Special Education Director

Comal ISD•New Braunfels, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Primary Purpose of this role is to direct and manage district special education programs to meet student and community needs. This role serves as a leader in the development and improvement of Special Education programs. The Director will collaborate with district staff and outside personnel to formulate, develop, implement, and evaluate special education programs based on research, best practice, and current trends in special education.

Requirements

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university required.
Valid Special Education Texas teaching certificate and/or related certification/experience
Valid Texas Principal or other appropriate certificate/license required
Valid Special Education certificate and/or related credential/experience
Knowledge of curriculum and instruction.
Knowledge of special education programs, regulations, and specific areas of disability.
Ability to evaluate program effectiveness and program compliance.
Ability to coordinate district functions.
Ability to interpret policy, procedures, and data.
Ability to interpret individual assessment data (FIE) with regards to program planning and implementation.
Strong organizational, communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to establish and maintain relationships with CISD, other districts, state and federal agency personnel who are involved with the research, administration, and coordination of Special Education programs.
Three years of teaching or related experience in Special Education.
Personal cell phone is required to handle district related business, including after hours, or when away from the office on district business.

Nice To Haves

Three years of supervisory or administrative experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Ensures that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis, and that the findings are used to make special education programs more effective.
Directs and manages special education programs and services to meet students’ needs.
Ensures the use of technology in the teaching-learning process.
Encourages and supports the development of innovative programs, helping staff to pilot such efforts when appropriate.
Assists in the evaluation of ongoing programs/services to include academics, behavioral, ALT curricula, ECSE, transition, manifestation, etc.
Plans the necessary time, resources, and materials to support staff in accomplishing educational goals.
Supervises and monitors the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) process district wide.
Participates in committee meetings to ensure the appropriate placement and development of individual education plans for students according to district procedures.
Obtains and uses evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to gauge special education program effectiveness.
Evaluates the effectiveness of Special Education programs.
Ensures that curriculum renewals are continuous and responsive to student needs.
Recommends sound policies to improve the program.
Directs and implements the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in special education.
Compiles, maintains, and files all reports, records, and other documents required.
Complies with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and the local board policy.
Collaborates with administration in the resolution of parent concerns and complaints with regards to Special Education programming.
Prepares, reviews, and revises job descriptions in the special education department.
Develops training options and/or improvement plans to ensure exemplary operations in the special education area.
Evaluates job performance of employees to ensure effectiveness.
Participates in the recruitment, selection, and training of personnel and makes sound recommendations relative to personnel placement, assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
Disseminates information for new developments in Special Education guidelines.
Serves as district liaison to community agencies providing services to students and notifies parents and students of available services.
Participates in professional organizations and serves on community boards.
Articulates the district’s missions and goals for the special education department.
Demonstrates awareness of district-community needs and initiates activities to meet needs.
Responsible for properly maintaining district records, adhering to all policies set forth by the district for records maintenance and learning the records retention schedule for department records.
Uses appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.
Perform related duties as required.
Supervises and evaluates the performance of assigned personnel.