What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Special Education (shared position) position at Van Meter Community School District?
This is a shared position between Van Meter Community School District (50%) and Earlham Community School District (50%).
BASIC FUNCTION: Provide leadership and on-going development of PK-12 special education program impacting the support and performance of learners in compliance with district, state, and federal requirements. Manage staffing, budget, data collection, and reporting; implement professional development; develop programs and evaluate current programs; and serve on the district leadership team.
REPORTS TO: Superintendent
Essential Functions:
- Actively contribute to the development of the total school philosophy of education.
- Actively collaborates in planning, delivering, and monitoring curriculum, curriculum development, review processes, and professional learning at the district and building levels.
- Facilitate the implementation of all special education programs in compliance with board policy, district goals and objectives, Area Education Agency (AEA) rules and regulations, Iowa Department of Education (DOE) rules and regulations, and federal laws and regulations.
- Develop long and short range plans in conjunction with other district leadership to ensure the systemic and orderly operation of district special education and 504's, including training and professional development.
- Develop and initiate programs for staffing students into special education programming.
- Cultivate a strong working relationship and high levels of communication with Area Education Agency (AEA) staff.
- Oversee the maintenance of records to document and administer special education.
- Assist superintendent and principals in reviewing building staffing levels and make suggestions based on student needs.
- Collaboratively support principals in maintaining a high quality Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).
- District administrator for 504 plans.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with community agencies whose services support the academic and/or social well-being of students.
- Assist building administrators in the observation and evaluation of staff to enhance teaching and learning through the development of individual staff competencies.
- Research grant opportunities that could benefit the district, communicate those opportunities to the district leadership team, assist in compiling necessary supportive data and write and file grant proposals through the superintendent/principals.
- Assist in the development, coordination, and oversight of budget items pertaining to special education and 504s.
- Prepare such reports and conduct investigations as requested by the superintendent.
- Prepare and submit required state and federal reports for all special education programs.
- Present information and gather feedback in the district's continuous improvement cycle.
- Maintain high levels of communication and transparency with staff and families.
- Maintain high level professional working relationships with the public, families, students and other employees.
- Perform such tasks and assume other responsibilities as may be assigned by the superintendent.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
- Iowa Professional Administrator License: PK-12 Principal I PK-12 Special Education Supervisor
- Current evaluator approval
- Five or more years of successful teaching experience in special education
- Successful completion of background check
- Highly organized and able to successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Ability to maintain and enhance a collaborative environment
