Special Education Director

Job Title:                 Director of Special Education

Department:            Instruction (Special Education)

Reports to:              Superintendent

Classification:         Exempt

Term:                      11-months (2026-2027 school year)

Qualifications:         Missouri advanced administration certificate

• Qualify for Special Education Administrator’s endorsement
• A minimum of three years successful teaching experience in special education (preferred)
• Successful administration experience (preferred)
• Excellent communication skills

Summary

The Director will be responsible for designing, developing and delivering programs and services determined appropriate for those students with verified special needs. The Director will evaluate programs, services and personnel as assigned in accordance with district policies and procedures. The Director will coordinate special education services in accordance with local policy, and applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

An individual who holds this position is required to:

Work with all departments, employees, district consultants and community representatives to establish Special Education programs, curriculum and instructional resources on a systematic basis.

• Monitor curriculum and IEP’s for special needs children.
• Ensure that Special Education teachers have an opportunity to participate in decisions regarding curriculum and instruction.
• Demonstrates positive interpersonal relations with students, educational staff, parents and administrators.

Coordinates appraisal, placement, transfer and dismissal procedures for students receiving services from an integrated program for students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment.

• Assures screening process is complete and that compliance timelines are met. (Direct screening and testing of students)
• Maintain records so that it is possible to evaluate special education programs over the short and long-term period.
• Ensure procedural safeguards and due process procedures.
• Reviews transfer IEP’s and completes acceptance paperwork.
• Conducts observations district wide as needed.
• Arranges and supervises meetings with staff and parents to review assessments and make decisions regarding diagnosis, program recommendations and placements.
• Coordinates with other districts to attempt to gain needed records.
• Assures case record reviews are completed and monitors special education caseloads.
• Monitors expiration dates and re-evaluation dates for students with active IEP’s and Section 504 plans.
• Coordinate student placement in Beacon School and State School for the Severely Handicapped.
• Serves as the district’s Section 504 Coordinator.
• Serves as the district's Title IX Coordinator.
• Serves as the district's Foster Care Liaison.
• Serves as the district's Homeless Coordinator.

Clearly defines expectations for district staff performance regarding Special Education instructional strategies, classroom management and communications with the public and provides in-service training and encouragement of all staff members.

• Provide in-service training for the special services staff and hold regular meetings for the purpose of sharing ideas, methods, procedures and reviewing district, state and federal requirements.
• Interprets data, significance and alternatives effectively.

Recognizes the line of authority, personnel policies and regulations, the limits of responsibility and the importance of conferring with superiors and subordinates in a professional manner.

• Provide information for the superintendent, principals and the Board of Education as needed.

Assist building principal during job interviews and evaluations of all employees within the Special Education Department and recommends, orients, matches staff members with job assignments.

Cooperate with the superintendent in developing the budget for Special Education based on district, state and federal limitations and policies, in accordance with documented projected needs in a fiscally responsible manner.

Supervises, evaluates, prepares and submits applications, reports and compliance requirements for the acquisition and expenditure of state and federal funds to adequately provide for staff resources and developed goals.

Ensures that rules are uniformly observed, consequences are equitable and enhanced learning opportunities are emphasized.

Communicate and promote high expectations for staff and students through the recognition of excellence and achievement.

Project a positive image within the community by providing information and responsiveness to parent concerns.

Follow the policies and procedures of the district Special Education Compliance Plan.

Other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the superintendent.

Supervisory Duties

Supervises all personnel in assigned special education department.