Job Summary
The Director of Special Education provides leadership, supervision, and compliance oversight for the
district’s special education programs and related services. This role ensures students with disabilities
receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) in
accordance with IDEA, Section 504, ADA, and applicable state rules. The Director supports high-quality
instruction, effective service delivery, and collaborative problem-solving with staff and families.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Program Leadership and Instructional Support
? Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of special education services and
programming across the district.
? Promote inclusive practices and effective instructional strategies for students with disabilities.
? Support campus leaders and teachers with evidence-based interventions, progress monitoring, and
specially designed instruction.
? Provide leadership for IEP implementation and service delivery, ensuring fidelity to plans and goals.
Compliance and Legal Requirements
? Ensure district-wide compliance with IDEA, state special education regulations, Section 504/ADA (as
applicable), and district policies.
? Oversee IEP processes, timelines, procedural safeguards, evaluation/re-evaluation procedures, and
required documentation.
? Support dispute prevention and resolution; coordinate responses to complaints, due process, and
corrective actions as needed.
? Maintain systems for record-keeping, audit readiness, and monitoring of compliance indicators.
Evaluation, Eligibility, and Data Oversight

? Oversee referral, evaluation, and eligibility determination processes in collaboration with evaluators
and campus teams.
? Use student and program data to guide decisions, improve outcomes, and ensure appropriate
placement and services.
? Ensure accurate special education reporting and state submissions, including timely and complete
documentation.
Staffing, Supervision, and Professional Learning
? Supervise and support special education staff as assigned (e.g., SPED teachers, related service
providers, paraprofessionals, evaluators).
? Assist with recruitment, hiring, onboarding, coaching, and performance evaluation of special
education personnel.
? Plan and deliver professional learning for teachers and administrators on IEP implementation,
accommodations/modifications, and compliance practices.
Budget, Resources, and Contracts
? Develop and manage the special education department budget.
? Coordinate the use of state and federal special education funds and ensure allowable spending
practices.
? Manage contracts and partnerships (e.g., OT/PT, speech services, outside placements), including
monitoring performance and compliance.
? Collaborate on assistive technology and specialized instructional materials to meet student needs.
Collaboration and Family Engagement
? Partner with principals and district leaders to align programming and supports for students with
disabilities.
? Foster positive relationships with families through clear communication, collaboration, and
responsiveness.
? Coordinate transition planning and services (early childhood transition, secondary transition to
postsecondary education/employment, and related supports).
Required Qualifications
? Master’s degree in Special Education
? Valid state certification/licensure in Special Education Administration (as required by the
state/district).
? Minimum of X years of successful experience in special education (teaching and/or leadership
experience preferred).
? Demonstrated knowledge of IDEA, FAPE, LRE, evaluation procedures, IEP
development/implementation, and related services.
? Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and conflict-resolution skills.

Preferred Qualifications
? Special education administration certification/endorsement.
? Experience supervising staff and managing budgets/contracts.
? Experience with compliance monitoring, audits, and dispute resolution.
? Background in inclusive practices, MTSS, and behavioral support systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
? Deep understanding of special education law and practical implementation in schools.
? Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and lead continuous improvement efforts.
? Ability to coach educators and build collaborative relationships across teams.
? Strong written communication for reports, compliance documentation, and family communication.
? Ability to manage multiple deadlines and high-stakes situations calmly and professionally.

Equal Opportunity Statement
The district is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable
law.