2026-27 Assistant Special Education Dire...

Job Description

Department/Location: Special Education
Reports To: Director of Special Education
Work Schedule/Term: 210 Days
FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Special Education supports the Director of Special Education in the leadership, coordination, and oversight of the District’s Special Education program and services. This position focuses on instructional quality, IEP development, compliance systems, and staff supervision to ensure that students with disabilities receive high-quality, legally compliant, and data-driven services in the least restrictive environment. The Assistant Director works collaboratively with administrators, teachers, and support staff to strengthen instructional programming, monitor compliance, and promote inclusive practices across the District.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership & Program Oversight

• Oversees instructional quality within special education programs.
• Supports curriculum alignment and instructional programming to ensure access to grade-level standards.
• Coach coordinators and teachers in effective instructional strategies and inclusive practices.
• Provides training and ongoing coaching to staff on curriculum implementation.
• Manages special education curriculum licensing, assignments, and troubleshooting.
• Conducts classroom walkthroughs and formal evaluations to support instructional improvement.
• Promotes inclusion of students with disabilities and co-curricular activities.

IEP Development & Compliance Systems

• Oversees IEP development and monitors compliance systems.
• Monitors IEP quality, compliance, and progress monitoring practices.
• Provides guidance on measurable goal development, service minutes, and accommodations aligned to student-specific data.
• Ensures procedures for identification, referral, evaluation, placement, and re-evaluation are implemented with fidelity.
• Assists in ensuring compliance with District policy, state regulations, and federal laws governing special education.
• Support data collection, reporting, and documentation required for state and federal compliance.

Supervision & Staff Development

• Supervises and evaluates special education teachers and assigned staff.
• Provides feedback and coaching to improve instructional practices and student outcomes.
• Assists with recruitment, hiring, and assignment of special education staff.
• Plans and facilitates professional development activities aligned to district goals and compliance needs.

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborates with principals, general education staff, and District leadership to ensure coordinated student services.
• Communicates current laws, regulations, and best practices to staff and stakeholders.
• Supports problem-solving efforts related to student programming and placement decisions.
• Participates in administrative meetings and required district committees.

Operational Support

• Assists in managing the special education budget and demonstrates fiscal responsibility.
• Supports contract and coordination with outside agencies providing services to students.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Master’s degree with endorsements in Special Education that qualify for administrative certification with the state of South Dakota.
• Valid South Dakota Teaching Certificate required.
• Minimum of five years of experience in special education, including instructional leadership, preferred.
• Experience with IEP development, compliance monitoring, and special education law required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of federal and state special education laws and regulations (including IDEA).
• Knowledge of IEP development, goal writing, accommodations, and progress monitoring systems.
• Ability to analyze data and use it to drive instructional and programmatic decisions.
• Ability to supervise, coach, and evaluate staff effectively.
• Strong organizational and compliance management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet regulatory deadlines.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with administrators, staff, parents, and community partners.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, sit, and move throughout school buildings.
• Ability to use hands and fingers for writing, typing, and handling materials.
• Ability to lift, carry, or move up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to visually and audibly monitor students and school environments.
• Ability to travel between district buildings.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Environment

• School building and office environment.
• Frequent interaction with students, staff, and families.
• Exposure to moderate to high noise levels is typical of a school setting.
• May involve working with students and adults experiencing emotional, behavioral, or conflict-related challenges.
• Work may involve stressful situations requiring sound judgement, emotional control, and professionalism.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive.

Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.