Assistant Director of Special Education Instructional/Related Services (26-27)

NORTHWEST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Job Title: Assistant Director of Special Education Instructional/Related Services

Reports To: Executive Director of Student Support Services   

Dept. /School Special Education                                        

Duty Days: 235

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Pay Grade: A35

Date Revised: 5/2025

Primary Purpose:

Assist in supervising, monitoring, and directing the development and implementation of appropriate individualized instructional programs for students with disabilities.

Qualifications:

Master’s degree or equivalent in special education or school administration

Mid-Management certification or equivalent preferred

Three years successful teaching experience, special education preferred

Knowledge of research, trends, and best practices in special education

Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules and regulations, and policies applicable to special education

Ability to supervise and evaluate the special education program, staff, and facilities

Ability to maintain a positive relationship with school personnel, parents, and community

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Recommends employment and dismissal of staff through and in conjunction with human resources
2. Develops staff assignments for campus instructional and support special education staff such as special education teachers and paraprofessionals
3. Develops staff assignments for related service personnel (OT, PT, AT) and instructional services (AI, VI, APE, AT)
4. Recommends material and curricula needs for special education teachers and initiates expenditures to the Director of Special Education for approved budget
5. Prepares and makes recommendations for program descriptions, standards, changes, and improvements.
6. Plans and directs on-going staffing and annual review process for OT, PT, AI, VI, APE, AT, and instructional coordinators.
7. Plans and directs staff development for teachers, paraprofessionals,  and parent training
8. Conduct instructional observations and conferences with itinerant staff that result in diagnostic and prescriptive feedback for growth and improved performance.
9. Manage and promote use of district technology of special education department
10. Attend scheduled staffing for students who may be eligible for instructional services, when and where requested
11. Encourage and support development of innovative instructional programs, helping teachers and itinerants pilot programs when appropriate
12. Ensure all IEP procedures are complete prior to placement of a student in a program under his/her direction consistent with IDEA Rules and Regulations
13. Provides expertise for new and innovative program options
14. Attend all meetings called by the Director and District Leadership Team
15. Promote positive, caring climate through ARD facilitation
16. Develops, implements, and monitors special education procedures and programs consistent and compatible with the Administration Code for Special Education, school code, and other applicable laws and regulations.
17. Coordinates and participates in IEP staffings and annual reviews and facilitates the compilation of documentation for student records and quality assurance.
18. Assist campus administration with evaluating and other program personnel performance by participating in periodic informal evaluations.
19. Recruits, interviews, and selects APE, OT, PT, AI, VI, homebound, in-home training and other itinerant staff positions
20. Facilitates communication regarding transportation requirements and transportations procedures
21. Completes state forms regarding personnel, child count, summer school, and other SPP documentation for TEA.
22. Participates in due process activities as required
23. Develops handbooks (staff, student, parent) revise annually
24. Participates in activities with central office personnel
25. Facilitate program changes as needed
26. Performs other duties and assumes other such responsibilities as may be assigned by the Director of Special Education
27. Supervise ESY annually including training, staffing, transportation, and oversight of special education staff and students
28. Supervise specialized programs such as PPCD, PACEE, SLC, SOAR, RISE, SEAC, and Mommy and Me
29. Deal sensitively and fairly with persons from diverse cultures and backgrounds
30. Develop, implement, direct, evaluate, and revise specialized curriculum used in NISD programs
31. Advises parents, regular and special education teachers in proper programming of students
32. Develops and evaluates continuity of comprehensive programs and services
33. Monitors itinerant staff in long and short range planning and scheduling
34. Monitors teachers and paraprofessionals in long and short range data collection, planning, and scheduling
35. Direct personnel in the improvement of developing and updating methods, materials, and techniques to develop best practices in their professional area
36. Supervises staff with oversight in the policies, procedures, procedures, and philosophy of NISD
37. Implement procedures for pupil services including intake services, IEPs, annual reviews, classroom assignments, and student services and schedules
38. Observe specific students/classrooms and make recommendations
39. Oversee and designs a continuous in-service program designed to improve the professional staff
40. Research, plan, and coordinate in-service training programs for administrators, parents, general education teachers, special education teachers, and itinerant staff in understanding special education 
41. Oversee scheduling of monthly PLCs, focus groups, and parent trainings
42. Provides on-going communication with district personnel as well as parents
43. Interprets and disseminates information regarding state/federal rules and regulations
44. Informs NISD staff of student progress, teacher and other personnel effectiveness, and program development
45. Develop and provide district training for special education 
46. Conduct private school meetings 
47. Other duties as assigned

Supervisory Duties:

Supervise and evaluate the performance of staff assigned to Special Education Department, including all itinerant staff.

Equipment Used:

Personal computer, printer, copier, fax machine

Working Conditions:

Maintain emotional control under stress, work with frequent interruptions. Repetitive hand motions and prolonged use of computer. Frequent travel in and out of district, overnight trips, travel by car or plane, long hours of standing. The position requires frequent bending, stooping, twisting, pulling, overhead reaching, sitting, and keyboarding. Position requires the ability to lift 25 pounds to waist high.

Salary : $88,697 - $121,936