Director of Special Education

Duties

The Special Education Director is responsible for planning, administering, and directing the member district’s special education programs. This includes formulating and interpreting Special Education policies and procedures; ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations; administering and monitoring the SPED budget; supervising personnel; reviewing student and teacher data that relates to the SPED program.

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Thorough knowledge of curriculum and instruction and current educational trends
• Thorough knowledge of SPED state and federal regulations
• Thorough knowledge of writing and implementing IEPs
• Thorough knowledge of best practices in SPED
• Strong technology skills
• Understanding of adult learning theory
• Development and/or coordination of professional development
• Thorough understanding of program evaluation
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• The ability and willingness to engage in difficult conversations
• Ability to supervise people
• Ability to plan and present information to a variety of audiences

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Instruction

• Consistently analyze data related to teaching and learning
• Work collaboratively with team members to implement curriculum, instruction, and assessments
• Use research and data to continually evaluate instructional programs
• Provide professional development based on research and data to SPED staff and Member Districts
• Facilitate the timely completion of ISBE forms regarding special education personnel, child count, and summer school and private facility placements.
• Develop and monitor federal and state grant applications consistent with needs assessment and budgetary considerations.
• Prepare and administer an annual budget in accordance with Governing Board direction and ISBE guidelines.
• Prepare and present at meetings of the Executive Board and Governing Board.
• Execute policies, procedures and contracts established by the Governing Board.
• Recruit, interview, select and recommend the employment of teachers and other personnel.
• Use research and data to make recommendations for the purchase of new instructional materials and technology

Continuous Improvement

• Remain abreast of current trends in SPED teaching, learning, and assessment by attending conferences and workshops based on school/district priorities
• Conduct and/or participate in workshops, committees, and conferences designed to promote the intellectual, social, and physical welfare of students
• Coordinate with universities, local districts and ESC in the participation of projects, research, student‑teacher placements and strategic planning.
• Monitor SPED school/student improvement

Communication

• Communicate clearly orally and in writing
• Promote the mission and vision of the special education cooperative
• Maintain a close working relationship with District-level administrators to ensure information exchange, coordination of efforts, and general support for the decision‑making process.
• Use a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback

District Level Planning

• Participate in the development of program goals and instructional objectives for the cooperative programs and district-level programs
• Prepare and present materials for board meetings

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education or related Field
• Master’s Degree in Education Leadership/Curriculum and Instruction/Special Education
• Professional Educator’s License in school administration
• Director of Special Education Endorsement
• Must have completed or be willing to complete the evaluation modules for teachers and building administrators
• Minimum of five years of successful experience as an administrator

Salary/Benefits

• Salary based on successful experience - $110,500 minimum
• Board‑paid TRS contribution
• $800/mo. contribution toward health insurance
• 15 Sick Days
• 3 Personal Days
• 15 Vacation Days