Director of Education

Brehm Preparatory School Carbondale, Illinois Full-Time, 12-Month, Exempt Position

Reports To: Head of School

About Brehm

Brehm Preparatory School is a Blue Ribbon of excellence school and nationally recognized college preparatory day and boarding school serving students with learning disabilities and differences, including dyslexia, ADHD, executive functioning challenges, autism spectrum disorders, language-based learning disabilities, and nonverbal learning disabilities. Through individualized instruction, integrated support services, and a strengths-based approach, Brehm empowers students to recognize and optimize their potential throughout their lives.

Position Summary

The Director of Education is a professional growth opportunity. The Director of Education serves as the educational leader of Brehm Preparatory School and is responsible for the oversight of all academic programming, special education services, curriculum development, faculty supervision, student assessment, accreditation activities, and educational compliance.

The Director of Education collaborates closely with students, families, faculty, speech-language pathologists, support staff, school districts, and administration to ensure that every student receives an individualized educational program designed to promote academic achievement, self-advocacy, independence, and successful post-secondary outcomes.

The Director of Education is a visible leader within the school community who fosters excellence in teaching and learning while ensuring compliance with Illinois State Board of Education requirements and accreditation standards.

Essential Responsibilities

Academic Leadership

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate teachers, instructional staff, and related service providers.
• Conduct classroom observations and provide instructional coaching and feedback.
• Oversee curriculum development, course offerings, graduation requirements, and academic programming.
• Promote evidence-based instructional practices for students with learning disabilities and differences.
• Coordinate professional development activities and new staff orientation.
• Foster a collaborative and student-centered educational culture.

Special Education Administration

• Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of IEPs and educational programming.
• Facilitate and participate in IEP meetings and educational planning meetings.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local special education regulations.
• Coordinate educational assessments, progress monitoring, and data collection systems.
• Support transition planning related to post-secondary education, employment, and independent living.
• Serve as a resource to faculty regarding accommodations, differentiated instruction, executive functioning supports, and behavior interventions.

Student Programming and Support

• Oversee student schedules, academic placement, graduation planning, and academic interventions.
• Monitor student progress and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to address student needs.
• Work collaboratively with residential, counseling, health, and student life departments to support the whole student.
• Assist in developing individualized educational recommendations and intervention plans.
• Support students and families through academic, behavioral, and transition-related challenges.

Family and District Relations

• Serve as the primary educational liaison for families and public school districts.
• Communicate student progress, programming recommendations, and educational outcomes.
• Participate in admissions, enrollment, and retention activities.
• Collaborate with educational consultants, related service providers, and community partners.
• Support district meetings, mediation, due process proceedings, and other educational consultations as needed.

Compliance, Accreditation, and Accountability

• Coordinate and oversee compliance with Illinois State Board of Education requirements.
• Assist in maintaining state approvals, certifications, and required documentation.
• Lead and support accreditation activities through the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) and other accrediting organizations.
• Maintain educational policies, handbooks, procedures, and documentation systems.
• Ensure the timely completion of educational records, progress reporting, transcripts, and testing requirements.
• Monitor compliance with accommodations, documentation standards, and student record procedures.

Leadership and Strategic Planning

• Serve as a member of the school leadership team.
• Collaborate with administration to advance strategic goals and school improvement initiatives.
• Support enrollment growth, program development, and student retention efforts.
• Participate in budgeting, resource planning, and long-term educational planning.
• Represent Brehm's mission and values within the school community and the broader educational community.

Qualifications

Required

• Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL).
• Illinois Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBS1) endorsement orIllinois Principal Endorsement (formerly Type 75).
• Minimum three years of experience working with students with learning disabilities, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, executive functioning challenges, or related learning differences.
• Demonstrated knowledge of special education law, IEP development, accommodations, transition planning, and educational compliance.
• Strong organizational, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with families, school districts, and multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred

• Master's Degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, School Administration, Curriculum and Instruction, or a related field.
• Illinois Principal Endorsement (Type 75) or General Administrative Endorsement.
• Administrative or supervisory experience in a special education setting.
• Experience with ISBE compliance, monitoring, corrective action plans, or school approval processes.
• Experience with ISACS accreditation or other independent school accreditation systems.
• Experience supervising teachers, speech-language pathologists, and support staff.
• Experience in a therapeutic, special education, alternative, residential, or boarding school setting.

Desired Characteristics

The successful candidate will be:

• Student-centered and mission-driven.
• An effective communicator and relationship builder.
• Skilled in educational leadership and staff development.
• Knowledgeable about learning disabilities and differentiated instruction.
• Calm under pressure and capable of navigating complex situations.
• Committed to continuous improvement and professional growth.
• Passionate about helping students with learning differences achieve meaningful success.

Compensation and Benefits

Brehm Preparatory School offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications, along with a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Educational Philosophy Statement
• Three Professional References

Brehm Preparatory School is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who support its mission of empowering students with learning disabilities and differences to recognize and optimize their potential throughout their lives.