Assistant Director of Special Education - 2026-2027

Medford School District, 549C•Medford, OR

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Special Education will be responsible for the oversight and administration of special education services. This role requires ensuring that the District sets and attains short and long-term service goals, demonstrating expertise in a wide variety of special education services and options for students, and leading and directing the work of others with a high level of creativity and latitude.

Requirements

Ability to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
Master's Degree in Education or a related field.
Must be eligible for or properly licensed by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission for assignment as a District Administrator.
Ability to interact appropriately with teachers, staff, community members, and students.
Focuses on solving conflict.
Maintains confidentiality.
Contributes to building a positive team spirit.
Ability to communicate fluently in English verbally and in writing.
Ability to present information and respond effectively to questions in one-on-one, small and large group situations to students and other school staff.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and governmental regulations.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and area.
Ability to apply basic concepts of algebra, geometry, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to complete instructions furnished in written, oral, schedule, or diagram form.
Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
General knowledge of computer usage.
Ability to use database software, e-mail, internet software, spreadsheets, teaching software, and word processing software.
Must hold (or be eligible for) a Professional Administrator License to serve as a District level administrator by the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission.
A valid Oregon Driver's License is required.
Ability to provide effective leadership in supervising all school personnel for monitoring performance, providing for professional growth, and achieving overall objectives of the District's instructional program.
Provides strategic direction and operational insights.
Demonstrates knowledge of state and federal regulations and accreditation standards.
Knows effective educational practices.
Knows school and district procedures for dealing with students, staff, and the public.
Cooperatively and effectively works in a team environment, including coaching and development.
Demonstrates practical managerial and leadership qualities.
Plans, organizes, coordinates, and prioritizes effectively.
Follows appropriate budgetary procedures and practices.
Directs activities of subordinates appropriately.
Cultivates and maintains positive and effective working relationships with staff and the public.
Can mentor and lead change.
Establishes rapport and empathy with employees at all levels.
Collects, maintains, and accurately analyzes relevant data.
Able to demonstrate flexibility, dependability, responsiveness, and creativity.
Solicits and accepts staff and supervisor constructive feedback to proposals.
Develops alternate solutions to problems.
Writes and speaks fluently.
Accepts and practices the principles of honesty, integrity, and accuracy in all matters of district operations.
Shows a positive attitude toward all aspects of work.
Receives direction and supervision.
Takes responsibility for actions.
Adjusts to new conditions and situations.
Proactively resolves complex problems.
Engages in continuous professional development in support of district mission and vision.
Maintains confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience as a building-level administrator is preferred.
Prior teaching experience with increasing levels of administrative responsibility in the Special Education curriculum.
Applicants fluent in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Lead the management of all special education services.
Supervise and evaluate assigned special education staff's work and professional growth and assist with overseeing and evaluating all special education staff.
Organize the special education department to efficiently and effectively achieve District goals.
Organize and conduct regular meetings with special education staff, as required.
Coordinate the activities of all special education personnel, both licensed and classified.
Maintain and submit required records and reports.
Interpret special education program objectives, activities, and program needs to District administration and others, as needed.
Work directly with principals on developing and improving special education services.
Organize individualized student testing and evaluation for the District.
Work cooperatively with principals in selecting teaching personnel in their buildings.
Maintain a liaison with local, state, and national agencies.
Recommend consistent practices and procedures for special education services that comply with state and federal mandates.
Ensure that the District sets and attains short and long-term special education service goals.
Ensure that all work is performed according to federal and state standards.
Keep current and interpret all laws, regulations, and statutes relating to public education, particularly special education.
Assist in developing the budget and financial data for the District special education budget components.
Recruits, hires, supervises, and evaluates District-level special education staff, including speech pathologists and assistants, school psychologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education providers, to carry out objectives within areas of responsibility.
Serves as the District Representative for IEP meetings when resources are considered to manage fiscal resources while meeting special education regulations efficiently.
Coordinates with outside agencies to provide services to students and staff to offer appropriate services.
Lead the interpretation of special education curriculum and/or instruction changes and/or outcomes to the board, administration, or other leaders.
Implement the District's vision of exceptional service in support of student achievement and increased participation in activities and athletic programs and assist in resolving patron complaints as they arise.
Models the characteristics of effective leadership, including positive energy, unfailing integrity, strong communication, etc.
Represent the District within forums to maintain ongoing community support for the District's shared vision and educational goals and/or assist with issues related to the school environment.
Attends meetings and participates on committees as requested.
Supervise and evaluate the work and professional growth of assigned staff.
Supervise students and maintain a safe environment.