Associate Director of Special Education

Job Summary: This position is responsible for supporting the Director of Special Education with the efficient and effective operation of PK-12 special education services of the district by providing leadership in the planning coordination and implementation of a comprehensive plan for special education. This position requires the use of independent judgment self-initiation and diverse leadership strategies. The essential functions as shown below only represent key areas of responsibility.

Essential Functions:

• Supports and assists the Director of Special Education in
• Directing district special education services
• Directing district behavior supports
• Directing secondary and post-secondary transition programs
• Directing district instructional strategists and support staff (in collaboration with building leadership)

Hiring Specifications:

Education

• Masters degree in Education Ed Leadership or an applicable area related to the scope of responsibility
• Additional graduate work related to the scope of responsibility is highly desired

Certification

• Special Education endorsement preferred
• Iowa Professional Administrator license with PK-12 Principal and/or PK-12 Supervisor of Special Education endorsement(s).
• Evaluator license

Experience

• Five (5) years of successful teaching experience (in special education field preferred)
• Three (3) years of successful administrative/leadership experience (in the special education field preferred)
• Experience with a range of instructional delivery systems and inclusionary services required

Skills Knowledge & Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of state and federal laws and rules governing special education and behavior plans
• Experience and knowledge of multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) and problem-solving practices
• Experience and knowledge of MANDT and other crisis prevention/de-escalation systems
• Knowledge of billing (tuition in/tuition out/residential Medicaid)
• Knowledge of transportation regulations as it relates to special education
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of related research and quality practices
• Ability to organize varied responsibilities and meet deadlines
• Ability to work collaboratively with district personnel committees and community agencies
• Ability to work collaboratively with teacher teams and instructional coaches
• Knowledge of processes and procedures to address effective implementation of the least restrictive environment requirements including implementation of the districts district-developed service delivery plan.
• Ability to work effectively cooperatively and respectfully with staff parents students and community members regardless of race creed color gender sexual orientation gender identity ethnic/national origin religion marital status age socio-economic status or disability
• Ability to recognize sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to handle adversity in an objective manner
• Demonstrated record of commitment and sensitivity to affirmative action equal opportunity and human rights
• Ability to develop manage and monitor program budgets
• Knowledge of processes to address cultural diversity and associated issues related to student performance and instructional methodology

Technology Requirements

• Basic computer skills (computer navigation email web browser Employee Portal)
• Intermediate computer skills (Google Suites search function student information systems basic Promethean)
• High computer skills (familiarity with Education Tech Tools Information Systems specific to the position)
• Ability to reach all skill levels listed if not already acquired

Supervision of Others:

• Behavior Support Specialists
• Special Education Instructional Coaches

Personal Contacts:

• All district personnel
• Parents students and community members
• Area Education Agency personnel
• Professional associations and agencies
• Advisory and district committee members
• State and national education agencies

Job Duties:

1. Provides leadership and coordination of special education transition services of the district.
2. Assists in an annual review of Central Rivers AEA support services and recommends changes as needed.
3. Supports the implementation of department and building improvement plans.
4. Works closely with Human Resources to support hiring and other personnel decisions.
5. Assists in the maintenance analysis recommendations and implementation of effective special education practices based on student data.
6. Coordinates the evaluation of needs arrangements and provision of professional development in the area of special education services.
7. Coordinates the purchase of materials and equipment for special education classrooms.
8. Supports compliance of state and federal laws and rules governing special education.
9. Provides leadership supervision and coordination of transition services.
10. Communicates with parents and the community on matters relating to special education services.
11. Supports oversight of state reporting as it relates to Special Education (BEDS Child Count LEA FTE Alternate Assessments (DLM & ELAA).
12. Support at the LEA & AEA level of IEP needs/meetings (when legal counsel is needed challenging parent/family situations etc).
13. Ensures that all special education staff are compliant with required training.
14. Assists school administrators in understanding and properly enforcing district policies and regulations related to special education.
15. Provides leadership professional learning and coaching to the Special Education Instructional Coaches.
16. Expands and monitors the effective implementation of problem-solving practices and procedures.
17. Coordinates the developing writing and filing of required reports.
18. Evaluates designated personnel.
19. Keeps current on research and best practices in the field.
20. Coordinates with the Teaching and Learning Department on the development and implementation of curriculum and instructional practices that fully consider students unique needs.
21. Adheres to high ethical standards and demonstrates professionalism when acting as an agent of the district.
22. Maintains professional growth through graduate work professional organizations seminars conferences and/or related professional literature.
23. Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Special Education.

Physical Requirements:

Terms of Employment: Twelve-month contract per Board policy and administrative guidelines.

Date Last Revised: 3/8/2024

Required Experience:

Director