Executive Director of Special Education

POSITION

Executive Director of Special Education

REPORTS TO

Chief Academic Officer

SUPERVISES

Special Education Directors, Assistant Directors, and Support Staff – Certified/Non-Certified

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Director of Special Education is responsible for overseeing the identification, evaluation, service provision, and program development for students with disabilities to ensure compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Connecticut and federal regulations.

The Executive Director also serves as the primary instructional leader in monitoring educational access to and benefit from the general education curriculum through the provision of modifications and accommodations for students with disabilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & School Climate

• Leads, communicates, and implements special education programs that support student access, achievement, and wellbeing
• Responds to principal and school staff needs related to policy and procedural clarification
• Supports principals and school staff in identifying and securing appropriate programs and resources for students
• Collaborates with the Executive Directors in the Office of Academics to ensure effective Tier 1, 2, and 3 instruction and support for all students
• Works collaboratively with the Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning and Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning to ensure consistent implementation of high‑quality practices in all schools

Compliance & Legal Oversight

• Assesses systemic needs and develops programs to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, Board policies, and regulations
• Advises administrators and staff on the legal obligations of the district and the rights of students and families under applicable programs and legal authorities
• Oversees and provides documentation of compliance with federal and state special education laws and legislation, including IDEA, to the State Department of Education
• Provides staff with guidance regarding special education laws and other appropriate statutes
• Recommends policies and procedures related to special education services
• Ensures that parents of children with special needs receive appropriate training to assist them in understanding and fulfilling their role in the education of their child

Instruction & Program Development

• Responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of special education programs, policies, and procedures in accordance with state laws and regulations
• Plans professional development incorporating differentiation of instruction, curriculum modifications and accommodations, co‑teaching, and instructional strategies
• Collects and analyzes student assessment data to monitor academic progress
• Oversees the computer data management system used by the Special Education Department to record information on each child with special needs, and maintains and monitors student records as required by state regulations
• Supervises the referral of children placed in out‑of‑district programming

Staff Supervision & Development

• Directs, supervises, and evaluates the work of special education directors, assistant directors, and support staff
• Assists building administrators with the personnel process in recruiting, selecting, and supervising special education teachers
• Conducts professional development for special education staff and school‑based personnel on programs, services, and best practices

Program & Budget Management

• Plans, administers, and coordinates special education programming in alignment with district goals and strategic priorities
• Responsible for IDEA Grant budget preparation, implementation, and fiscal accountability for special education programs
• Facilitates the development, monitoring, and utilization of the departmental budget and state and federal grants
• Develops and revises department policies, procedures, and programs as needed
• Coordinates related programs with appropriate local, state, and federal programs and regulatory bodies
• Collaborates with general and special education instructional directors and building administrators on student discipline, transfer, placement, promotion, retention, and record‑keeping
• Collaborates with necessary partners on the administration of state‑required surveys
• Maintains positive relationships with private and public agencies
• Communicates effectively with school and community stakeholders on all areas of responsibility
• Works extended hours and weekends as necessary to ensure communication of essential information and completion of assignments

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES OF IDEAL CANDIDATE

• A minimum of five (5) years of successful experience in an administrative capacity
• Advanced degree in special education or a related field is required
• Successful teaching experience in special education or a related field
• Knowledge of theories, concepts, and state regulatory requirements for special education programs
• Understanding of how student services programs support the School Improvement Process and increase student achievement
• Thorough knowledge of Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) and Hartford Public Schools policies, regulations, and procedures; special education bylaws; and federal and state legislation relating to special education
• Knowledge of curriculum and state framework, standards, and IEP development
• Knowledge of restorative practices and student behavior interventions, including Multi‑Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and social‑emotional learning (SEL) frameworks
• Understanding of and demonstrated ability to build rapport with individuals from diverse cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds
• Broad‑based experience in problem solving and conflict resolution in a leadership context
• Proven leadership in implementing systems and processes for organizational development to increase student achievement
• Demonstrated ability to utilize and promote equitable practices across all facets of education
• Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data related to student learning and adjustment
• Demonstrated ability to relate effectively to students, teachers, staff, central office personnel, families, and community members
• Demonstrated ability to develop, monitor, and evaluate performance measures
• Highly effective written and oral communication skills, with an ability to communicate with clarity and transparency across diverse audiences
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, complex compliance timelines, and cross‑functional teams to meet deadlines effectively

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Connecticut Intermediate Administration or Supervision certification (092) and Connecticut Special Education certification

UNION AFFILIATION

Not Applicable

SALARY AND TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

This position is a twelve‑month position, and salary is by individual employment contract. The salary range is $150,000 to $170,000.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

To be considered, all internal and external applicants must fully complete a Hartford Public Schools’ online application, which can be accessed through our Applicant Tracking System, Nimble, at Internal candidates should use a personal email address when applying. Please do not use your hartfordschools.org email. Upon submission, candidates’ applications and supporting documents will be reviewed. Candidates who advance through the initial review will be invited to next steps in the selection process.

An Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative Action Employer, M/F/V/D