Special Education Director (SY27-28)
About The Position
The Public Academy for Performing Arts (PAPA), a tuition-free public charter school serving grades 6–12 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, seeks a dedicated, student-centered school administrator to lead and oversee its Special Education program. The role provides instructional leadership and program oversight to help ensure students with disabilities receive appropriate services, meaningful access to the general education curriculum, and the support needed to succeed academically, socially, and artistically. The successful candidate will be an experienced special education educator and licensed school administrator committed to inclusive practices, student achievement, legal compliance, and collaboration among educators, families, and service providers. The administrator will work with the school leadership team to support school operations, student services, professional learning, and PAPA’s mission of combining rigorous college-preparatory academics with excellence in the performing arts. The position is full-time and in-person for the 2027–28 school year. Applicants should submit a résumé, cover letter, and documentation of current New Mexico teaching and administrative licensure to Executive Director Tamara Lopez.
Requirements
- Valid New Mexico teaching license with appropriate credentials for the candidate’s teaching assignment.
- Valid New Mexico administrative license authorizing service as a school administrator.
- Demonstrated experience teaching students with disabilities in a special education setting.
- Knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, IEP development and implementation, evaluation procedures, and applicable New Mexico special education regulations.
- Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with students, families, teachers, related service providers, and school leadership.
- Commitment to equitable access, inclusive education, and high expectations for all students.
- Commitment to student-centered leadership, professional accountability, confidentiality, collaborative problem-solving, and continuous improvement; proactive, organized, and responsive approach while maintaining high expectations for students and staff.
Nice To Haves
- Experience coordinating or supervising a school-based Special Education program.
- Experience supporting and evaluating special education teachers and instructional assistants.
- Knowledge of Multi-Layered Systems of Support (MLSS), behavioral interventions, accommodations, and differentiated instruction.
- Experience with compliance monitoring, program evaluation, and data-driven instructional improvement.
Responsibilities
- Oversee implementation, coordination, and continuous improvement of the school’s Special Education program.
- Ensure IEPs are developed, implemented, monitored, and reviewed in accordance with IDEA, New Mexico Public Education Department requirements, and applicable state and federal regulations.
- Support special education teachers, general education teachers, and instructional assistants in using effective instructional strategies, accommodations, modifications, and inclusive practices.
- Supervise, coach, and evaluate special education staff as assigned; provide professional development and support to strengthen instructional practices and student outcomes.
- Collaborate with school leadership, teachers, related service providers, students, and families to address academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
- Monitor IEP timelines, evaluations, progress reporting, service delivery, accommodations, and required documentation.
- Facilitate IEP meetings, support resolution of parent concerns, and promote effective communication among school personnel and families.
- Analyze student performance, progress-monitoring data, and program outcomes to identify needs and improve services.
- Collaborate with the administrative team to support school operations, student services, professional learning, and the school’s mission.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
No Education Listed
