Director of Special Education

Watson Chapel School District • Pine Bluff, AR

2d

About The Position

The primary function of the Director of Special Education is to oversee the special education program within the district. The Director will also ensure that teachers, including special education teachers and regular education teachers are provided with professional development that transforms teaching and learning through meaningful access for all students.

Requirements

• Valid Arkansas license for Special Education with Program/Curriculum Administration certification preferred
• Minimum of a Master’s degree from an accredited university
• Experience with the administration of Dynamic Learning Maps Assessment
• Demonstrates knowledge of effective instructional practices, specifically relative to providing meaningful access to learning for all students
• Proficient in the use of technology (Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe)
• Must have excellent oral and written communications skills
• Must have the ability to work with and contribute to building a collaborative team

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership and direction to special education staff including teachers, therapists, and paraprofessionals.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of the special education program in accordance with board policies, statutory requirements, administrative rules, and regulations.
• Provides leadership, support, and assistance to building administrators, staff, and teachers in regard to the special education program.
• Manages both staff and fiscal resources to support special education student achievement and legal responsibilities.
• Coordinates the completion of all required paperwork and testing for special education within the appropriate timeline including ensuring that Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with special needs are developed and implemented effectively.
• Ensures that all campuses maintain accurate and timely records for special education.
• Coordinates training and support for all teachers in the use of strategies which foster the success of all students.
• Works in cooperation with teachers, parents, and other agencies to identify students with special needs.
• Protects students’ due process and procedural safeguard rights and addresses concerns/complaints related to the special education program.
• Complies with federal and state laws and local policies in providing the Special Education program.
• Serves as a resource person for the IEP committees as needed.
• Ensures that a regular, systematic evaluation of student progress is used to increase the effectiveness of special education programs.
• Monitors the implementation of Individualized Education Programs.
• Works with building administration and faculties to provide instructional modification as needed and appropriate for special education students.
• Promotes collaboration between regular and special education personnel to meet the individual needs of special education students.
• Arranges for specialized materials, equipment, and other resources required to meet each student’s IEP.
• Collaborates with building administration to ensure necessary instructional alternatives for special education students in ESL or accelerated learning programs.
• Effectively ensures improved student outcomes as evaluated through state-mandated test scores in ATLAS or DLM reports.
• Communicates effectively with all stakeholders including staff, parents, and community; projects a positive image that enhances the district mission.
• Supports a collaborative environment which promotes positive staff morale through recognition of progress and achievement of staff members.
• Demonstrates skills in conflict resolution with administrators, teachers, staff, and the community.
• Assists in preparing reports, and other materials for board meetings as appropriate.
• Attends all meetings of the Board of Directors as needed or as required by the Superintendent.
• Reports as needed or requested to the board upon the status of various district programs and pupil progress
• Regularly attends school-related meetings and functions
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent and/or Assistant Superintendent

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager