TITLE:  Director of Special Education - Grades PK-8                        QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Valid and appropriate Illinois licensure.
• Director of Special Education endorsement required.
• Prior school administrative experience required.
• Complete required professional development to retain certification.
• Successful completion of fingerprint based criminal background check (IL State Police and FBI), sex offender and violent youth offender screening, and employment physical.
• Motor Vehicle Operator's License and ability to provide own transportation

  REPORTS TO:  District Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent

JOB GOAL:  To implement, administer and maintain the school district's special education programs, 

including speech, psychology, and social work services and to act as an educational leader 

ensuring state and national standards are being met for student performance.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops and administers school district's special education services programs consistent with school district goals and objectives, as well as applicable law.
• Reviews, approves and coordinates all outside placements for the school district.
• Coordinates the planning and implementation of special education curriculum and assessment materials used by students served by the district.
• Supports all staff of the school district in the interpretation and use of assessment in their professional support of the students served.
• Directs the implementation of all state and federal mandates in relation to special education services.
• Communicates and interprets state and federal mandates to school administrators and staff.
• Develops cooperative exchange of ideas and services with school staff, state and federal agencies, and professional organizations.
• Identifies and recommends facility needs for students served.
• Assists in the planning, developing, and implementing of individual student educational and behavior plans.
• Manages and supervises special education services, including the recruitment, selection, training, professional development and evaluation of staff under areas of responsibility as directed by the superintendent
• Makes recommendations and provides constructive feedback and takes corrective action if necessary.
• Coordinates and attends meetings with district staff and parents, serves on committees, and conducts professional development as needed to fulfill responsibilities.
• Oversees the Extended School Year Program
• Uses computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Organizes and coordinates work efficiently.
• Communicates effectively with staff, students and parents.
• Engages in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the superintendent and other district office administrators as designated by the superintendent.
• Adheres to a professional code of ethics which includes confidentiality of school related matters and loyalty to the school district.

Note: The above description is illustrative of most tasks and responsibilities.  It is not all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 12 month 

SALARY: Regionally competitive - actual salary, benefits, contractual terms and conditions will be set by Board of Education thru the superintendent’s recommendation

EVALUATION:  Annually by Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent

Adopted: December 10, 2020

Updated: September 10,  2026

Central School District 51 is a regular school district located in Tazewell County with 2 schools, 78 teachers and 1,276 students. Total Revenue is $16,876,000 and is trending flat. Central School District 51 spends $10,916 per student per year on instruction.