Director of Special Education

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were written out in this job description.

GRPS MISSION: Our mission is to ensure that all scholars are educated self-directed and productive members of society.

Executive Director of Special Education

Department: Special Education

Unit: Executive Exempt

Wage: Compensation range listed is based on an average 1-15 years of experience as determined by Human Resources

Grade 115 Specific salary based on experience

Direct of Supervisor: Superintendent

JOB SUMMARY

This is an executive position within the instructional division reporting to the Superintendent and serving as a member of the Districts Executive Team. This position acts as instructional leader for building principals provides oversight and direction for all schools across the district for special education early intervention services and Section 504. This position ensures program integration with the other instructional and district departments Kent Intermediate School District its constituent local educational agencies and the Michigan Department of Education. This position ensures compliance with special education Laws Rules Regulations Acts and Codes (State and Federal).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include any of the following duties knowledge and skills. This list is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by employees in this position. Regular on time and in person attendance is an essential function of this job. Other essential functions may include but are not limited to the following:

• Ensures that each building and program supervised is employing the districts instructional model(s) and programs in a manner that will improve scholar achievement.
• Ensures that each building and program has developed and implemented a building level professional development plan focused on improving instruction and scholar learning.
• Ensures that each building and program implements the Michigan Curriculum Framework assesses scholars consistent with the framework and develops appropriate schedules to meet unique needs of learners.
• Supervises and evaluates (SE) administrators.
• Develops and administers the SE budget.
• Ensures compliance with local state and federal laws rules regulations acts and codes.
• Monitors District performance on compliance indicators.
• Monitors scholar progress.
• Assists in recruitment selection and recommendation of hiring of personnel.
• Responsible for managing scholar data system for individual records of all scholars receiving MTSS SE and 504 services.
• Assists in the implementation of school policies and procedures to include special education needs.
• Keeps informed of all legal mandates governing special education.
• Organizes teams and other supports to assist staff in effective instructional practices and curriculum implementation that increase access to the general curriculum for scholars with IEPs.
• Directs manages and implements on-going training to improve instructional delivery in conjunction with other Cabinet members.
• Gathers and analyzes data for the purpose of improving academic achievement and scholar outcomes.
• Collaborates and works closely with the Superintendent and other Cabinet members to develop and implement strategies that will lead to academic success for all scholars.
• Maintains knowledge of current and emerging teaching and learning theories and strategies.
• Maintains positive cooperative and mutually respectful relationship with all administrative and instructional staff and community stakeholders.
• Leads the SE administrative team.
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as may from time to time be assigned.
• Ability to work flexible hours evenings and weekends.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience:

• Masters degree in education or a special education related field.
• Seven years of professional practice or seven years of relevant special education administrative experience.

• Hold a valid Director of Special Education certificate or not later than 6 months after employment become enrolled in a program leading to certification as a Special Education of the program must occur within two years of hire.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• High level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations and documentation.
• Proven team leadership and problem solving (listen identify problem and collaboratively problem solve).
• Demonstrated ability to make good decisions that are consistent and fair within contractual guidelines and Board policies.
• Ability to work with diverse groups facilitate group discussions and teach adult learners.
• Ability to be a team leader plan and manage multiple projects and budgets.
• Attention to detail in composing typing and proofing materials establishing priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Good to excellent spelling grammar and written communication skills.
• Excellent telephone etiquette and oral communication skills.
• Recognition of adherence to the confidentiality requirements of the office and ability to maintain it at a high level.
• Knowledge of current issues problems and challenges faced by urban systems.
• Demonstrated regular and predictable attendance.
• Ability to work flexible hours evenings and weekends.
• Consistently demonstrate dependable attendance and punctuality.

ADA REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands work environment factors and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stands and/or walks during most of the working day. Turns stoops climbs bends pushes pulls reaches for and carries materials and equipment in the performance of tasks. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds. Must be able to work outside for extended periods (up to the entire eight-hour shift) in all weather conditions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud to moderate.

MENTAL FUNCTIONS

While performing the duties of this job the employee is required to compare analyze communicate both orally and in writing in the English language copy coordinate instruct compute synthesize evaluate use interpersonal skills compile and negotiate.

Non-Discrimination

The Grand Rapids Public Schools will not discriminate against any person based on race sex sexual orientation gender gender identity and expression height weight color religion national origin age marital status pregnancy disability veteran or military status.

Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations: Assistance with the application process may be requested through the Human Resources Department at ( or

Required Experience:

Director