Elementary Special Education Director

Job Summary

Enterprise City Schools


Job Description


Job Title - Director of Special Education

Supervised by/Reports to: Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent


Supervises: IEP/SETS Specialist,District Behavioral Specialist and Special Education Nurse, School Psychometrists, Special Education Preschool certified and classified personnel, Speech Therapists, and other designated administrative and classified personnel

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Goals:
• To plan, monitor, implement and evaluate an effective special education program for the school system to meet student needs.
• To establish and implement effective programs and services to involve parents, community members, and appropriate support service agencies in the education of students with special needs.
• To promote and oversee the most effective use of human and fiscal resources to achieve the goals and accomplish the mission of the school system.


Qualifications:


1. Master's degree from an accredited institution.

2. Valid Alabama certificate in Educational Leadership, administration, and/or supervision

3. Three (3) years of successful teaching experience.

4. Three (3) years of successful administrative experience; principal experience preferred.

5. Ability to meet the suitability criteria for employment and/or certification licensure under the Alabama Child Protection Act of 1999 and Act No. 2002-457.

6. Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

7. Demonstrated knowledge of special education law and procedures.

8. Demonstrated proficiency in oral and written communication skills.

9. Effective interpersonal skills, with an emphasis on communication and collaboration with a wide variety of people and groups.

10. Ability to supervise and evaluate designated personnel, manage budgets, and develop curriculum and programming specific to the needs of students with disabilities and special needs.

11. Ability to plan and provide relevant professional development to administrators and staff regarding special education issues.

12. Ability to identify and solve problems as a productive team member.

13. Ability to use technology to communicate, to manage data, and to produce/submit required reports, correspondence, and/or financial information.

14. Physical strength, stamina, agility and acuity to perform job responsibilities and essential functions.

13. Ability to be punctual and in regular attendance.

14. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent may require.


Performance Responsibilities and Essential Functions:


1. Demonstrates support for the school system and its vision, goals and priorities.

2. Provides leadership in developing, understanding, and promoting the mission and vision of the school system and the special education services department.

3. Works with principals and teachers in organizing and coordinating grade level and department meetings to develop continuity and articulation of instructional programs between and among grades, schools, and post-secondary institutions.

4. Assists in coordinating Pre-K-12 curriculum and textbook / resource materials selection.

5. Keeps informed of the latest laws, research, trends, and innovations in subject areas and disseminates this information to teachers, principals, other stake holders, and colleagues.

6. Assists in the developing of system-wide program plans and policies by making written/oral recommendations to the appropriate management staff.

7. Regularly reviews federal and state regulations and other information applicable to the program area(s); correctly ascertains changes and possible trends impacting program area(s).

8. Correctly evaluates program needs using all available information such as program statistics or other data and input from program staff and others.

9. Assists in writing program plans and yearly board policies by providing input of updated information, facilitates program implementation, and conforms to applicable regulations.

10. Directs the adherence to policy and procedure manuals that conform to and adequately communicate applicable regulations.

11. Effectively organizes and conducts regular meetings with staff members and others to communicate program plans and policies, receive input, and facilitate sharing of ideas.

12. Accurately prepares reports, position papers, memoranda, guidelines or other documents that communicate information clearly and adequately.

13. Provides appropriate advice on application and interpretation of laws, policies, procedures, etc., based on up-to-date and accurate information.

14. Makes appropriate recommendations for implementation strategies and methods that meet program needs and conform to regulations.

15. Monitors progress of program implementation, evaluates results, and recommends changes and improvements.

16. Devises appropriate, efficient reporting mechanisms that will provide the necessary information to evaluate program progress.

17. Supervisor/Administrator for Special Education Preschool Program

18. Accurately evaluates reported information for indicators of progress toward identified goals and objectives.

19. Correctly identifies strengths and weaknesses revealed by program data or other sources.

20. Correctly evaluates program and department compliance with the terms of federal, state, and/or grant funding guidelines or other applicable regulations.

21. Effectively facilitates regular meetings to share ideas, evaluate progress, and make decisions.

22. Documents progress and decisions of the group and submits reports to appropriate staff.

23. Regularly attends and participates in staff meetings.

24. Correctly identifies staff training needs by evaluating applicable program data and information from other sources.

25. Effectively develops and evaluates appropriate training curricula and materials individually or in conjunction with other staff and agencies.

26. Effectively presents in a clear and concise manner training sessions that meet identified needs.

27. Regularly attends internal and external educational programs and professional meetings as needed.

28. Reads and evaluates professional literature on a continual basis.

29. Collaborates with school board attorneys to execute due process in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

30. Assists attorneys with witness interviews as needed.

31. Oversees process for mandated timeline compliance.

32. Examines documents for accuracy/inaccuracy.

33. Facilitates settlement of complaint that meets the needs/resources of the system and the needs of the student.

34. Provide analysis of due process complaints to facilitate effective professional development for stakeholders.

35. Prepares, amends, and manages special services and related budgets. Evaluates effective and appropriate use of federal funds.

36. Collaborates with CSFO and other staff to prepare annual budget.

37. Enters relevant information in Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) software/database programs.

38. Approves purchases in budget to include approval of personnel from federal funds.

39. Serves as the school system contact person with the Alabama State Department of Education in all matters concerning the special education program.

40. Supervises and evaluates staff assigned in accordance with school system procedures and schedules.

41. Maintains appropriate confidentiality regarding school/workplace matters.

42. Demonstrates initiative in identifying potential problems and/or opportunities for improvement in areas of responsibility.

43. Reports potential problems, unusual events, or work irregularities to appropriate administrative or supervisory personnel.

44. Responds to inquiries, requests, constructive feedback, concerns and/or complaints in a timely and positive manner.

45. Properly uses and cares for equipment and material resources of the school system and effectively supervises and monitors others in the care, maintenance, and use of tools, equipment, and inventory.

46. Uses effective collaboration skills to work as an effective team member.

47. Serves on school system committees, tasks forces, and representatives groups as required.

48. Adheres to school system rules, administrative procedures, local Board policies, and state, federal, and local regulations.

49. Reports absences and takes leave in accordance with Board policies and procedures.

50. Performs any other job-related duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

Terms of Employment: Twelve month position in accordance with Board's salary schedule.

Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the State Department of Education and/or Enterprise City Board of Education policy on evaluation of certified personnel.

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities as needed.