Director of Special Education

Position Type:
Administration/Director

Date Posted:
7/9/2026

Location:
Wesley Martin Administrative Building
Job Title: Director of Special Education Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Reports to: Deputy Superintendent of T & L Pay Grade: Pay grade 8


Dept. /School: Wesley Martin Administrative Building Date Revised: July 2026

Primary Purpose:

Direct and manage the district's special education program. Ensure that services are provided for special needs students and individualized education plans are provided to meet the needs of all students. Warrant compliance with all state, federal, and local requirements.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor's degree and certification in Special Education required.
• Valid Texas Principal Certification

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of federal and state special education law
• Understanding of the individual needs of special needs students
• Ability to communicate with all levels of special needs students and their parents
• Ability to implement policy and procedures
• Ability to interpret data
• Ability to manage budget and personnel
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of instructional strategies for students with autism, developmental delay, specific learning disabilities, and behavior disorders.
• Have extensive background knowledge with district's electronic IEP system.
• Demonstrate strong skills in partnering with families.
• Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of colleagues, parents, families, and community members.
• Be committed to meeting the needs of a diverse student population.
• Have a track record of being a team player and community minded.
• Be committed to their own learning.
• Have excellent time-management skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently.
• Adhere to a high level of professional and ethical standards.

Experience:

• Two (2) years of successful classroom teaching experience in an urban school setting as a special education teacher.
• Minimum 3 years Educational Diagnostician, Speech Pathologist, or LSSP experience.
• Administrative experience preferred.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional and Program Management

1. Oversee the development and delivery of special education curriculum and instructional programs that incorporate district goals and support student achievement. Ensure that curriculum renewal is continuous and responsive to student needs.
2. Develop and implement an effective special education referral process and ensure that student assessments and recommendations regarding placement and program management for individual students are completed in a timely manner.
3. Monitor the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) process districtwide. Participate in committee meetings as needed to ensure that students are placed appropriately and development of individual education plans for students are consistent with district procedures. Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis.
4. Obtain and use evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to gauge special education program effectiveness. Make changes when warranted.
5. Ensure that the necessary time, resources, materials, and technology to support accomplish educational goals are available. Encourage and support the development of innovative instructional programs.
6. Direct transition services for special education students entering and exiting public school programs.
7. Take an active role in the formulating and implementing contracts for special education students receiving services outside of the district.
8. Train and assist campus staff in developing campus schedules for inclusion that ensure all students minutes are being met as outlined in their IEP.

Student Management

1. Demonstrate support for the district's student management policies and expected student behavior related to special education program.
2. Take an active role in training and implementation of district de-escalation and restraint procedures.

Policy, Reports, and Law

1. Implement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in area of special education. Recommend sound policies and procedures to improve program.
2. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.
3. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
4. Train staff on and monitor PEIMS coding for all students receiving special education services.
5. Monitor restraint documentation and ensure proper paperwork is completed and entered in to PEIMS.

Budget and Inventory

1. Develop and administer the RDSPD budget based on documented needs and ensure that operations are cost effective, and funds are managed wisely.
2. Maintain a current inventory of supplies and equipment and recommend the replacement and disposal of equipment when necessary.

Personnel Management

1. Prepare, review, and revise job descriptions in special education department.
2. Directly supervises assigned staff including contract personnel.
3. Supervises assigned programs in accordance with the district's policies and state and federal laws.
4. Organizes, schedules, and conducts staff development sessions as required.
5. Organizes, schedules, and conducts staff development training sessions as required.
6. Provide support systems for mentoring and for ensuring continuous professional growth for department staff at all levels.
7. Confers with staff regarding their professional growth, clearly defining expectations for staff performance, and working jointly with staff to provide for professional growth activities.
8. Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and make recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.

Communication and Community Relations

1. Establish and maintain a professional relationship and open communication with principals, teachers, staff, parents, and community members.
2. Serve as district liaison to community agencies providing services to students and notify parents and students of available services.
3. Articulate the district's mission and goals in the area of special education to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.
4. Demonstrate awareness of district-community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs.
5. Use appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Maintain emotional control under stress

Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pulling and pushing

Ability to move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and any other classroom equipment

Equipment Used: Copier, personal computer, and audiovisual equipment