Director of Special Education

Director of Special EducationThe Director of Special Education provides oversight and strategic support for our Special Education and 504 services. The Director collaborates with schools to ensure students with IEPs and 504s are provided access to grade level instruction through high quality individualized services. A Director serves three core functions: Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of all programs serving students with IEPs/504s in alignment to state and federal guidelinesInstructional leadership by providing data-driven and research based professional development on best practices for students with IEPsProgram and student advocacyCore Functions: Function 1: Program Development, Implementation and EvaluationProgram Entry AssessmentProgram DesignProgram EvaluationProgram Coordination / ImplementationStudent Placement OversightDevelopment and Evaluation of Direct ReportsSchool Support Strategy Design and ImplementationStaff PlacementInterdepartmental CollaborationFederal and State Reporting, Compliance and Grant ManagementFunction 2: Instructional LeadershipProfessional Development for School LeadersProfessional Development for Program Teachers and StaffProfessional Development for Direct ReportsObservation of PracticeFunction 3: AdvisoryBoard ReportingParent and Community EngagementBudgetExternal PDContracts and PurchasesContent Knowledge and Skills: Adult learning and instructional coaching frameworks for special education; Systems level continuous improvement planning; Current research, policy, and best practices for individualized education programs of instruction across continuum of service settings ranging from the general education setting to adaptive skills and transition programs for young adults; State and federal regulations related to Special education, including IDEA and relevant ISBE guidelines; Technologically proficient in data management systems, Google and Microsoft Office Suite, and educational platforms that support progress monitoring for students with IEPs; Bilingual Spanish proficiency preferredLeadership Intelligences and Competencies: Ethical and Integrity; Self-aware; Intentional; Accountable; Organized; Resilient; Adaptive; Collaborative; Motivational; Resourceful; Visionary; Data Literacy; Self-driven, strategic management; Result-Orientation; Receptive and reflectiveExperience: Minimum of five years of experience as a full-time educator in a Special Education P-12 setting; Minimum of three years of successful educational leadership experience as a school Principal or Assistant Principal; Minimum of three years of impactful educational leadership experience as a central office administratorEducation: Master's Degree in Education (required); Director of Special Education endorsement (required); Professional Educators License with General Administrator Endorsement (required); ESL and/or Bilingual Endorsement (preferred)