Assistant Director of Secondary Special Education Services & Programs

Lansing School District • Lansing, MI

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Lansing School District is seeking an Assistant Director of Secondary Special Education Services and Programs to support the implementation of special education services for students in grades 6–12. This role ensures compliance with IDEA, MARSE, and Michigan-specific transition requirements, with a strong emphasis on postsecondary outcomes such as college, career, and community readiness. The district serves over 10,000 PreK-12 students in Lansing, MI, offering a variety of innovative educational options and is dedicated to providing an excellent education in a safe and nurturing environment.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or higher in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field preferred
• Valid Michigan School Administrator Certificate or eligibility (Special Education Supervisor Certification will suffice)
• Special Education approval preferred
• Experience in secondary special education
• Strong knowledge of MARSE, transition requirements, and MMC

Responsibilities

• Assist in overseeing middle and high school special education programming.
• Ensure compliance with MARSE, including transition planning requirements beginning no later than age 15.
• Support development and monitoring of IEPs with a focus on measurable postsecondary goals and transition services.
• Assist with dispute resolution, including parent concerns, mediation, and complaint processes aligned with MDE procedures.
• Collaborate with counselors and administrators to support Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC) access, credit attainment, and graduation pathways.
• Oversee and support transition services, including vocational training, community-based instruction, and partnerships with Michigan agencies (e.g., Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS)).
• Monitor key outcomes such as graduation rates, dropout rates, and postsecondary enrollment/employment data.
• Support compliance with discipline procedures, including manifestation determination reviews (MDRs).
• Assist with data reporting and compliance through MSDS and MDE monitoring systems.
• Facilitate and participate in scheduled data meetings.
• Provide leadership and professional development related to secondary instruction, inclusion, and transition planning.
• Collaborate with ISDs and regional partners to expand programming opportunities.
• Attend and draft IEP and MDR meetings as Case Manager and/or District Representative.
• Support building administrators through guidance and collaboration, and regularly review data together.
• Coach and evaluate SE Specialist(s) on supporting teachers and compliance.
• Facilitate professional development aligned with MDE guidance and early childhood best practices.
• Review IEPs for new enrollments and complete permission to place forms to share with families.
• Maintain good standing in Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) and attend PD throughout the year to stay current on certifications.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Equal opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation
• Rich environment for professional growth and student experiences by valuing diverse perspectives
• Internal mobility

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director