Director of Special Education

The mission of Insight PA Cyber Charter School is to provide an exemplary individualized and engaging educational experience for students by incorporating school and community/family partnerships coupled with a rigorous curriculum along with a data-driven and student-centered instructional model. Student success will be measured by valid and reliable assessment data, parent and student satisfaction, and continued institutional growth within the academic community. Join us!

The Director of Special Education oversees special education programs, services, and compliance for students with disabilities in our online learning environment. This role supervises staff, supports IEP processes, collaborates with families and school teams, and ensures students receive appropriate academic and related services. The position also focuses on maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations, monitoring student progress, and improving systems and processes to support effective virtual learning. 

This is a primarily remote, full-time position. Ability to work independently, typically 40 hours per week is required. Ability to maintain a professional home office without distraction during workday, typically 8-4 or as defined by the school.

Salary range is $130,000-$140,000 annual base salary.

Essential Functions: The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to the Special Education Teacher position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required; other duties may be assigned as department needs arise.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties. 

• Oversees the implementation and compliance of special education programs and services in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Provides strategic leadership for the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of special education programs, services, and instructional practices.
• Ensures the development, implementation, and monitoring of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in alignment with student needs and legal requirements.
• Oversees special education processes including evaluations, reevaluations, eligibility determinations, manifestation determinations, transition planning, extended school year services, and due process requirements.
• Collaborates with curriculum, assessment, and instructional leaders to ensure students with disabilities have access to standards-aligned instruction, appropriate interventions, and meaningful educational progress.
• Oversees the implementation of specially designed instruction, accommodations, modifications, and evidence-based practices across instructional settings.
• Monitors student achievement, service delivery, compliance indicators, and program effectiveness through data analysis, reporting, and continuous improvement processes.
• Utilizes data to identify trends, monitor program effectiveness, and inform strategic decision-making related to student outcomes and departmental priorities.
• Develops and implements policies, procedures, and operational systems related to special education services and compliance.
• Leads professional development and coaching related to special education compliance, instructional practices, inclusive supports, behavioral programming, and legal requirements.
• Collaborates with school leadership, general education teams, families, and outside agencies to support student success and continuity of services.
• Provides leadership and guidance in resolving complex student, family, compliance, and service delivery concerns.
• Oversees contracts, partnerships, and coordination with outside providers, agencies, and service vendors to ensure effective and compliant service delivery.
• Supports the development and implementation of inclusive practices and multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
• Supports compliance monitoring activities, audits, corrective action plans, state reporting requirements, and internal program reviews.
• In conjunction with the Finance and Human Resources leaders, manages the department budget, staffing allocations, contracts, and resource planning to support effective program implementation.
• Ensures appropriate accommodations, modifications, assistive technology, and supports are provided to students across instructional settings.
• Promotes a positive, student-centered culture focused on equity, access, inclusion, and educational outcomes for students with disabilities.
• Coordinates with multidisciplinary teams to ensure effective communication, collaboration, and continuity of services.
• Maintains expertise in current special education laws, regulations, compliance expectations, and emerging best practices.
• Supports organizational initiatives and strategic planning related to special education, student services, and school improvement efforts.
• Serves as a point of contact and collaborates with legal counsel, state agencies, and school leadership regarding special education disputes, complaints, due process matters, and regulatory compliance concerns.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of student, personnel, and organizational information in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and school policies, including FERPA and IDEA requirements.
• Performs additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position supervises the following positions: special education administrators, teachers, related service providers, and support staff. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

• Provides direct supervision, leadership, and support to special education administrators, teachers, related service providers, and support staff.
• Conducts performance evaluations, provides coaching and feedback, and supports professional growth and development.
• Leads or assists with hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, and staffing recommendations for special education personnel.
• Monitors staff performance to ensure compliance with policies, procedures, timelines, and service delivery expectations.
• Supports employee relations matters in collaboration with Human Resources and school leadership.
• Facilitates team meetings, promotes collaboration across departments, and fosters a positive and productive work environment.
• Oversees workload distribution and ensures appropriate coverage for student and program needs.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• A Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, School Administration, or a related field
• Active Pennsylvania Supervisor of Special Education certification or Pennsylvania Principal certification
• 5 Years of relevant work experience OR
• Equivalent combination of education and experience
• All PDE required clearances for school-based personnel
• Special Education classroom experience

Residency Requirement: Resident of Pennsylvania; residents of other states will be considered on a case by case basis.

Minimum Required Skill Set

• Demonstrated leadership competencies
• Great organizational and time management skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Adaptable technology skills
• Experience using search engines (internet) for research projects
• Experience using a student information system and/or other type of database

• Demonstrated competencies with general technology, Microsoft Office Platforms (Outlook, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Teams, etc.), Google Platforms, Zoom, etc.

   

Preferred Qualifications 

• Prior experience as a Director of Special Education or similar position 

Certificates and Licenses 

• Special Education Supervisory Certification (Preferred) or Principal Certification

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This is a home-based position. When office days are required, the noise level in the office is usually moderate (computers, printers, light foot traffic).

• This position will include limited travel and will include limited overnight travel. This is estimated to be less than 25% of the time. Travel will be required for team meetings, community events, professional development, and state testing.

   

Job Performance Requirements
The mental and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

1. Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
2. Ability to exhibit mental dexterity to "dial" a telephone, to enter data into a computer, to read a computer screen and printed material, to hear and understand speech at normal office/workplace levels, and on the telephone, and to speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in the workplace and on the telephone.
3. Ability to physically lift up to 10 pounds.
4. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret workplace documents, technical procedures, research studies, and governmental regulations.
5. Ability to write reports with clarity.
6. Ability to interface diplomatically with all members of the school community - administrators, teachers, parents, students, Board members, support staff, colleagues, and outside professional contacts.
7. Ability to coordinate and use technology for a variety of workplace purposes and communications.

8. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

    

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of this position.  Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their  supervisor. All employment is at-will as governed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The at-will nature of employment is one aspect of employment that cannot be changed except in writing and signed  by an authorized officer of Insight PA Cyber Charter School.

Insight PA Cyber Charter School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status age, or genetics, or any other characteristic protected by law.