What are the responsibilities and job description for the Special Education Director- Port Arthur, TX position at Bob Hope School?
JOB TITLE: Special Education Director
OPENS: 4/23/2025
CLOSES: Until Filled
REPORTS TO: Chief Academic Officer
DEPT. / SCHOOL: Academic / Bob Hope School / Port Arthur
STATUS: Exempt/Full Time
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PRIMARY PURPOSE
Provide vision and leadership with integrity for district special education programs to ensure a continuum of comprehensive services and individualized programs for students with disabilities. Coordinate, manage, and supervise n other on-special education programs, services, and staff as assigned. Ensure compliance with all state, federal, and local requirements.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree from a T.E.A. accredited university
- Valid Texas teaching certificate
- Valid Special Education certification
Special Knowledge/Skills:
- Knowledge of subjects assigned.
- Laws and programs relating to special populations.
- General knowledge of curriculum and instruction
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Experience:
- Three years of teaching experience in special education
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
- Manage special population’s services and programs to meet students' needs.
- Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a regular, systematic basis, and the findings, including student achievement data and district assessments, are used to make the special populations programs more effective.
- Demonstrate ability to work effectively as part of a team while modeling respect of differing opinions and handling conflict.
- Encourage and support the development of innovative instructional programs, helping teachers to pilot such efforts when appropriate.
- Develop and maintain rapport, communication, and interpersonal relationships with students, parents, teachers, administrators, other school personnel, business leaders, and community members.
- Plan and provide necessary time, resources, and materials to support subordinates in accomplishing educational goals.
- Maintain regular attendance and comply with timelines for reports and other assigned tasks.
- Identify needs for professional growth and engage in professional growth activities focused on the targeted goals and vision for Bob Hope School.
- Develop and maintain a working attitude of respect, fairness, and high expectations.
- Manage the special education referral/assessment process.
- Participate in committee meetings to ensure the appropriate placement and development of individual education plans for students according to district procedures.
- Communicate and promote high expectations for special programs.
- Represent the department on behalf of the Chief Executive Director as needed or assigned.
- Supervise and evaluate special education employees and staff as identified by Chief Executive Director.
- Coordinate and provide training and support for personnel, which may include teachers and instructional aides.
- Serve as resource person for admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committees and attend all ARDs.
- Attend meetings/conferences to be informed of special education matters and other issues related to improving instruction and provide valuable input.
- Coordinate services from contracted agencies.
- Serve as administrative liaison to coordinate district special transport services, including ESY.
- Contribute to the recommendation of sound policies directed toward program improvement.
- Recommend budget and cost estimates for appropriate programs and compile budget data as needed to apply for and secure grant monies.
- Assist in improving the instructional program through classroom observation, visitation, and department meetings.
- Collaborate with Academic Department to develop support and strategies for Bob Hope School staff in classrooms.
- Provide support to teachers and campuses for state assessments.
- Communicate with staff and parents on the district's mission and special population’s policies and programs.
- Perform needs assessments for campuses, working with campus administrators to develop plans to ensure student success.
- Monitor student progress by gathering and analyzing data, making recommendations based on findings and research.
- Ensure compliance with federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and the local board policy.
- Compile, maintain, and file all district, state, and federal reports, records, and other documents as required.
- Actively seek out evolving laws and policies as it pertains to special education and communicates findings with appropriate staff members.
- Promote a positive climate through effective teambuilding, group dynamics, and change strategies.
- Contribute to the recommendation of sound policies directed toward program improvement.
- Implement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in area of special education.
- Ensure that students are receiving TEKS instruction, or when appropriate, the general curriculum is modified or changed to meet the individual student needs.
- Supervise and evaluate job performance of Special Education teachers, instructional aides, and attendants to ensure effectiveness.
- Compile, maintain and file all reports, records and other documents required.
- Serve as resource person in the design and equipping of physical facilities for special population students.
- Oversee Special Education, RTI, Dyslexia and 504.
- Communicate effectively, thoroughly, and timely with supervisor and staff.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Equipment Used:
Computer with appropriate software, printer, calculator, copier, facsimile machine, overhead projector, and other specialized equipment that is particularly unique to the teaching assignment.
Mental Demands:
Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); interpret policy, procedures, and data; maintain emotional control under stress.
Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Frequent standing, stooping, bending, twisting, kneeling, pushing, pulling, and minor lifting.
- Move and carry small stacks of textbooks, musical instruments, media equipment, desks, and other classroom equipment.
- May have exposure to biological hazards.
- Occasional moderate lifting.
This job description has been reviewed to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the District reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the District may deem appropriate.
ABOUT BOB HOPE SCHOOL
Bob Hope School is a growing open-enrollment public charter school (non-profit) providing parents a choice in their child's education. Bob Hope Elementary is a Montessori / Dual-Language campus. Instruction is conducted in a two-way immersion program, where teachers fluent in English teach ELA and those fluent in Spanish teach SLA and are supported by teacher aides with a strong command of both languages. Campuses are located in Port Arthur, Beaumont, and Baytown, Texas. The Hughen Center, Inc. is the charter holder of Bob Hope School.
Bob Hope School provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability
