Director of Special Education (2025-26 School Year)

About the position

The Director of Special Education assists the Executive Director of Special Education in managing the operation of special education services and functions as an integral part of the Education Team. This position is responsible for ensuring compliance with local policy, state and federal regulations related to special education, and for providing support to all stakeholders regarding special education procedures, laws, and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Ensures that all actions are in concert with the Board policies and the mission statement.
• Participates in job training and professional growth opportunities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Work collaboratively with the Executive Director of Special Education.
• Coordinate and direct the identification, placement, IEP development, and procedural safeguards of students with disabilities.
• Collaborate to implement a curriculum for students with special needs.
• Assist in the oversight and support of special education programs.
• Hires, supervises, and evaluates District-level special education staff.
• Directs personnel to deliver services conforming to established guidelines.
• Provide consultation to staff regarding procedures, services, and programming.
• Implements conflict resolution and team building skills.
• Assist in the coordination and preparation of due process and mediation issues.
• Coordinate and provide consultation on staff evaluations.
• Assists in the preparation of the department's budget.
• Assist in the coordination of special education transportation.
• Monitors and corrects areas of district non-compliance.
• Maintains effective communication with parents, teachers, and community service agencies.
• Maintains communication with the Human Resources Department.
• Develops proposals, programming, budgets, and grants.
• Allocate and assign equitable FTE distribution for special education programs.
• Directs the Medicaid Administrative Claiming process.

Requirements

• Master's Degree and certification in accordance with the School Code of the State of Illinois for Special Education Administration.
• Ability to demonstrate qualities aligned to core values of Character, Communication, Collaboration, and Continuous Improvement.
• Demonstrated success in collaborating effectively with others.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of Illinois and federal education laws/regulations and district policies.
• Experience with facilitating large and small groups and working with adult learners.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.