Special Education Director

About the role

The Special Education Specialist/Director is responsible for overseeing district-wide Special Education Services, including all special education programs, staffing, evaluation, compliance, budgets, student records, and program-related professional development. This role ensures department engagement in district-wide MTSS processes to increase student achievement for the special education population.

Essential Functions

• Assume responsibility for planning, organizing, and supervising the instructional program for special education, including budget development and management, staffing, 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 the IEP process is fully adhered to by the department.
• Chair the special education PLLC committee and take an active lead with the implementation of an effective model at the K-12 level.
• Evaluate all special education teachers 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.
• Supervise the development and revision of all special education forms and the Special Education Procedural Manual, conducting committees as appropriate.
• Ensure coordination of efforts for staff to align special education and general education curricula for special education students as required by IDEA.
• Provide leadership in establishing programs and developing improved understanding of existing programs. Develop and conduct professional learning programs for personnel involved in special education programs and services.
• Coordinate efforts with principals, teachers, and support staff who have responsibility for the development of programs and individual student educational plans.
• Monitor changes in legislation and all legal requirements governing special education and develop changes as needed. Attend appropriate advisory committees as needed for program development or as directed by the state and county special education plans.
• All other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position involves direct supervision of the Special Education Department.

Required Education and Experience

• A 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 coursework in school administration, with preference given to those who have at least 20 semester hours.
• A valid State of Michigan teaching certificate with an endorsement in special education for both elementary and secondary levels.
• Must qualify for 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, and the 1997 and 2004 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Competencies

• Communication Proficiency
• Discretion
• Collaboration Skills
• Ethical Conduct
• Public Speaking
• Organizational Skills
• Strong Leadership Skills
• Performance Management

Work Environment

The work environment for this position is a school setting that requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, and the use of standard office equipment.

Physical Demands

This position involves walking, sitting, standing, bending, and at times lifting up to 30 pounds.