Assistant State Superintendent of Special Education

State of Maryland•Baltimore, MD

46d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Maryland State Department of Education is dedicated to supporting a world-class educational system that prepares all students for collegeÃ¯Â¿Â½career success in the 21st century. With excellent stewardship from ourÃ¯Â¿Â½divisions, we oversee State and federal programs that support the needs ofÃ¯Â¿Â½a diverse population - students, teachers, principals, and other educatorsÃ¯Â¿Â½throughout Maryland. This is an Executive Service position, and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority. The Assistant State Superintendent for the Division of Early Intervention and Special Education Services provides strategic leadership to ensure the development, implementation, and oversight of evidence-based programs and policies that support students with disabilities from birth through age 21. This role ensures equitable access to high-quality instruction and services in the least restrictive environment, aligned with federal and state regulations, including IDEA and the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. The position advances the Maryland State Department of Education's mission by promoting inclusive practices, improving outcomes for students with disabilities, and fostering collaboration across agencies, families, and communities. The Assistant State Superintendent also works collaboratively with other MSDE divisions to ensure that both general and special education teachers receive high-quality, coordinated professional learning that supports inclusive and effective instructional practices.

Requirements

Master's degree in education, special education, educational leadership, school psychology, or a related field
FiveÃ¯Â¿Â½years of progressive leadership experience in special education or early intervention at the district, state, or organizational level
Demonstrated expertise in the development and implementation of inclusive policies, programs, and services for students with disabilities, birth through age 21.
In-depth knowledge of tiered systems of support, specially designed instruction, and evidence-based academic and behavioral interventions.
Experience with data systems, progress monitoring, and implementation science to drive continuous improvement and compliance.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, collaborate across divisions and agencies, and engage diverse stakeholders including families and community partners.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in or with state education agencies.
Familiarity with federal and state education policies (e.g., IDEA, ESSA).
Knowledge of culturally responsive practices and equity-centered MTSS frameworks.
Proficiency in digital content development and website management tools.

Responsibilities

Establishes and leads an innovative early intervention and special education services strategy that aligns with MSDE's multi-year strategic plan and Blueprint for Maryland's Future initiatives.
Provides student-centered and forward-thinking leadership in the execution of the Department's mission, strategic planning, and use of data and research for decision making.
Oversees the effective and results-oriented operations of the Division branches, including the Performance Support and Technical Assistance Branch, the Policy and Accountability Branch, the Family Support and Dispute Resolution Branch, the Interagency Collaboration Branch, and the Resource Management and Monitoring Branch.
Develops and collaborates with Teaching and Learning content branches to deploy initiatives to accelerate student achievement for students with disabilities.Ã¯Â¿Â½
Establishes policy guidance and frameworks to ensure accountability to the provision of early intervention and special education, including actions in response to new legislative policies, and transparent and ongoing communication with stakeholders.
Designs and publishes comprehensive MTSS guidance documents, including tiered intervention models, progress monitoring tools, and fidelity checklists. Develops implementation rubrics and self-assessment tools for schools and districts.
Leads the development of training modules and toolkits for educators, administrators, and support staff.
Ensures accessibility and regular updates of online content to reflect evolving guidance and district needs.
Provides fiscal coordination and accountability for all programs and initiatives related to early intervention and special education that includes management of grants; monitor spending for all programs and initiatives; accountability for results, and approving purchases, contracts, and grants through established fiscal policies and procedures.
Develops programs for providing statewide technical assistance related to fiscal accountability for funds administered by the Division, ensuring adherence to regulations and fiscal best practices.