Assistant Principal of Instruction - Special Programs - IDEA Riverview College Prep (Immediate Opening)

About the role

The Assistant Principal of Instruction – Special Programs (API of Special Programs) serves as the campus lead for compliance, instructional oversight, and systems implementation across Special Programs. This role ensures fidelity of implementation, state and federal compliance, and high-quality instructional support for students served under Special Education, Section 504, Emergent Bilingual (EB), CSI, MTSS/RTI, and coordinates Testing and SSD (College Board/ACT) accommodations. The API of Special Programs collaborates with campus leaders and teachers, district partners, and families to ensure access, compliance, and academic success for all identified student populations. The API of Special Programs has managerial responsibilities of the Special Education and RISE staff only.

Supervisory responsibilities

The API serves as the manager of the campus Testing Coordinator.

Location & travel

• Campus-based position located in Rio Grande Valley, TX
• No travel expectations

Compensation & benefits

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $70,000 and $80,000, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for a performance bonus based on team performance and goal attainment.

• Comprehensive benefits plan covering the majority of the employee premium for the base medical plan and subsidizing the majority of costs for a spouse/domestic partner and children
• Paid Family Leave: up to 8 weeks of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child, based on tenure and caregiver designation
• Tuition Reimbursement: up to 50% of tuition paid toward a qualifying degree program, up to $5,250 maximum per year subject to manager discretion and budget availability
• Employer-Paid Mental/Behavioral Health: 5 face-to-face counseling sessions per year, unlimited 24/7 telephonic counseling, and other work-life services at no cost
• Dental and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan
• Relocation allowance may be offered to defray moving costs, if applicable

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year educational institution required

Experience

• At least 3 years of full-time teaching experience required
• Experience in Special Programs (SpEd, EB, 504, RTI) required
• Teacher leadership or administrative experience required

Certifications

• Special Education Certification, Principal Certification, or other SpEd related area (Diag/SLP, School Psychologist) preferred

Knowledge & skills

• Knowledge of federal/state compliance requirements
• Ability to coach and lead adult learners
• Data analysis and reporting proficiency
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Physical requirements

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position and move/traverse throughout classrooms, offices, and campus spaces for extended periods while coaching staff and monitoring schoolwide systems
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for prolonged periods while operating computers and other technology to conduct data analysis, prepare reports, participate in virtual meetings, and complete written communications
• Frequently operate, prepare, inspect, and position instructional and office technology, including laptops, tablets, projectors, and related equipment
• Occasionally move, transport, and position instructional materials, resources, and meeting supplies weighing up to 25 pounds
• Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information in person and through virtual platforms with staff, students, and families
• Ability to detect, assess, and respond promptly to operational and student-support needs in active and changing school environments
• Must be able to work around varied schedules, including early mornings, evenings, or occasional weekends, to meet campus priorities and deadlines

Responsibilities

Special Education / RISE (est. 10–15 hours/week)

• Ensure Special Education Compliance & ARD Management: Collaborate with case managers to ensure ARDs are conducted within federal timelines and serve as the District Representative in ARD meetings
• Oversee IEP Implementation & Service Tracking: Partner with regional teams to implement IEPs with fidelity, monitor service delivery, and conduct audits to ensure compliance and effectiveness
• Lead & Develop Special Education/RISE Staff: Coach, manage, and support Special Education and RISE staff to improve instructional quality and student outcomes
• Conduct Observations & Monitor Accommodations: Perform classroom observations with campus and regional leaders to ensure proper implementation of accommodations and instructional strategies
• Provide Instructional Coaching & Lesson Plan Feedback: Collaborate with campus leaders to review and provide targeted feedback on general education, RISE, and Special Education lesson plans
• Support Program Quality & End-of-Year Processes: Oversee program quality through systems monitoring and lead end-of-year checkouts for Special Education and RISE staff

Section 504 (est. 3–5 hours/week, varies by caseload)

• Determine Eligibility & Coordinate 504 Services: Collaborate with health professionals, MTSS leaders, and Special Education teams to determine student eligibility for Section 504 supports
• Facilitate