Primary Purpose:

The Director will direct the district’s special education program to ensure provision of needed services for special needs students. Oversee staff to provide individualized education plans to meet the needs of all students. Ensure compliance of all state, federal, and local requirements.  Develop staffing plans to meet the needs of all students with special needs.  Create annual budget and continuously monitor for federal and state compliance.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education/Certification:             

Master’s degree

Valid Texas Teacher certification in Special Education  

Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50.00) paid by employee.

Knowledge/Skills:

In-depth knowledge of federal and state special education law

Analytical skills to demonstrate sound judgment with regard to budget, law, staffing student data, and student needs

Understanding of and experience working with a variety of students with special needs

Ability to communicate with all levels of special needs students and their parents

Ability to implement policy and procedures

Ability to interpret many types of data (special education assessments, staffing patterns, scores, etc.)

Ability to manage budget and personnel

Ability to coordinate district function

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience:

Three (3) years’ experience in Special Education

Three (3) years’ of administrative experience with strong emphasis in education administration

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

(The following statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions that may be assigned or skills that may be required)

Professionalism

The Educators' Code of Ethics is set forth in Texas Administrative Code to provide rules for standard practices and ethical conduct toward students, professional colleagues, school officials, parents, and members of the community. 

• Rule §247.1 Purpose and Scope; Definitions
• Rule §247.2 Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators 

Instructional Management

The director promotes improvement of instruction through activities such as the following: 

• Ensure instructional arrangements provide the least restrictive environment for all students.
• Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis, and that the findings are used to make special education program more effective.
• Ensure the use of technology in the teaching-learning process.
• Ensure that Individualized Education Plan are being implemented.
• Work collaboratively with administrators and teachers for instructional improvement and program continuity.  

Organization Improvement

The director promotes leadership in efforts to improve the school or organization through activities such as the following: 

• Ensure that curriculum renewal is continuous and responsive to student needs.
• Recommend sound policies to improve program.
• Develop professional development and continuous improvement plans to ensure exemplary operations in the special education area.

Communication and Community Relations

The director promotes a positive tone for school or community relations through activities such as the following: 

• Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, and teachers concerning vital issues.
• Serve as district liaison to community agencies providing services to students and notify parents and students of available services.
• Participate in professional organizations and serve on community boards.
• Articulate the district’s mission and goals in the area of special education to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.
• Demonstrate awareness of district-community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs.
• Use appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.

Organization Management

The director manages administrative, fiscal, and facilities functions responsibly through activities such as the following:  

• Direct and manage special education programs and services to meet students’ needs.
• Develop innovative instructional programs, helping teachers to pilot such efforts when appropriate.
• Plan the necessary time, resources, and materials to support subordinates in accomplishing educational goals.
• Manage the special education referral process; arrange for or conduct student assessments; make recommendations regarding placement and program management for individual students.
• Supervise and monitor the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) process districtwide.
• Participate in committee meetings to ensure the appropriate placement and development of individual education plans for students according to district procedures.
• Supervise transition services for special education students entering and exiting public school programs.
• Provide leadership in the formulation and implementation of contracts for special education students receiving services outside of the district.
• Obtain and use evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to gauge special education program effectiveness.
• Serve as resource person in the design and equipping of facilities for students with disabilities.
• Demonstrate support for the district’s student management policies and expected student behavior related to special education program.
• Implement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in area of special education.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
• Work with TEA to resolve parental disputes.
• Administer the special education department budget and ensure that programs are cost effective and funds are managed prudently.
• Compile budgets and cost estimates based on documented program needs.
• Approve and forward purchase orders for special education department to accounting department.
• Maintain a current inventory of supplies and equipment and recommend the replacement and disposal of equipment when necessary.
• Prepare, review, and revise job descriptions in special education department.
• Evaluate job performance of employees to ensure effectiveness.
• Participate in the recruitment, selection, and training of personnel and make sound recommendations relative to personnel placement, assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.  

Professional Growth and Development

The director provides leadership in professional growth and development through activities such as the following:

• Pursue professional development activities; participates and/or present at professional conferences in the areas of Special Education as approved by supervisor.
• Stay current in areas of instructional innovations, educational research and disseminate information to Special Education staff members.
• Plan and provide staff development for teachers, administrators, and staff in the designed subject area.
• Organize and manage professional development by outside entities, including university projects, regional service providers, and vendors.
• Disseminate information regarding current research and significant developments on the state and national service providers, and vendors.
• Participate in national and state level organizations to stay abreast of latest research and best practice.
• Read synthesize, and disseminate research and information related to best practices from books, journals, list-serve, Websites, and other media formats.  

Qualities of an Effective Director 

The director exhibits the following qualities: 

• Comply with district and campus policies and procedures, as well as state and federal laws and regulations.
• Comply with the standards of conduct set out in Board Policy DH (Legal) and (Local) and with any other policies, regulations, and guidelines that impose duties, requirements, or standards.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrate a high level of personal integrity, a collaborative leadership style, and high ethical standards.
• Keep informed of and comply with state, district, and campus policies affecting schools.
• Compile, maintain and file all reports, records, and other required documents.
• Daily attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job.  

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff. 

Equipment:

Personal computer, printer, scanner, copier, fax machine, shredder, calculator, and telephone.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors 

• Work irregular and extended work hours to include holidays and weekends.
• Work with frequent interruptions.
• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Frequent travel inside district; occasional travel outside district.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.