Director of Special Education

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in school administration, supervision, educational leadership or equivalent.
• A candidate with a master’s degree in another area may be considered if they possess a minimum of 12 semester hours of course work in school administration with preference given to those who have at least 20 semester hours.
• For candidates who are not currently employed as a school administrator in an instructional program in the state of Michigan must possess a valid Michigan school administrator’s certificate issued under section 1536 or must commit to enroll in a program leading to certification as a school administrator under section 1536 not later than six (6) months after he/she begins the employment.
• Requirements must be meet in a three (3) year period.
• A minimum of five (5) years to ten (10) years preferred of successful professional work experience in special education or administrative work experience in education, or a combination thereof.
• A valid Michigan teaching certificate, or equivalent in special education at the elementary or secondary level preferred.
• Achievement of tenure as a teacher is desired.
• Must qualify for state approval (or temporary approval) as a Director of Special Education.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 1997, and 2004 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
• Demonstrated effective organizational, problem-solving, collaborative and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated exceptional oral and written communication skills required.
• Experience with planning and/or implementing professional learning and other training activities.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with building administrators, staff, parents and students.
• Demonstrated understanding of general and special education curricula.
• Demonstrated understanding of the needs of English Learners.
• Demonstrated increase in student achievement for special education population.

Responsibilities

• Assume responsibility for planning, organizing, and supervising the instructional program for special education including budget development and management, staffing, and coordination and administration of all special education programs and services.
• Ensure district adherence to all compliance matters related to county, state and federal requirements pertaining to Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004.
• Oversee Individualized Educational Placement (IEP) team meetings as assigned and ensure IEP process is fully adhered to by the department.
• Oversee the organization, monitoring, and development of accurate systematic records and reports.
• Enhance the Special Education Inclusive model to better support students and staff.
• Allocation and assignment of staff in a collaborative and effective manner.
• Establish and maintain a positive and collaborative rapport with union leaders and building administration.
• Evaluate all special education coordinators and other special education staff as appropriate using the district evaluation system.
• Oversee the administration of special education services to nonpublic schools as required under the Auxiliary Services Act.
• Serve on appropriate state, county, and school district committees as a representative of special education for the district.
• Active participation in parent groups, such as the Dearborn Special Education PTA or the Wayne RESA PAC.
• Participate actively in weekly Cabinet meetings.
• Perform other duties assigned by direct supervisor.