Special Education Administrator

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, the Special Education Administrator shall directly report to an Office of School Leadership Area Superintendent or Special Education Director. The person selected for this licensed administrative position is responsible for the leadership and implementation of comprehensive instructional initiatives and plans for students with disabilities, ranging from 3 - 22 years of age. The role of the Special Education Administrator is to be a subject matter expert, consultant, educational leader and advocate for students with disabilities within the school setting. He/she will actively support the assigned school(s) and programs in the delivery of Special Education programming and services and ensure that a strong commitment to improving academic and social achievement of students with disabilities is evident. This position provides leadership on behalf of the Office of School Leadership (OSL), including but not limited to the design and implementation of specially designed instruction, and effective instructional strategies and behavioral supports.

EXEMPLARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Closely collaborates with assigned school leaders in support of students, staff, and families. Provides responsive, expert service and follow through. Works with Administrators to implement programming, resolve challenges, and ensure educational equity for students with disabilities.

2. Supports department staff and site administrators as an administrative liaison between Office of School Leadership and departments and schools within the district.

3. Supports staff in planning and preparation and participates in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings in complex cases and as appropriate to provide support to staff.

4. Champions the IEP as a tool to facilitate student learning, progress, and achievement during their PK-12 career and for post-secondary planning, transition, and outcomes.

5. Responsible for the coordination and effective delivery of Extended School Year programming.

6. Provides technical support and guidance to department, school site staff and administration concerning IDEA and state laws and regulations, as well as district policies and procedures in all facets of programming for students with disabilities.

7. Identifies training needs in cooperation with school site administrators and the Office of School Leadership and arranges to provide training to all types of staff, families and the community. Works to build the capacity of others in service to students with disabilities.

8. Mentors and supervises Special Education Facilitators, related service providers, certified staff and Education Support Professional staff as assigned. Ensures that Special Education Facilitators are providing effective mentoring and support to certified staff with respect to effective instruction, behavior management, data collection, IEP implementation, student/family relations, and use of the District's electronic IEP system. Evaluates the performance of assigned Special Education Facilitators.

9. Co-evaluates staff in specialized district-wide programs;

10. Utilizes effective relationship building, consensus building, and conflict resolution skills to support site and department administrators and caregivers throughout the IEP process.

11. Is proactive in taking action to minimize due process complaints including intensive monitoring, intervention, mediation, creative problem solving, advocacy, etc. when necessary, coordinates and implements administrative review, mediation, and due process.

12. Works with administration and school programs to ensure compliance.

13. Monitors the effective implementation of NDE Corrective Action Plans.

14. Supervises and coordinates specific district programs and is responsible for program outcomes as assigned.

15. Demonstrates a commitment to maintaining subject matter expertise in the field through participation in professional development activities, review of current research, successful strategies in support of SPED students, etc.

16. Working knowledge and understanding of the electronic WCSD IEP program.

17. Works in consultation with site administrators to review academic, behavioral, and other relevant data of students with disabilities. Participates and provides expertise in shaping District strategy with respect to programming, curriculum, and services for students with disabilities and their families; Special Education allocations, budget and staffing; and other related matters.

18. Establishes relationships and leverages internal and external resources in order to support Administrators, District Special Education programs, students, and families.

19. Actively promotes community and parent awareness of academic programs, initiatives, and opportunities for students and parents in support of the WCSD's vision, goals, and objectives.

20. Manages and directs various projects, data collection, and documentation for programs in the Office of School Leadership.

21. Maintains expert level understanding of student, school, and District data. Monitors and utilizes data to make programming and/or operational decisions. Identifies trends and responds with appropriate interventions or reinforcement. Uses data proactively to create systemic early warning systems. Builds the capacity of others with respect to understanding and utilizing data to inform decision-making. Provides data necessary for required federal and state reporting.

22. Works collaboratively with Area Superintendents to create, modify and implement board policy consistent with the needs of students, families, and staff and in alignment with best practices in effective Special Education practices.

23. Responsible for management and oversight of assigned budget(s). Includes primary accountability for assigned Independent Contractor Agreements (ICA) and vendor contracts; timekeeping for assigned staff; collaboration with the Business Office to project needs for fiscal areas of responsibility.

24. Performs other duties related to the position, as assigned.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Education/Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:

1. Master's degree in School Administration or related field;

AND

2. A minimum of five (5) years special education classroom teaching or related experience

Licenses/Certificates: Possession of, or ability to obtain a valid State of Nevada driver's license with a driving record acceptable to the District; a valid Nevada teaching license (Special Education license strongly preferred); and a valid Nevada School Administrator Endorsement.

Knowledge of: Principles, practices, and methods of consensus building, leadership, conflict resolution, negotiations, team orientated management, health care plans, behavior plans, Individual With Disabilities Education Act, newest and best practices in serving the needs of students with various disabilities, statutes and regulations that pertain to the education of individuals with disabilities; principles, practices, and methods of program review, assessment and evaluation, and WCSD Special Education policy and procedures.

Skill at: Establishing and maintaining a position of leadership; analyzing and evaluating information accurately, and in expressing ideas clearly, when providing oral or written reports and recommendations; assessing and mediating complex and controversial problems, issues, and concerns; establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, exemplified by, but not limited to the following: other administrators, physical therapists, occupational therapists, audiologists, ophthalmologists, community leaders, physicians, and the staff of social services, and police; addressing the education needs of students who have various types of disabilities, including those who are medically fragile and technologically dependent; using sign language with language and hearing impaired students; using or assisting in the use of equipment frequently used by the student population, i.e., audiometers, electronic communication boards, and adapted equipment; planning, organizing, assigning and coordinating the activities of a professional and support staff.

Physical Demands: The work is sedentary. Typically, the employee sits comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying of light items, such as papers, books, or small parts; or driving an automobile. No special physical demands are required to perform the work.

Work Environment: The environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meeting and training rooms, libraries, residences, or commercial vehicles, e.g., use of safe work practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, observance of fire regulations and traffic signals. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.

THIS JOB SPECIFICATION SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO IMPLY THAT THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE THE EXCLUSIVE STANDARDS OF THE POSITION. INCUMBENTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW ANY OTHER INSTRUCTIONS, AND PERFORM ANY OTHER RELATED DUTIES, AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY THEIR SUPERVISOR.

The Washoe County School District is committed to providing a safe and respectful learning and working environment for all students, staff, and visitors. The District prohibits bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, and/or discrimination based on an individual's actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veterans or military status, marital status, disability or the presence of any sensory, physical or mental handicap in any of its educational programs/activities and employment, or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The District prohibits discrimination against any youth group listed in Title 36, as a patriotic society, (i.e. Boy Scouts of America) from access to public school facilities use.

Effective July 2015, pursuant to AB241, each post probationary administrator employed by a school district, except an administrator excluded from any bargaining unit pursuant to NRS 288.170 or a principal, must apply to the superintendent for reappointment to his or her administrative position every 5 years. If an administrator is not reappointed to his or her administrative position pursuant to this section and was previously employed by the school district in another position, the administrator is entitled to be assigned to his or her former position at the rate of compensation provided for that position.