Assistant Director of Special Education for Instruction

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Special Education for Instruction provides leadership, support, and oversight for the instructional programs, services, and practices that ensure students with disabilities receive high-quality, standards-aligned instruction in the least restrictive environment. This position focuses on improving academic outcomes for students with disabilities through instructional leadership, professional development, program monitoring, data analysis, and collaboration with school leaders and instructional staff.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of special education instructional programs.
• Ensure instructional practices align with state standards, division curriculum, and evidence-based practices.
• Promote inclusive instructional models, co-teaching, differentiated instruction, and specially designed instruction.
• Monitor instructional quality through classroom observations, learning walks, and program reviews.
• Collaborate with curriculum and instructional leaders to align general and special education initiatives.
• Analyze student achievement, assessment, graduation, and progress monitoring data to identify trends and improvement needs.
• Develop and support implementation of data-driven strategies to improve academic achievement and postsecondary outcomes for students with disabilities.
• Monitor progress toward division, state, and federal accountability goals.
• Design, coordinate, and deliver professional learning for special education staff, administrators, and related service providers.
• Provide coaching and technical assistance on instructional best practices, behavior supports, inclusive practices, and progress monitoring.
• Build the capacity of school leaders to effectively implement and oversee special education programs.
• Develop instructional resources, guidance documents, and implementation tools to support division initiatives.
• Monitor implementation of IEPs and instructional services to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.
• Conduct program reviews, instructional audits, and monitoring visits; support corrective action planning and implementation.
• Collaborate with school leaders, families, and community partners to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
• Support strategic planning, school improvement initiatives, and the development of policies and procedures related to special education.
• Stay current on legislation, research, and best practices to strengthen instructional leadership and program effectiveness.
• Supervise assigned staff, support recruitment and evaluation processes, and promote professional growth and performance improvement.

Qualifications & Licensure

• Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, or related field required.
• Valid Virginia Postgraduate Professional License with endorsements in Administration and Supervision (required) and Special Education (required).
• Minimum of five years of successful experience in special education.
• Demonstrated experience as a special education teacher, instructional coach, coordinator, administrator, or related leadership role.
• Experience leading instructional improvement initiatives and professional learning.
• Experience working with diverse student populations and inclusive educational practices.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, ADA, and applicable federal, state, and local special education regulations.
• Knowledge of evidence-based instructional practices, inclusive education models, co-teaching, MTSS, progress monitoring, curriculum development, and instructional design.
• Ability to analyze student achievement and program data to drive instructional improvement and school improvement planning.
• Skills in instructional coaching, professional learning, and adult development.
• Skills in strategic planning, program evaluation, and project management.
• Strong problem-solving, conflict resolution, and collaborative decision-making skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to lead large-scale instructional improvement initiatives while balancing compliance and instructional excellence.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a dynamic educational environment.