Why you’ll love this position:

Within the Division of Learning Services, the Office of Special Education administers state and federal funds to support services for students and adults with disabilities. This office also oversees the operation of three school systems administered by the State Board of Education. These are the Missouri School for the Blind, the Missouri School for the Deaf and the Missouri Schools for Severely Disabled. Through their outreach programs and consulting services, these school systems assist local school personnel and families throughout the state in meeting the needs of children with disabilities.

What you’ll do:

• Provide leadership and vision to ensure continuous improvement and organizational development of the office.
• Responsible for supervising, supporting, and evaluating the superintendents of the Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled, Missouri School for the Blind, and Missouri School for the Deaf.
• Supervise, coordinate, and evaluate the day-to-day operations of personnel, programs, and services assigned to the Office of Special Education, including Compliance (Part B and Part C of IDEA – birth through age 21), Effective Practices, Data, and the Sheltered Workshop program.
• Maintain a high level of knowledge regarding special education topics, changes in state and federal law, and educational methods of educating students with disabilities to ensure successful implementation of present programs, processes, activities, and initiatives.
• Review, advise, and evaluate federal and state programs, plans, and guidelines supervised by sections in the office, including the State Performance Plan (SPP) and Annual Performance Report (APR) for both Part B and Part C of IDEA.
• Supervise and coordinate the expenditures of IDEA monies to address required activities under IDEA and discretionary activities, including improvement activities identified in the state’s APR.
• Coordinate, collaborate, and communicate with various internal and external stakeholder groups on issues related to special education and other educational issues, including mandatory advisory groups under state and federal law.
• Inform the Deputy Commissioner, the Commissioner, and the State Board of Education administrative and educational issues.
• Supervise the development and filing of department rules and regulations affecting the office as provided in Chapter 536, RSMo.
• Contribute to department policy development and the strategic planning process.
• Perform related work as required.

All you need for success:

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Education (doctorate preferred) with eligibility for certification in at least one area of exceptionality.
• Three years of successful experience as a practitioner in special education or related field.
• Three years of successful experience in administration of a special education program or a related program.

More reasons to love this position:

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.

If you have questions about this position please contact: hr@dese.mo.gov

Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you have special needs addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact Human Resources at (573) 751-9619, through Missouri Relay System at (800) 735-2966, or via email at hr@dese.mo.gov.
Notice of Non-Discrimination: The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, mental or physical disability, or any other basis prohibited by statute in its programs and activities. Inquiries related to Department employment practices may be directed to the Jefferson State Office Building, Human Resources Director, 8th floor, 205 Jefferson Street, P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-0480; telephone number 573-751-9619 or TYY 800-735-2966.
To Our Applicants with Disabilities: For assistance with any phase of the Department process, please notify the Director of Human Resources at (573) 751-9619. Reasonable attempts will be made to accommodate special needs. TTY/TDD Relay Missouri service (800) 735-2966.
Notice to Applicants: The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is unable to sponsor applicants in their application for work visas through INS. If you have questions, please contact Human Resources.

The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.