Director of Special Education

Job Title: Director of Special Education Exemption Status/Test: Exempt/Executive* orAdministrator in an Educational EstablishmentReports to: Director of Teaching and LearningDate Revised: January, 2022Dept./School: Special EducationPay Grade: AP8Primary Purpose:Direct and manage the district's special education, 504 and dyslexia program. Ensure that services are provided for special needs, 504 and dyslexia students and individualized education plans are provided to meet the needs of all students. Warrant compliance with all state, federal, and local requirements.Qualifications:Education/Certification:Master's degreeSpecial Knowledge/Skills:Knowledge of federal and state special education lawUnderstanding of the individual needs of special needs studentsAbility to communicate with all levels of special needs students and their parentsAbility to implement policy and proceduresAbility to interpret dataAbility to manage budget and personnelStrong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skillsExperience:Three years teaching experience in special education preferred5 years campus or district level administrative experience preferredMajor Responsibilities and Duties:Instructional and Program ManagementOversee the development and delivery of special education, 504 and dyslexia curriculum and instructional programs that incorporate district goals and support student achievement. Ensure that curriculum renewal is continuous and responsive to student needs.Develop and implement an effective special education, 504 and dyslexia referral process and ensure that student assessments and recommendations regarding placement and program management for individual students are completed in a timely manner.Monitor the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) process districtwide. Participate in committee meetings as needed to ensure that students are placed appropriately and development of individual education plans for students are consistent with district procedures. Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis.Obtain and use evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to gauge special education, 504 and dyslexia program effectiveness. Make changes when warranted.Ensure that the necessary time, resources, materials, and technology to support accomplish educational goals are available. Encourage and support the development of innovative instructional programs.Direct transition services for special education students entering and exiting public school programs.Take an active role in the formulating and implementing contracts for special education students receiving services outside of the district. Student ManagementDemonstrate support for the district's student management policies and expected student behavior related to special education program. Policy, Reports, and LawImplement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in area of special education. Recommend sound policies and procedures to improve program.Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures. Budget and InventoryDevelop and administer the special education budget based on documented needs and ensure that operations are cost effective and funds are managed wisely.Maintain a current inventory of supplies and equipment and recommend the replacement and disposal of equipment when necessary. Personnel ManagementPrepare, review, and revise job descriptions in special education department.Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and make recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal. Communication and Community RelationsEstablish and maintain a professional relationship and open communication with principals, teachers, staff, parents, and community members.Serve as district liaison to community agencies providing services to students and notify parents and students of available services.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. Supervisory Responsibilities:Supervise, evaluate, and recommend the hiring and firing of special education support staff.*Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripheralsPosture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, twistingMotion: Repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouseLifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)Environment: Frequent district wide travel; occasional statewide travelMental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress*To meet the executive exemption test, the primary duty must be management and the employee must supervise at least two full-time employees.