Assistant Director of Special Education

POSITION:                Assistant Director of Special Education

BUILDING:                Administration Office

JOB SUMMARY: Under the general supervision of the Director of Student Services, the Assistant Director of Special Education serves in a supervisory role overseeing the implementation, coordination, and management of the district’s special education programs. This position provides direct supervision of staff and programming for students with disabilities, ensures the effective development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and supports building-level teams in addressing complex student needs and high-impact cases while managing day-to-day operational and compliance responsibilities.

The Assistant Director also oversees students placed in out-of-district programs, including monitoring progress, collaborating with external providers, participating in placement decisions, and ensuring services are delivered in accordance with all regulatory requirements. In addition, this role supervises and supports designated Student Services personnel and programs.

In collaboration with the Director of Student Services, the Assistant Director supports departmental initiatives, monitors program effectiveness, and ensures compliance with federal and state laws and district policies.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assists in the development, implementation, and administration of the district’s special education and related student services programs in alignment with district goals, state and federal regulations, and best practices.
• Reviews and evaluates special education programming, including Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Reevaluation Reports (RRs), to ensure compliance with legal requirements and alignment with best practices.
• Serves as the Local Education Agency (LEA) Representative for IEP meetings, as needed, including for assigned out-of-district placements.
• Provides supervision and leadership to assigned staff, including recruitment, selection, onboarding, professional development, observation, and evaluation, and makes recommendations regarding performance and corrective action.
• Oversees and coordinates services for students in out-of-district placements, including monitoring student progress, collaborating with external providers, participating in placement decisions, and ensuring the delivery of services in accordance with all regulatory requirements.
• Facilitates department meetings and collaborates with district and building-level administrators to plan and deliver professional development aligned to special education and student services priorities.
• Supports building principals through consultation and advisement regarding special education programming, compliance, and student needs.
• Provides technical assistance and guidance to staff on effective instructional practices, behavioral supports, and evidence-based interventions for students with disabilities.
• Assist in the development and monitoring of the special education and student services budget.
• Supports the coordination of student transitions, including movement between out-of-district and in-district programming, as well as other transitions as assigned.
• Coordinates and facilitates conflict resolution processes related to special education programming and services.
• Supervises and supports designated Student Services personnel and programs, ensuring alignment with district priorities and compliance with applicable regulations.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Student Services.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Valid Pennsylvania administrative and/or supervisory certification required and/or in process of obtaining.
• Minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of experience in public education, including experience in special education programming and/or instructional leadership at the elementary or secondary level; experience with or knowledge of out-of-district programming preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of special education programs, student services, and applicable case law.
• Strong understanding of federal and state regulations governing special education, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and related legal requirements.
• Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage complex situations and competing priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with staff, families, and external agencies.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Position requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, and move throughout the district for extended periods, with occasional lifting up to 30 pounds. Must possess the ability to effectively communicate and perform essential job functions requiring hearing and visual acuity. Work is performed primarily in an indoor environment and involves managing multiple responsibilities, exercising sound judgment, and working under periods of high demand.

TEMPERMANT: Appropriately handles confidential information in accordance with state and federal regulations. Demonstrates professionalism and courtesy while effectively managing staff and interactions with diverse stakeholders. Works collaboratively as both a leader and team member, fostering a cooperative, positive, and service-oriented environment within the department.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

• Knowledge of instructional practices, differentiated instruction, behavioral supports, and educational leadership, including program evaluation and staff supervision.
• Knowledge of federal and state special education laws and regulations, including Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
• Ability to supervise, evaluate, and staff; communicate and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders; and lead problem-solving and conflict resolution.
• Ability to analyze complex situations, exercise sound judgment, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency with technology and data systems to support compliance and program management.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, demonstrate professionalism, and commit to ongoing professional growth.

Additional Information

This is a 260-day administrative position with competitive salary and benefits, reporting directly to the Director of Student Services.

AVAILABLE:           Immediately 

CONTACT:              Mrs. Michelle Sarokon

                               Human Resource Coordinator

                               540 W. North St.

                               Carlisle, PA 17013

The Carlisle Area School District is an equal opportunity education institution and will not

discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, creed, religion, gender, gender-identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, disability or any other status protected by law in its activities, programs, or employment practices as required by Title VI,

Title IX and Section 504.

No person shall on the grounds of race, color, age, creed, religion, gender, gender-identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, disability or any other status protected by law be excluded from participation in or be subjected to discrimination in any program or activity funded in whole or in part by federal funds. Discrimination on the basis of sex or religion is also prohibited in some federal programs.

For information regarding civil rights or grievances procedures, services, activities and

facilities that are assessable to and usable by handicapped persons, contact:

Mr. Michael R. Gogoj

Title IX Coordinator

540 West North Street

Carlisle, PA 17013

717-240-6800

Lisa Slover

Section 504 Coordinator

Director of Student Services

623 West Penn Street

Carlisle, PA 17013

717-240-6800 ext. 17815

sloverl@carlisleschools.org