Assistant Director of Special Education

PURPOSE:

Under the supervision of the Director of Special Education, the Assistant Director of Special Education provides leadership and coordination to ensure the overall design and implementation of individualized educational programs and support services that are aligned and articulated with federal, state and locally mandated regulations and curriculum. The Assistant Director organizes professional development and collaborates with campus staff to ensure the implementation of special education services and supports.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

• Minimum of a Master’s Degree from an accredited institution
• Professional Mid-management, principal, or Supervisor Certification issued by the Texas Education Agency
• Valid Texas teacher’s certificate

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years’ successful experience in a special education related field
• Leadership and/or administrative experience in leading the ARD and/or FIE evaluation process
• Experience in both general education and special education settings preferred

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Demonstrate planning, management, data interpretation and supervisory skills
• Knowledge of educational trends in special education
• Knowledge and application of research and evidence based practices in special education
• Knowledge of federal, state, local and district laws, policies and procedures related to special education

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

INSTRUCTIONAL AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Assists the director in managing special education programs and services to meet students’ needs.
• Ensures that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis and that the findings are used to make special education program more effective.
• Plans the necessary time, resources, and materials to support subordinates in accomplishing educational goals.
• Assists in the supervising and monitoring of the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) process districtwide.
• Participates in committee meetings to ensure the appropriate placement and development of individual education plans for students according to district procedures.
• Obtains and uses evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to gauge special education program effectiveness.
• Serves as resource person in the design and equipping of facilities for students with disabilities.
• Provides training and coaching support to special education teachers and staff.
• Effectively communicates federal, state and district laws, policies and procedures to teachers and staff.

STUDENT MANAGEMENT

• Demonstrates support for the district’s student management policies and expected student behavior related to special education programs.
• Establishes and maintains open lines of communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, and teachers concerning vital issues.

POLICY, REPORTS AND LAW

• Remains current in all legal requirements regarding special education services and procedures.
• Implements the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in area of special education.
• Demonstrates the ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating guidelines and policy and procedures.

BUDGET AND INVENTORY

• Consults with the Director of Special Education to define the program and fiscal needs in the budget development process to ensure that fiscal resources address the mission of the district.
• Demonstrates responsible fiscal spending over assigned program budgets.
• Works to keep district campuses in compliance with state law and Texas Education Agency standards.
• Provides care and protection of district property and accounts for all equipment issued.
• Assists with developing and maintaining operational guidelines for the special education program.

PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

• Works with the Director of Special Education and campus administrators to develop and provide effective special education supports and services.
• Works directly with the special education and curriculum departments to ensure the child find process.
• Assists in developing training options and/or improvement plans to ensure exemplary operations in the special education area.
• Evaluates job performance of employees to ensure effectiveness.
• Participates in the recruitment, selection, and training of personnel and makes sound recommendations relative to personnel placement, assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.

COMMUNICATION AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS

• Articulates the district’s mission and goals and conducts activities as needed to provide parent information, training and communication regarding students with disabilities.
• Uses appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.
• Assists in the coordination of development and distribution of parent information and training about students with disabilities.
• Demonstrates ability to speak effectively before groups of constituents or employees of organization.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Assists in the supervision and evaluation of the performance of special education teachers, aides, and support staff.

Works with campus administration to address non-compliance on the part of employees.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

The working conditions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals.

Posture: Frequent sitting and standing; occasional bending/stooping, pushing, /pulling, and twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions; frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); occasional physical restraint of students to control behavior

Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours; work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather), exposure to noise; occasional districtwide and statewide travel

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress