JOB TITLE: Director of Special Education

WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Exempt

FUNDING SOURCE: Local

REPORTS TO: Executive Director of Intervention Services

PAY GRADE:  Admin/Prof 8    

DUTY DAYS: 230

DEPARTMENT:  Learning Services

DATE REVISED:  March 2024

 

This position is eligible for a Chapter 21 contract.

 

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

• Direct the district’s special education program to ensure provision of needed services for special needs students
• Oversee the provision and implementation of individualized education plans (IEP) to meet the needs of all students and ensure compliance with all state, federal, and local requirements
• Provide support to campus and district level personnel in the area of special education compliance
• Provide support and technical assistance to campus administrators, assessment staff, and central office staff in special education instruction, programming, and services
• Provide leadership within the areas of teaching and learning, compliance, materials, assessment and evaluation, appraisal and public relations relative to students with disabilities

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education/Certification:

• Master's degree in the field of education - Required
• Valid Texas Educator Certificate - Required
• Special Education Certification (or related field) - Required
• Valid Texas Principal or mid-management certification -Preferred
• Doctorate degree - Preferred

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Spanish bilingual proficiency preferred
• Special Education assessment experience preferred
• Knowledge of federal and state rules governing the education of students with disabilities
• 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
• Ability to coordinate district function
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to foster collaboration among all parties, resolve conflict, and respond to crisis situations in a timely manner
• Experience in the improvement of student academic performance
• Knowledge of researched-based best practices for providing specially designed instruction for students with disabilities
• Knowledge of the Texas State Performances Plan Indicators (SPP) and Results Driven Accountability System (RDA)
• Ability to work cooperatively with others in attaining district special education program goals/objectives
• Ability to effectively work and communicate with students, parents, and school personnel from diverse cultures or backgrounds
• General knowledge of curriculum content area standards
• Knowledge and experience with conflict resolution, mediation, and due process hearings 
• Ability to case manage and collaborate in the best interests of students

 

Minimum Experience:

• At least five years total of successful teaching experience or related special education experience
• At least three years special education teaching experience or related special education experience
• At least three years successful administrative or leadership experience preferred
• Campus administrative leadership experience preferred
• Special Education assessment experience preferred

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Leadership

1.  Provide leadership that promotes high expectations for performance and positive staff morale for district and campus staff working with students with disabilities 
2. Build and sustain strong teams that support high levels of success for students with disabilities
3. Build and sustain strong systems for supporting high levels of success for students with disabilities using data-driven decision making in a continuous improvement model
4. Direct and coordinate the annual review and analysis of student data for Special Education Programs to make program improvement recommendations to the Superintendent
5. Provide consistent, positive, strong leadership while modeling commitment to the District’s vision, mission, and priorities
6. Read and disseminate current educational research and best practices and assume leadership in implementation of those practices that will enhance effectiveness of programs and services for students with disabilities

Special Education Programs and Services

1. Direct and manage special education programs and services to meet students’ needs
2. Monitor the State Performance Plan and RDA indicators and address areas of need as appropriate
3. Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis, and that the findings are used to make special education programs more effective
4. Direct the supervision of the Irving Regional Day School Program for the Deaf
5.  Provide leadership and support for the Wheeler Transitional Center
6. Encourage and support the development of innovative instructional programs, helping teachers to pilot such efforts when appropriate
7. Plan the necessary time, resources, and materials to support special education staff in accomplishing educational goals
8. Ensure the use of technology in the teaching-learning process for students with disabilities
9.  Supervise and monitor the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) process district-wide
10. Supervise transition services for special education students entering and exiting public school  programs
11. Obtain and use evaluation findings (including student achievement data) to gauge special education program effectiveness
12. Serve as resource person in the design and equipping of facilities for students with disabilities
13. Oversee Medicaid School Health and Related Services (SHARS) billing, reporting, and effectiveness of operations
14. Ensure that curriculum development is continual and responsive to the needs of students with disabilities
15. Demonstrate support for the district’s student management policies and expected student behavior related to special education program
16. Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences with parents, students administrators and teachers regarding special education issues
17. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required
18. Administer the special education department budget and ensure that programs are cost effective and funds are managed prudently
19. Compile budgets and cost estimates based on documented program needs
20.  Prepare, review, and revise job descriptions for the special education department
21. Develop training options and/or improvement plans to ensure exemplary operations in the special education area
22. Evaluate job performance of employees to ensure effectiveness
23. Participate in the recruitment, selection, and training of personnel and make sound recommendations relative to personnel placement, assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal
24. Communicate and interpret the philosophy of the district’s general education and special education  programs effectively with parents, school personnel, and community
25. Encourage special education staff to communicate positive high expectations for students with disabilities with community and all staff
26. Participate in professional organizations 
27. Use appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement

 

School/Community Relations: 

• Act as an effective liaison among staff, parents, and community
• Communicate and convey information with clarity regarding the district’s programs 

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  

 

Designated staff based on needs of the special education department and area of expertise

 

Supervises and evaluates the following employees:

• Special Education Coordinators
• Supervisor of Regional Day School for the Deaf
• SHARS Specialist
• Secretary
• Clerks

 

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES:

• Abide by the Professional Educator’s Code of Ethics 
• Adhere to all board policies, district administrative procedures, and the Individuals with Disabilities Act

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

 

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Must demonstrate ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written). Should be able to interpret procedures and analyze data for decision-making. Frequent in-district and occasional in-state travel. Occasional prolonged and irregular hours.

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard Office Equipment

Posture: Moderate lifting, Sitting for long periods of time, Correctable visual acuity, auditory acuity and speech, Adequate upper body strength, Adequate fine motor dexterity

Motion: Frequent walking; repetitive computer work with frequent use of hands and wrists

Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may lift and move textbooks, Folders and classroom equipment

Environment: Ability to navigate school buildings frequently and independently

Mental Demands: Concentration on required tasks, Flexibility in performing daily activities, Organization, Maintain professionalism with all staff, Must maintain emotional control, patience, and exercise reasoning and problem-solving skills while under stress

 

Safety:  Contribute to the prevention of accidents and injuries by observing safety rules and District policy, practicing the principles and skills taught in safety training, wearing personal protective equipment as required, reporting injuries and incidences immediately to the supervisor, and being proactive in the ongoing efforts to improve and maintain workplace safety.

 

The information in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Preceding statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required. Reasonable accommodations may enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

This is an in-person position.  Work from home is not allowed unless approved by the Superintendent.

 

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.