Special Education Director

Job Purpose

• Job Description: Provides coordination and leadership in special education programming for diverse student population. Responsible for leadership resulting in implementation of special education process including identification, assessment, development and implementation of IEP's. Collaborates with community based agencies. Ensures compliance with local, state and federal statutes and regulations. Develops and promotes good community relations among various community and school clientele.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure that schools and district follow all state and federal regulations relative to the identification,

placement, and program development for special education students;

• Provide system-wide leadership for assuring the development of effective and appropriate special

education programs;

• Provide leadership and system representation in matters relating to due process procedural

safeguards;

• Develops system procedures for identification, evaluation and placement of students with special

education needs;

• Chairs or participates in staffing which may result in IEP recommendations requiring additional

financial commitments from the school system or which may have legal ramifications;

• Represent the school system in dealing with outside agencies and organizations concerned with

special education;

• Facilitates communication and mediation with parents and advocates regarding the delivery of special

education services;

• Coordinates the development and maintenance of student special education files;
• Develops and coordinates development of various data reports requested by both State and Federal

Agencies;

• Assists others in the preparation and review of reports generated for State funding of Special

Education programs

• Coordinates staff development sessions for general and special education personnel;
• Coordinates the development of information required by the transportation department in arranging

specialized transportation;

• Approves special education requests for supplies, materials, and equipment; and
• Coordinates instructional program for special education services.
• With principals, assume leadership for recruiting, hiring and evaluating special education teachers.

(Special education teachers should not be hired, transferred, or terminated without approval of the

Director.)

• Conduct Focus Walks and provide feedback to teachers and administrators
• Develop and maintain IDEA Flow-Through Grant
• Develop and implement Board Policies relating to Students
• Supervise Related Services Providers

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Educational Administration, Special Education or Curriculum and Instruction related
• Valid New Mexico Administrative Certificate or the eligibility of obtain one
• Previous Experience Working with Non-Traditional Learners/”At-Risk” Students
• Experience Working in Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Communities and School Environments
• Ability to Communicate Clearly and Concisely in Both Oral and Written Form
• Ability to Apply Systems Analysis Perspective(s) to Achieve Efficient and Effective Program Operations
• Ability to Work Collaboratively at Site & District Levels
• Pay commensurate to board approved salary schedule