary and Secondary Education Directors, the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and the Director of EL Services.
• Establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with administrators and teachers at the building and district level to reduce the gap between general education and special education and to coordinate programming and services
• Using data to examine current programming structures, professional development opportunities, and instructional practices and to determine district and building needs in the area of special education
• Providing ongoing training and support to build the knowledge and skills of special education teacher leaders to lead and support colleagues in learning and implementation of strategies
• Providing training and support to building administrators to increase their knowledge and ability to support effective, quality special education programs and practices
• Working with the Special Education Instructional Coaches in implementation of research-based literacy and math practices in K-12 special education
• Working collaboratively with AEA personnel to provide coordinated services across the district and to maximize the resources available to address special education needs in Sioux City
• Working directly with district administrators to address the achievement gap and reduce the drop out rate.

Continue to develop knowledge and skills related to special education services and effective research-based instructional practices by

• Keeping abreast of current research and legislation, especially as it pertains to children with disabilities and to the expectations of NCLB, IDEA, and ADA and MTSS.
• Continuing to develop knowledge and skills in effective instructional and behavioral strategies

Work closely with the Director of Learning Supports to provide quality programs district-wide by

• Communicating frequently about issues related to special education and implementation of programs within individual buildings and at the district level
• Assisting the Director of Learning Supports in determining allocation of resources, areas of strength and need, and other issues, as needed and appropriate
• Assisting the Director of Learning Supports in other duties and responsibilities, as needed
• Coordinating the Special Education Professional Development Plan

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, education and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

COMPETENCIES

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies as defined and approved by the Iowa Department of Education.

• Demonstrates ability to enhance academic performance and support for implementation of the Sioux City School District’s student achievement goals.
• Demonstrates competence in content knowledge appropriate to the position.
• Acts ethically and according to professional norms to promote each student's academic success and well-being.
• Uses strategies to support intellectually rigourous and coherent systems of curriculum, instruction, and assessment to promote each student's academic success and well-being.
• Uses a variety of methods to monitor student learning.
• Demonstrates competence managing operations and resources to promote each student's academic success and well-being.
• Engages in professional growth.
• Fulfills professional responsibilities established by the school district.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Minimum qualifications include a valid Iowa Administrator License with an endorsement in special education from an accredited college or university with a major in education or an appropriate content area, and a minimum of three years teaching experience. Must possess proper state certification and licensure for position. Evaluator approval is required.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

The Special Education Administrator retains an administrator contract.

EVALUATION

Job performance will be evaluated according to the terms defined in the negotiated agreement.

KNOWLEDGE and EXPERIENCE in SPECIAL EDUCATION

Evidence of professional learning and implementation of best practice strategies and programs in special education. Evidence of student success through specially designed instruction and behavioral intervention. Familiarity with Iowa Core Curriculum, Essential Elements, and instructional strategies. Graduate work in special education preferred.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Strong written and verbal communication skills are critical to the success of this position. Must possess the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with a variety of individuals, including school staff, administrators, AEA staff, parents, and outside agency staff. Individual must have effective listening skills.

POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP SKILLS

Promotes the District and special education programs through positive support, modeling, and conversations. The Special Education Administrator will be a leader that speaks positively and in a supportive way about education, teaching, learning, and the District.

COACHING, PROBLEM-SOLVING, & FACILITATION SKILLS

Must be an effective coach and facilitator in a variety of situations. Position requires the ability to support educators, administrators, and teams in enhancing skills and program planning for students with disabilities.

ANALYTICAL and REASONING SKILLS

Must have skills in observing, gathering, and analyzing data. Position requires assisting educators in data gathering and analysis to develop educational plans.

PLANNING SKILLS

Must have the ability to plan both long-term and short-term goals and for coordinating efforts for timely accomplishment of those goals.

INITIATIVE and SELF-DIRECTION SKILLS

Must have the ability show initiative working independently and with groups and the ability to be self-directed. Position requires determining how to prioritize, allocate, and schedule time daily and weekly to address coaching and student needs across the district.

ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS

Position requires strong organizational skills. Must have the ability to organize and assimilate information, diagnostic data, scheduling, and other needs related to special education programming and individual student planning.

ATTENDANCE

Excellent attendance record is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Normal office physical demands. May be required to lift up to 50 pounds infrequently. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Generally, employee works inside.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

Will perform other duties as may be assigned by the superintendent or designee, necessary and appropriate to achievement of the program and/or District goals and objectives.

Revised 1/29/25