Job Description: DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL Education

Job Title:	Director of Special Education	Duty Days:	226
Reports to:	Assistant Superintendent of Learning	Pay Grade:	8
Dept/School:	Special Education	Pay Schedule:	Administrative Pay Scale
Wage/Hour:	Exempt	Date Revised:	2024

Primary Purpose

Direct the district’s special education program to ensure provision of needed services for special needs students; Health Services and 504’s.  Work to provide individualized education plans to meet the needs of all students and ensure compliance with all state, federal, and local requirements.

 

Qualifications

Education/Certification

• Master’s degree
• Administrator or principal certification

 

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of federal and state special education law
• Understanding of the individual needs of special needs students
• Ability to communicate with all levels of special needs students and their parents
• Ability to implement policy and procedures
• Ability to interpret data
• Ability to manage budget and personnel
• Ability to coordinate district function
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

 

Experience

• Five years teaching experience in special education

 

Major responsibilities and Duties

Instructional and Program Management

• Direct and manage special education programs and services to meet students’ needs.
• Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis, and that the findings are used to meet special education program more effective.
• Ensure the use of technology in the teaching-learning process.
• Encourage and support the development of innovative instructional programs, helping teachers to pilot such efforts when appropriate.
• Plan the necessary time, resources, and materials to support subordinates in accomplishing educational goals.
• Manage the special education referral process; arrange for or conduct student assessments; make recommendations regarding placement and program management for individual students.
• Supervise and monitor the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) process districtwide.
• Participate in committee meetings to ensure the appropriate placement and development of individual education plans for students according to district procedures.
• Supervise transition services for special education students entering and exiting public school programs.
• Provide leadership in the formulation and implementation of contracts for special education students receiving services outside of the district.
• Obtain and use evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to gauge special education program effectiveness.
• Serve as resource person in the design and equipping of facilities for students with disabilities.
• Ensure that curriculum renewal is continuous and responsive to student needs.

 

Student Management

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

 

 

Policy, Reports, and Law

• Recommend sound policies to improve program.
• Implement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in area of special education.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.

 

Budget and Inventory

• Administer the special education department budget and ensure that programs are cost effective and funds are managed prudently.
• Compile budgets and cost estimates based on documented program needs.
• Maintain a current inventory of supplies and equipment and recommend the replacement and disposal of equipment when necessary.
• Approve and forward purchase orders for special education department to accounting department.

 

Personnel Management

• Prepare, review, and revise job descriptions in special education department.
• Develop training options and/or improvement plans to ensure exemplary operations in the special education area.
• Evaluate job performance of employees to ensure effectiveness.
• Participate in the recruitment, selection, and training of personnel and make sound recommendations relative to personnel placement, assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or other administrators that are consistent with the general requirements and qualifications for the position

 

Communication and Community Relations

• Serve as district liaison to community agencies providing services to students and notify parents and students of available services.
• Participate in professional organizations and serve on community boards.
• Articulate the district’s mission and goals in the area of special education to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.
• Demonstrate awareness of district-community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs.
• Use appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.

 

Supervisor Responsibilities

• Supervise and evaluate the performance of special education teachers, aides, and support staff

 

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: Athletic equipment, standard office equipment including computer and peripherals, and other instructional equipment; automated and external defibrillator (AED); operate school bus
• Posture: Prolonged standing; kneeling, squatting, bending, and stooping; frequent driving; moderate grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension, and reaching
• Motion: Frequent walking and physical movements associated with sport(s) assigned
• Environment: Work outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold and inclement weather) and inside; frequent exposure to noise; frequent districtwide and statewide travel; frequent prolonged and irregular hours; moderate exposure to vehicle fumes and work around moving vehicles
• Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress