JOB SUMMARY: Under the general supervision of the Superintendent of Schools, the Director of Special Education provides leadership over Special Education programs for the District. The Director is responsible for ensuring a safe, inclusive and effective educational program for learners that adheres to Board and Administrative policies and procedures. It is expected that the Director of Special Education fosters a climate of excellence by empowering staff and students to develop a positive attitude and commitment towards teaching and learning.
SUPERVISES DIRECTLY: Administrative Assistant to the Director of Special Education, Case Manager; Psychologist; District MTSS Coordinator; Speech Language Pathologists; Certified School Nurse, Social Workers; and all other related-service personnel.
Develops and administers in-district and out-of-district student placement in special education programs.
Coordinates and facilitates student Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings, 504 Plans and meetings, annual reviews and interacts with school administrators, teachers, parents and select support personnel to determine current and future educational services for IEP students.
Provides professional development and in-service on topics and best practices in special education programs.
Acts as District representative for special education parent groups, agencies and organizations.
Monitors changes in federal and state laws and updates policies, procedures and forms.
Completes mandated reports, claims, including Maintenance of Efforts (MOE), and writes and manages grants relative to Special Education.
Prepares and monitors the Special Education budget, in collaboration with the Business Manager and Superintendent.
Consults with administrators on policies and procedures with regards to student discipline for special education students.
Evaluates personnel assigned to the Special Education department; makes recommendations of contract status, re-employment or termination of contract for Pupil Personnel Services.
Supports and develops students’ social development, self-advocacy skills, and academic knowledge through the cultivation of a positive and nurturing, 21st century learning environment.
Provides leadership over special education curriculum, instruction and assessment.
Provides leadership and direction to staff with regard to the ongoing evaluation and improvement of special education programs, including curricular and extracurricular activities.
Collects, analyzes and interprets data and develops methods to leverage instructional outcomes.
Encourages staff to continue to grow professionally and to experiment with new approaches or strategies to enhance teaching.
Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning and works with teaching staff to modify instructional methods to fit diverse learners needs and goals.
Creates a positive climate between school and home.
Promotes a school environment that is safe and conducive to individualized instruction, cooperative curriculum development, and student learning.
Coordinates the recruitment and selection of Special Education personnel.
Ensures accuracy in the administration of collective bargaining agreements, corrective action, and other human resource issues.
Organizes and conducts regular meetings with teachers for continuing professional development.
Utilizes problem-solving and conflict-resolution strategies to address student, staff, parent or community concerns.
Serves as a liaison for special education transportation and addresses issues or concerns.
Adheres to the Illinois Performance Standards for School Leaders.
Develops Special Education manuals and other appropriate documents.
Serves as District liaison for Mckinney Vento.
Attends classes, conferences, workshops and training as required.
Maintains appropriate records for reimbursement to the full extent of the law.
Monitors and assists special education teachers and select school support personnel in the adaptation and evaluation of instruction.
Empowers teachers to analyze and interpret data, and then action plan according to the data.
Orients staff to the policies, procedures and philosophy of the school network.
Provide pupil services including intake, IEP’s, annual reviews and student schedules.
Assists school principals as directed in all areas related to the special education programs (e.g. program coordination, compliance review, curriculum, etc.).
Attends all Board of Education meetings and meetings called by the superintendent and prepares such reports for the Board and Superintendent as requested.
Directs staff in the recoupment of medicaid funding.
Researchs, plans and coordinates in-service training programs for administrators, parents, teachers, and select support personnel in understanding special education students.
EVALUATION: Will be evaluated by the Business Manager/Superintendent.
SALARY: Competitive salary and benefits.