Director of Special Education

Job Description

Job Description

Reports to: CEO

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Purpose: The Special Education Director leads and advocates for the inclusive and equitable education of students with special needs. The Special Education Director is responsible for program development and oversight; compliance in ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to special education; team leadership and collaboration; student evaluation and assessment; developing an ongoing professional development program for staff; community engagement; and leading data analysis and reporting efforts.

Job Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Special Education required
• PA Principal or Supervisor of Special Education Certification Required
• Minimum of five (5) years experience in the field of special education, with a minimum of three (3) years of educational leadership experience
• Expertise in the use of educational technology systems to support teacher accountability and facilitate student learning

Competencies:

• Leadership skills
• Superior interpersonal skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to effectively communicate and coordinate actions with CEO, leadership team, Board of Trustees, families, students, teachers and other staff and third party vendors/contractors
• Consultation and coaching skills
• Cultural competency and responsiveness
• Critical evaluation skills
• Ethical practice
• Documentation
• Presentation skills
• Strict adherence to confidentiality and ability to handle sensitive information
• Attention to detail
• Ability to perform multiple assignments without immediate supervision
• Time management and ability to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines
• Able to perform basic arithmetic and use basic numeric concepts to perform job tasks
• Aptitude in using spreadsheet, word processing, email, database, and presentation software
• Commitment to entrepreneurial education and the associated values of resourcefulness, problem-solving, persistence, and innovation

Job Responsibilities:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the following essential functions:

Academics

• Design and implement special education programs and services to meet the diverse needs of scholars grades K - 12
• Develop proactive strategies and initiatives to help middle school special education students transition into the high school environment, including orientation; schedule and procedural task management; academic support; social and emotional support; and communication with families
• Evaluate and streamline existing procedures and policies related to the identification, assessment, and placement of students with special needs to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations 
• Oversee the evaluation and assessment process to identify students’ specific learning needs and determine eligibility for special education services
• Collaborate with teachers, families, and other stakeholders to develop and monitor individualized education plans 
• Develop and expand programming options within the Schools for students receiving specialized instruction to promote inclusion and subject matter coordination with regular education
• Coordinate state testing 
• Supervise outplacement efforts

Recordkeeping & Reporting 

• Collect, analyze, and utilize data to make informed decisions, track student progress, and report outcomes to stakeholders and governing bodies
• Collaborate with School Administration to develop and manage the special education budget, ensuring appropriate allocation of resources to meet student needs
• Develop and monitor Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students with special needs, ensuring their academic and social-emotional growth

Supervisory and Leadership Responsibilities

• Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment of the special education programming and services to identify areas of improvement and develop a strategic plan to enhance student outcomes
• Lead and supervise a team of special education staff, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment, and promoting effective communication among team members
• Conduct special education teacher observations and evaluations
• Support teachers and staff during program changes, providing them with time, resources, and professional development to adapt to changes and navigate transitions, leading to improved outcomes for students
• Develop and implement action plans for the Special Education Department with clear and measurable targets to enhance special education services
• Regularly assess progress toward goals and objectives, identifying areas of success and areas needing improvement

Meetings & Professional Development

• Maintain knowledge of compliance and legal requirements to ensure adherence to federal, state, and local laws such as Section 504 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
• Maintain knowledge of best practices in special education and pedagogy
• Lead and recommend ongoing professional development opportunities for teaching staff, keeping them informed about best practices in special education and fostering continuous learning and growth
• Build positive relationships with families and community organizations, serving as a liaison between the Schools and external agencies and partners to ensure scholars’ access to necessary resources and support
• Foster open lines of communication, establish trust, and collaborate effectively with school administrators, teachers, and staff to create a supportive environment for scholars with special needs
• Advocate for students with special needs, collaborating with community organizations and agencies, and promoting inclusive practices within the Schools
• Attend MTSS meetings to ensure the system effectively supports students with disabilities
• Attend IEP and 504 meetings as needed

Other duties as assigned by the CEO

Working Conditions: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Work is primarily sedentary in nature, exerting up to 10 lbs of force occasionally and/or up to a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to move throughout the building, sit, and navigate hallways and short flights of stairs in order to access classrooms and meeting areas throughout the school. Occasionally reaches with hands and arms. Frequent handling and fingering. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Must be able to talk and hear. Mental acuity required. Primarily assigned to an office environment that is climate and noise controlled with adequate lighting, using standard office equipment such as computers, telephones, printers.