Assistant Director of Special Education

Position Type:
Administration/Assistant Director

Date Posted:
9/17/2026

Location:
PPS Office

Date Available:
10/21/2026
Job Summary:
Cook County School District 130 is seeking an Assistant Director -Special Education to join our District leadership team and help advance high-quality special education services for students across our K 8 schools.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced special education leader who is passionate about student outcomes, inclusive practices, instructional excellence, compliance, and supporting educators . Working closely with the Assistant Superintendent - Student Services and Accountability, Director of Special Education, school administrators, and staff, the Assistant Director will help strengthen programs and systems that ensure students with disabilities have meaningful access to high-quality instruction and the supports they need to thrive.

The Assistant Director will assume primary leadership responsibility for designated programs, schools, and District-wide special education initiatives as assigned by the Director - Special Education. The successful candidate will be a collaborative, solutions-oriented leader who builds strong relationships, communicates effectively, and brings a student-centered approach to complex challenges.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Assist the Director - Special Education in developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating special education programs and services.
• Provide leadership and oversight for assigned special education programs, services, and initiatives, including monitoring implementation, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring consistent practices across District schools.
• Support the development, implementation, and evaluation of a continuum of special education programs and services that promote inclusive practices, appropriate student placements, and access to the least restrictive environment.
• Review student programming and placement needs in collaboration with administrators, staff, and families, and identify opportunities to strengthen District programs and expand the District's capacity to serve students within District programs and their home schools whenever appropriate.
• Identify and support research-based instructional practices and strategies that improve achievement for students with disabilities.
• Develop and support the implementation of programs, materials, and instructional resources that enhance access to the core curriculum for students with disabilities.
• Collaborate with principals, District administrators, and the Special Education Department to support problem-solving, intervention, referral, and evaluation processes that are responsive to student needs, informed by available data, and consistent with applicable requirements.
• Analyze student achievement, service delivery, placement, and compliance data to identify trends, evaluate program effectiveness, and recommend improvements to special education programs and services.
• Provide direct consultation, coaching, and problem-solving support to administrators, teachers, and related service providers regarding instructional practices, student programming, behavioral and academic supports, and the implementation of special education services.
• Provide leadership and guidance to administrators and staff in complex special education matters, including IEP development and implementation, parent concerns, dispute resolution, and compliance with applicable special education requirements.
• Identify professional learning needs and plan, coordinate, and deliver professional development for administrators, teachers, and staff related to special education programs, inclusive practices, compliance, and effective instructional strategies for students with disabilities.
• Monitor special education practices, timelines, documentation, and procedures to support compliance with federal and state requirements and District expectations, and work with administrators and staff to address identified concerns.
• Promote consistent implementation of special education procedures, instructional practices, and service-delivery expectations across District schools while recognizing individual student and school needs.
• Assist the Director - Special Education with recruiting, organizing, hiring, and monitoring the licensure and endorsement status of special education staff in collaboration with building principals and the Assistant Superintendent Human Resources.

Qualifications:

• Illinois Professional Educator License with a General Administrative or Principal Endorsement required.
• Special education or related services endorsement required.
• Director - Special Education Endorsement preferred.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in special education, including at least two years in a leadership role such as special education administration, building administration, program coordination, or central office administration.
• Demonstrated skills in public and community relations, including the ability to effectively resolve parent/school conflicts.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, respond effectively under pressure, and maintain a high level of professionalism in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with administrators, teachers, support staff, students, families, and community members.

Salary:

• Competitive salary: $102,000 - $112,000, commensurate with experience.
• District-paid TRS contributions.
• 30 vacation days and 13 sick days annually.
• Comprehensive insurance package, which includes health (Blue Cross Blue Shield), dental (Guardian), vision (VSP), and life insurance plans (2026-2027 CCSD130 Benefit Summary Guide).
• Administrator Academy tuition and professional development support.
• $2,000 annual travel stipend.
• Employee wellness program and EAP access.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time, 12-month position (July 1 - June 30)
• Standard hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
• Attendance at Board of Education meetings and other evening events as requested or required based on District needs.
• Occasional evening and weekend responsibilities
• Regular travel between District buildings

Cook County School District 130 is an Equal Opportunity Employer.