Director of Special Education

The Director of Special Education supports the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services in all aspects and legal requirements of implementing the 23 Illinois Administrative Code and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Director of Special Education will work collaboratively with the Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department, and the entire administrative team to accomplish the District’s goals.
 
ASSIGNED RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supports the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services in all aspects of educational programming for students eligible to receive special education and Section 504 services in preschool through middle school within an MTSS framework
• Coordinates and directs the identification, placement, IEP/504 development and procedural safeguards of all students eligible for special education services and/or ADA accommodations 
• Supports the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services in the systematic development of programs and procedures for related service areas including; social workers, psychologists, learning behavior specialists, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists and physical therapists
• Coordinates curriculum planning with all of the Curriculum Directors for students in resource and self-contained classrooms to ensure curriculum vertical and horizontal alignment with District goals and state learning standards
• Works collaboratively with the Director of Social Emotional Learning to advance the goals of the Student Services Department
• Facilitates 504 meetings, multidisciplinary conferences, IEP meetings and annual reviews
• Monitors team meetings for buildings, as well as, self-contained classrooms/programs
• Supports the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services in facilitating meetings and collaboration with team leads 
• Promotes collaboration between general education and special education staff
• Gathers information and develop resources regarding alternative methods and models of student services and programming
• Supports the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services in developing an annual staffing plan that promotes equitable services to students in the attainment of developmentally appropriate goals
• Provides consultation to staff on the district and individual building levels pertaining to procedures, services, and programming
• Serves as a liaison to the families and the community resources as appropriate
• Provides consultation on staff evaluations to the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services in order to aid building administrators

• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License 
  • General Administrative and Director of Special Education Endorsements
  • Special Education and/or School Service Personnel Endorsements
  • Minimum of 5 years experience as a learning behavior specialist, teacher, and/or related service professional in the public school setting
  • Experience in administration in the public education setting (or comparable experience)
  • Administrator Evaluator designation (preferred)
  • Teacher Evaluator designation (preferred)

• Proficient with Google applications/programs
• Excellent consultation, collaboration, and communication skills (written, verbal, and presentation)
• Proven ability to make difficult decisions in a timely manner
• Proven organizational and time management skills
• Possess high levels of organization, flexibility, and cooperativeness
• Proven ability to lead adults
• Ability to lead and manage complex projects
• Ability to work collaboratively with teachers, supervisors, and administration

This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.