Director of Special Education (900000948) SY26-27

POSITION TITLE:

Director of Special Education

RESPONSIBLE TO:

Chief of Student Services

JOB CLASSIFICATION:

Certified Position. 239 days.

FLSA Status: Exempt

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Valid Georgia Educational Leadership P-12 Certificate or Special Education Director Endorsement required.

Advanced Degree in Special Education preferred.

Experience:

• Five (5) years of experience providing services to students with disabilities and three (3) years of experience as a successful administrator, required.
• Experience writing meaningful and legally compliant IEPs, required.
• Experience analyzing assessment data and recommending instructional strategies, interventions and/or programming, required.
• Experience training and developing skills through professional development, required.

JOB SUMMARY:

The overall purpose of this position is to increase high school graduation rate of students with disabilities as well as create, implement and monitor compliant policies, practices and procedures to educate students with disabilities beginning in preschool and continuing through high school graduation.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership and Evaluation

1. Set goals, identify actions and evaluate progress towards achievement of yearly goals that align with the GaDOE Strategic Plan and Federal Indicators for Students with Disabilities as well as the district’s strategic action plan.
2. Utilize the problem-solving process to identify barriers to attainment of goals, prioritize strategies, implement short term action plans, monitor fidelity of implementation and evaluate achievement of short term actions.
3. Provide professional development and supervise implementation and monitoring of specially designed instruction and compliant practices and procedures.
4. Develop and implement processes to efficiently allocate special education resources and maintain fiscal responsibility.
5. Attract, retain, professionally develop and evaluate staff in assigned areas of responsibility.
6. Support system initiatives and maintain a system of accountability for services delivered.

Management and Organization

1. Provide general supervision in the five cluster areas of identification, services and supports, student progress, parent engagement and college and career readiness.
2. Implement and monitor compliant policies, practices and procedures to increase achievement of students with disabilities.
3. Complete and submit reports for district and state compliance in a timely manner.

Professional Development

1. Provide professional learning opportunities and evaluate the impact of the training, resources and/or supports on student achievement and compliant practices.
2. Keep current in relevant topics through participation in professional organizations and professional development activities.

Non-Program Duties and Responsibilities:

Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities:

• Possession of strong communication, writing, and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of research or evidence-based instructional practices and technology related to educating students with disabilities.
• Knowledge of research or evidenced-based practices in various areas of special education, including co-teaching, classroom management, scheduling services, writing and executing IEPs, and implementing Behavior Intervention Plans.
• Extensive knowledge of state and federal rules and regulations that govern the education of students with disabilities or those suspected to have a disability i.e. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the state of Georgia commitment to federal court in the Marshall vs. Georgia lawsuit (SST) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
• Knowledge of the College and Career Readiness Performance Indicator, Georgia’s accountability system, as well as state required assessments.
• Knowledge of Microsoft computer applications and web-based IEP programs.
• Knowledge of record reporting for FTE and Student Record.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with administrations, teachers and other district leaders.
• Ability to initiate tasks independently, analyze critical data, and monitor progress toward departmental, system, state, and federal goals.
• Ability to plan, lead and facilitate effective and time efficient meetings.
• Ability to complete tasks in a timely manner and respond to multiple deadlines.
• Ability to lead and model conflict resolutions and problem solving skills.
• Ability to establish partnerships and communicate effectively with parents, schools and community stakeholders.
• Ability to oversee the implementation of results-based programs and practices to improve student achievement.
• Ability to evaluate effectiveness of staff and provide feedback for professional development.

Physical Demands:

Vision, hearing and verbal communication are essential factors in performing required tasks, duties, and responsibilities.  Frequent movement from classroom to classroom and driving from school building to school building is required. Some travel for professional development is also required. Must be able to lift a minimum of 30 pounds, stand and walk for long periods of time, and withstand extended periods of time in an automobile while traveling. The individual must meet deadlines with severe time constraints; interact with the public and other workers. Often, the position requires the employee to work irregular and at times, extended hours. Must have flexibility in hours worked since teacher meetings often occur before and after regular school hours. The position requires direct responsibility for the work output of other people and the safety and well-being of students. The position requires meeting multiple demands from several people.

Work Environment:

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. The employee may face many interruptions and shifting priorities day to day. Working with specific students may require Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

Applicants are asked to request a minimum of three (3) confidentially submitted electronic reference surveys via the online application process and provide a resume, letter of interest, copies valid educator certificates, college transcripts and copies of the last three (3) annual performance evaluations.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT:

The Board of Education of the City of Marietta does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or gender in its employment practices, student programs and dealings with the public.

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