Assistant Director of Special Education-Behavior Support 2026-2027

Tempe School District No.3•Tempe, AZ

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Special Education – Behavior Support is responsible for leading the district’s behavioral systems of support within special education. This role strengthens Multi-Tiered Systems of Support for Behavior (MTSS-B), ensures fidelity of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and enhances staff capacity to meet the behavioral, emotional, and regulatory needs of students with disabilities. This position collaborates with school-based teams, mental health professionals, and families to reduce disproportionality in discipline and ensure supportive, legally compliant behavior practices.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Special Education, Psychology, Behavioral Science, or related field
Valid Arizona Administrative Certificate or ability to obtain
Extensive experience with FBAs, BIPs, and behavior-focused special education programming
Familiarity with legal requirements related to discipline, manifestation determination, and behavioral support plans

Nice To Haves

BCBA or related behavioral certification (preferred but not required)
Experience leading multi-tiered behavioral supports at the school or district level
Strong facilitation and coaching skills for both classified and certified staff
Ability to manage complex student needs with compassion, cultural awareness, and legal compliance

Responsibilities

Provide districtwide leadership on the implementation of tiered behavioral supports for students with disabilities, including restorative, trauma-informed, and preventive strategies.
Ensure consistency and quality in the development of FBAs and BIPs across schools.
Monitor behavior data trends to identify disproportionality, ensure compliance, and inform professional learning.
Collaborate with school psychologists, counselors, social workers, and behavior specialists to ensure timely and responsive student support.
Provide direct consultation for complex behavior cases and placement transitions.
Design and lead professional development on positive behavior supports, classroom management, and trauma-sensitive practices.
Support school leaders and special education teams in implementing behavior supports with consistency and legal fidelity.
Coach site-based staff on building classroom and schoolwide structures that support regulation, inclusion, and access to learning.
Partner with the Director of Special Education and Assistant Director of Compliance to align documentation, placement, and support systems.
Collaborate with general education MTSS leaders to ensure integration of behavioral supports across all tiers.
Coordinate with legal counsel on behavior-related issues impacting student placement, manifestation determinations, or disciplinary procedures.
Use behavior data systems (e.g., SWIS, Synergy) to monitor trends and address site-level challenges.
Track outcomes of BIPs and recommend strategies to increase effectiveness and reduce disciplinary removals.
Lead root cause analysis of behavior-related disproportionality by race, disability category, or site.