Lead Special Education Teacher

Lead Special Education Teacher (2026 - 2027 School Year) Who are You? You are an experienced special education educator and leader who combines a deep commitment to students with disabilities with the organization, judgment, and follow-through necessary to lead a high-quality and legally compliant special education program. You believe that compliance and excellent instruction go hand in hand and can work effectively across classrooms, families, school leadership, service providers, and regulatory systems to ensure every scholar receives the services and supports they need to thrive. Required Qualifications An unwavering commitment to the DPAC Nevada mission of college success and authentic civic engagement for all scholars, including students with disabilities. A valid Nevada teaching license with an appropriate Special Education endorsement, or an appropriate out-of-state special education license eligible for Nevada reciprocity. A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. At least three years of successful special education teaching experience, including demonstrated responsibility for developing and implementing IEPs and delivering specially designed instruction. Strong working knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, FERPA, Nevada Administrative Code requirements for special education, IEP development and implementation, eligibility and evaluation processes, procedural safeguards, least restrictive environment (LRE), manifestation determinations, and discipline protections for students with disabilities. Demonstrated ability to lead and facilitate IEP meetings, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, communicate effectively with families, and navigate challenging situations professionally and constructively. Knowledge of general education curriculum, specially designed instruction, and school resources sufficient to serve as DPAC Nevada's designated LEA/public agency representative when assigned, including exercising appropriately delegated authority regarding services and resources necessary to implement student IEPs. Demonstrated experience monitoring special education compliance, maintaining accurate and confidential student records, meeting required timelines, and proactively identifying and correcting compliance concerns. Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and support teachers and paraprofessionals in implementing IEPs, accommodations, modifications, behavioral supports, and evidence-based instructional practices. Exceptional organizational and project-management skills, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines, take initiative, solve problems, and follow through consistently. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to build productive relationships with students, families, educators, school leaders, contracted providers, and state and regulatory partners. Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, student information systems, and electronic IEP/compliance platforms, with the ability to quickly learn Nevada- and DPAC-specific systems. Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, Educational Psychology, School Psychology, or another closely related field. Five or more years of special education experience, including experience as a lead teacher, special education coordinator, department chair, instructional facilitator, case-management lead, or comparable teacher-leadership role. Demonstrated experience supervising, evaluating, coaching, or developing special education teachers, interventionists, and paraprofessionals. Experience managing a schoolwide special education program, including compliance, caseloads, service delivery, staffing, scheduling, progress monitoring, and corrective action. Experience with IDEA Part B funding, special education budgeting, grant compliance, and/or managing contracts with related-service providers, including SLPs, OTs, psychologists, and other specialists. Experience supporting students across a range of disabilities and levels of need. Training or demonstrated expertise in positive behavioral interventions and supports, trauma-responsive practices, MTSS, functional behavioral assessment, and behavior intervention planning. Experience working in a Nevada public or charter school, including familiarity with Nevada Department of Education and SPCSA expectations. Nevada School Administrator endorsement or demonstrated progress toward an administrative credential. Nevada Professional Teacher of Pupils with Disabilities endorsement or another advanced special education credential. Key Responsibilities Special Education Compliance & Legal Oversight Lead campus-wide compliance with IDEA, Section 504, FERPA, Nevada Administrative Code (NAC), and applicable state and federal special education requirements. Monitor IEP timelines, evaluations, eligibility determinations, annual reviews, reevaluations, progress reporting, service delivery, accommodations, and procedural safeguards. Conduct regular internal audits of special education files and systems, proactively identify compliance concerns, and implement corrective actions when necessary. Ensure IEP services, accommodations, and supports are delivered and documented with fidelity. LEA Representation & IEP Leadership Serve, when designated, as DPAC Nevada's LEA/public agency representative for IEP meetings, with knowledge of the general education curriculum, specially designed instruction, and available school resources. Exercise appropriately delegated authority regarding services and resources necessary to implement student IEPs, consistent with applicable law and school policy. Lead and support IEP meetings, ensuring that decisions are student-centered, legally compliant, data-informed, and inclusive of meaningful family participation. Partner with school leadership on complex special education matters, including placement, discipline, manifestation determinations, compensatory services, and other high-impact decisions. Instructional Leadership & Student Outcomes Ensure students with disabilities receive high-quality, evidence-based specially designed instruction aligned with their IEP goals and meaningful access to the general education curriculum. Monitor student achievement, IEP goal progress, service delivery, behavior, attendance, and other relevant data to evaluate effectiveness and identify students requiring additional support. Coach special education and general education teachers on accommodations, modifications, differentiation, inclusive practices, behavioral supports, and effective IEP implementation. Promote a culture of high expectations, inclusion, belonging, and academic achievement for students with disabilities. Department & Staff Leadership Lead the day-to-day operation of DPAC Nevada's special education program and serve as the primary special education resource for school leadership and staff. Recruit, onboard, coach, supervise, and support special education teachers, interventionists, and paraprofessionals, consistent with the school's supervisory structure. Establish clear expectations for staff performance, documentation, service delivery, caseload management, and compliance. Coordinate caseloads, staff assignments, service schedules, coverage, and departmental systems to ensure student needs and IEP requirements are met. Identify professional development needs and provide ongoing coaching and training to strengthen special education practice across the campus. Family, Staff & Agency Collaboration Serve as a primary point of contact for families, school leadership, general education staff, related-service providers, and regulatory partners regarding special education programming. Build trusting, responsive, and solution-oriented relationships with families and ensure concerns are addressed promptly and appropriately. Facilitate effective collaboration among special education teachers, general education teachers, administrators, families, and related-service providers. Coordinate with the Nevada Department of Education, State Public Charter School Authority (SPCSA), and other agencies or partners, as appropriate, regarding special education programming and compliance. Data, Records & Reporting Maintain accurate, organized, confidential, and audit-ready special education records and documentation. Oversee electronic IEP and compliance systems and establish internal processes for monitoring deadlines, service minutes, progress reports, evaluations, and required documentation. Prepare required special education data and reports for DPAC Nevada, SPCSA, the Nevada Department of Education, and other authorized entities. Provide school leadership with regular, actionable updates regarding student outcomes, compliance, staffing, caseloads, service delivery, and emerging risks. Budget, Grants & Related Services Support development and management of the special education budget, ensuring resources are aligned with student needs and legal obligations. Monitor appropriate use and documentation of IDEA Part B and other special education funds in collaboration with school leadership and finance staff. Coordinate contracts and service delivery for related-service providers, including speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and other specialists. Monitor vendor performance, service hours, documentation, and expenditures to ensure contracted services meet student and school needs. Program Improvement & Strategic Leadership Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of DPAC Nevada's special education program and recommend improvements in staffing, systems, instruction, service delivery, and compliance. Use student, staffing, compliance, and financial data to anticipate needs and proactively address potential challenges. Partner with the Executive Director and school leadership to develop short- and long-term strategies for a high-quality, sustainable special education program. Stay current on changes in federal and Nevada special education requirements and translate those requirements into clear, practical expectations for staff. Compensation & Benefits Salary: Starting salary $70,000+ commensurate with education and experience aligned with the DPAC Nevada salary schedule. Retirement: Participation in the State of Nevada Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance packages. Time Off: Paid time off (PTO) plus standard school holiday closures.