Director of Special Education

Joplin R 8 School District•Joplin, MO

About The Position

Serve as the Director of Special Education to provide leadership and support to schools with Special Education programming for students, curriculum implementation, material selection, and feedback for decision making to instructional staff and administration. Assist the Director of Student Services, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services and Curriculum Coordinators to assure that curriculum and instructional practice provide both equity and excellence for all students, including those with disabilities. Assist the Director of Student Services in developing, monitoring, approving, and in the disbursement of the annual budget for Special Education. Annually evaluate the effectiveness of third-party contracts and assist the Director of Student Services in modifying contracts as needed, while bringing recommendations to the Board of Education for consideration. Collaborate with the Director of Student Services to coordinate and approve the purchasing of supplies, materials, and equipment for all Special Education areas. Supervision and coordination of effective and efficient departmental operations and directly supervise and evaluate the related services staff (SLPs, OT, COTAs, PTs, PTAs, TVI, and TDHH), and other non-certified staff as assigned. Oversee and evaluate the work of special education process coordinators. Assist in the coordination of all K-12 Special Education Programs, and collaborate in their development and continuous improvement planning processes. Assist in the recruitment and hiring of staff for school-year and summer program positions. These positions include Special Education Teachers, licensed support staff, pupil support assistants, and related service providers. Monitor compliance with Special Education due process requirements, staff caseloads, and continuum of services within the District. Oversee and coordinate the effective and efficient operation of District CBSS programming. Track and maintain balanced student caseloads within the district. Ensure the efficient use of TherapyLog to maximize Medicaid reimbursement. Oversee the special education Extended School Year (ESY) program. Assist in the arrangement of in-service and professional development opportunities for special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers. Provide assistance, as requested, to the Director of Student Services with Multi-Tiered Systems of Support throughout the district and provide guidance and support at the building level where needed. Ensure equity and collaboration between departments and systems when addressing student needs. Respond to district level Special Education concerns from parents, patrons, and community members. Mediate situations as necessary. Carry out all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Administration, required
Valid MO Administrator Certification, required
Special Education Director Certification, required (or ability to obtain)
5 years experience teaching Special Education, required
Building level principalship experience, required
Proven leadership in district level committee work
Knowledge of federal and state legislation and its impact on local policy and practice

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and support to schools with Special Education programming for students, curriculum implementation, material selection, and feedback for decision making to instructional staff and administration.
Assist the Director of Student Services, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services and Curriculum Coordinators to assure that curriculum and instructional practice provide both equity and excellence for all students, including those with disabilities.
Assist the Director of Student Services in developing, monitoring, approving, and in the disbursement of the annual budget for Special Education.
Annually evaluate the effectiveness of third-party contracts and assist the Director of Student Services in modifying contracts as needed, while bringing recommendations to the Board of Education for consideration.
Collaborate with the Director of Student Services to coordinate and approve the purchasing of supplies, materials, and equipment for all Special Education areas.
Supervision and coordination of effective and efficient departmental operations and directly supervise and evaluate the related services staff (SLPs, OT, COTAs, PTs, PTAs, TVI, and TDHH), and other non-certified staff as assigned.
Oversee and evaluate the work of special education process coordinators.
Assist in the coordination of all K-12 Special Education Programs, and collaborate in their development and continuous improvement planning processes.
Assist in the recruitment and hiring of staff for school-year and summer program positions. These positions include Special Education Teachers, licensed support staff, pupil support assistants, and related service providers.
Monitor compliance with Special Education due process requirements, staff caseloads, and continuum of services within the District.
Oversee and coordinate the effective and efficient operation of District CBSS programming.
Track and maintain balanced student caseloads within the district.
Ensure the efficient use of TherapyLog to maximize Medicaid reimbursement.
Oversee the special education Extended School Year (ESY) program.
Assist in the arrangement of in-service and professional development opportunities for special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers.
Provide assistance, as requested, to the Director of Student Services with Multi-Tiered Systems of Support throughout the district and provide guidance and support at the building level where needed.
Ensure equity and collaboration between departments and systems when addressing student needs.
Respond to district level Special Education concerns from parents, patrons, and community members. Mediate situations as necessary.
Carry out all other duties as assigned.