Primary Purpose:
Assist the Director in planning, coordinating, implementing and supervising District’s special education program. Provide leadership, training, and technical assistance to special education personnel to ensure the needs of students are being met, and that local, federal and state guidelines are being followed.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
Master's degree
Texas Mid-Management preferred or Diagnostician Certification, Licensed Specialist in School Psychology or Speech-Language Pathologist Certification and Valid Texas teaching certificate with special education endorsement preferred.
Special Knowledge/Skills:
In depth knowledge of federal and state special education law
Understanding of the individual needs of special needs students
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Training/experience in conflict resolution
Ability to interpret policy and procedures
Ability to interpret data
Ability to manage budget and personnel
Strong technology skills
Experience:
Five years of experience as a special educator – teacher, therapist, or LSSP
Three years of special education administrative/leadership experience
Experience with multiple grade levels preferred
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
Instructional and Program Management
- Assist the Executive Director in setting the mission, vision, and priorities for the special education department.
- Assist in directing and managing special education programs and services to meet students’ needs.
- Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis, and that the findings are used to make the special education programs more effective.
- Ensure the use of technology in the teaching-learning process.
- Encourage and support the development of innovative, research based instructional programs.
- Plan the necessary time, resources, and materials to support subordinates in accomplishing educational goals.
- Support and provide guidance for the special education referral process.
- Monitor the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) process districtwide.
- Participate in ARD committee meetings as necessary, 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.
- 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.
- Ensure that curriculum renewal is continuous and responsive to student needs.
Policy, Reports, and Law
- Recommend sound policies to improve program.
- Implement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education, and local board policy in area of special education
- Assist Director with compiling data for State Performance Indicators, PEIMS, Grant Applications and any other state or federal reporting requirements.
- Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
Budget and Inventory
- Provide information and make recommendations for special education budgets and to ensure that programs are cost effective and funds are managed prudently.
- Help maintain a current inventory of supplies and equipment and recommend the replacement and disposal of equipment when necessary.
- Assist in purchasing and approval process for special education services.
Personnel Management
- Assist in process for evaluating staff needs and make recommendations to Director
- Develop training options and/or improvement plans to ensure exemplary operations in the special education area.
- 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.
- Assist in securing consultants, specialists and other community resources
Communication and Community Relations
- Demonstrate effective communication with Director around issues related to special education programming
- Collaborate with campus administration to identify and solve issues around special education
- Demonstrate skill in conflict resolution
- 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.
- 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.
Other
- Perform duties in a professional, ethical and responsible manner as defined in the TEA Code of Ethics for Educators
- Participate in professional learning and growth opportunities and participate in Professional Organizations
- Maintain Confidentiality.
- Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Supervise and evaluate the performance of special education staff as assigned by the Director.
Working Conditions:
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent district-wide travel and occasional statewide travel; occasional prolonged and irregular hours.
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. |