POSITION TITLE: Principal POSITION GUIDE: Administration

REPORTS TO: Superintendent TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 242 days per year Salary commensurate with experience

POSITION SUMMARY

The Principal provides instructional leadership and administrative oversight for assigned programs and students within SPEED. This position ensures high‑quality, compliant, and research‑based educational services for students with disabilities while maintaining alignment with ISBE regulations, IDEA requirements, and SPEED policies. The Principal fosters a safe, inclusive learning environment and collaborates with staff, families, and member districts to support student success.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL)
General Administrative Endorsement
LBS I Endorsement
Successful completion of the Illinois Growth Through Learning Teacher Performance Evaluation Training Program
Demonstrated knowledge of special education law, best practices, and instructional delivery models
Experience working with students with a wide range of disabilities
Strong understanding of the relationship among cognitive, behavioral, social‑emotional, communicative, and academic development
Commitment to equitable, student‑centered educational programming

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Instructional & Program Leadership:

Participate as an active member of the SPEED Leadership Team
Establish, implement, and evaluate program goals and objectives
Conduct ongoing needs assessments and use data to inform instructional decisions
Develop, monitor, and update program descriptions as required
Ensure curriculum and instructional practices align with research‑based best practices
Participate in internal and external program reviews and compliance activities

Organizational & Operational Leadership:

Demonstrate professional responsibility and adherence to SPEED policies and procedures
Support compliance with ISBE, IDEA, and other regulatory requirements
Collaborate in divergent and convergent decision‑making processes
Utilize community, state, and national resources to support student programming and safety
Maintain a safe and structured learning environment across all assigned programs

Supervision & Student Support:

Provide leadership for assigned students, certified staff, support personnel, interns, and volunteers
Ensure the welfare, supervision, and safety of students during instructional time, transitions, and school‑related activities
Promote positive school culture and effective communication among staff and stakeholders
Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND COMPETENCIES

Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to analyze and interpret correspondence, reports, and compliance documents
Ability to prepare reports and effectively present information
Strong organizational, leadership, and personal management skills
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, families, staff, administrators, and community partners
Ability to exercise sound professional judgment aligned with SPEED’s mission and goals

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made in accordance with the ADA.

Ability to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear for extended periods
Ability to operate electronic equipment and perform repetitive hand movements
Vision requirements include close vision and the ability to adjust focus
Ability to lift, carry, bend, push, and pull as required
Ability to physically manage and/or restrain students weighing up to 250 pounds, with assistance, when necessary

ETHICS AND CONFIDENTIALITY

All SPEED employees are expected to maintain the highest standards of ethical conduct and confidentiality regarding students, personnel, and all job‑related matters. The Principal is expected to model professionalism and contribute to a safe and respectful school environment.

EVALUATION

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with procedures established by the SPEED Governing Board.

HIRING CONTACT

Human Resources Director SPEED (708) 481‑6100