Associate Director of Special Education Programs

Job Title:              Associate Director of Special Education Programs

Reports to:               Director of Special Education

Dept./School:           Special Education

Wage/Hour Status:   Exempt

Pay Grade/Days:       Inst. 7/240 Days

Date Revised:           5/28/2026

Primary Purpose:

Assist the Director of Special Education to direct and manage the district’s special education program. Ensure that services are provided for special needs students and individualized education plans are provided to meet the needs of all students. Warrant compliance with all state, federal, and local requirements.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Master’s degree in Special Education or Education Leadership 

Valid Texas teaching certificate with special education endorsement

Texas Mid-management or other appropriate Texas certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of federal and state special education law

Understanding of the individual needs of special needs students

Ability to communicate with all levels of special needs students and their parents

Ability to interpret policy, procedures, and data

Ability to manage budget and personnel

Ability to coordinate district functions

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience:

Five years campus experience with special education

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional and Program Management 

1. Assist with development and implementation of an effective special education referral process and ensure that student assessments and recommendations regarding placement and program management for individual students are completed in a timely manner.
2. Provide recommendations during stafftings and/or ARD meetings that are consistent with district procedures
3. Monitor the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) process districtwide. Participate in committee meetings as needed to ensure that students are placed appropriately and development of individual education plans for students are consistent with district procedures. Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis.
4. Obtain and use evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to gauge special education program effectiveness. Make changes when warranted.
5. Encourage and support the development of innovative instructional programs.
6. Assist with the direction of transition services for special education students entering and exiting WFISD programs.
7. Provide on-going support and training to campus staff
8. Provide administrative support for outlining teachers and paraprofessionals.
9. Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, and teachers concerning vital issues.
10. Manage and Implement district wide Crisis Management Model training

Policy, Reports, and Law

1. Compile, maintain, file, and  submit reports, strategic support plans, and other documents required by the Texas Education Agency during audits and yearly reports 
2. Assist with the implementation of the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in the area of special education. Recommend sound policies and procedures to improve the program.
3. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents as required.
4. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Budget and Inventory

1. Assist in the development of the special education budget based on documented needs and ensure that operations are cost effective and funds are managed wisely and assist in compiling budgets and cost estimates based on documented program needs.
2. Maintain a current inventory of supplies and equipment and recommend the replacement and disposal of equipment when necessary.

Personnel Management

1. Prepare, review, and revise job descriptions in the special education department.
2. Provide mentorship, counseling, professional development, and guidance for new teachers, student teachers, administrator internships, and other staff in the special education department.
3. Develop training options and/or improvement plans to ensure exemplary operations in the special education area.
4. Supervise professional developments (PD) and implement PD to include managing work schedules, assigning duties and developing instructional teams.
5. Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and make recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
6. Duties such as staff supervision (appraisals: teachers, aides, evaluation staff, support staff), student discipline, and recommendations to campus principals  

Communication and Community Relations

1. Establish and maintain a professional relationship and open communication with principals, teachers, staff, parents, and community members.
2. Serve as district liaison to community agencies providing services to students and notify parents and students of available services.
3. Participate in professional organizations and serve on community boards.
4. Articulate the district’s mission and goals in the area of special education to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.
5. Demonstrate awareness of district-community needs and initiate activities to meet those  needs.
6. Use appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.

Other

1. Regular Attendance

Supervisory Responsibilities:

1. Supervise and evaluate the performance of special education teachers, aides, and support staff.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Frequent district- wide and occasional state- wide travel; occasional prolonged and irregular hours. Maintain emotional control under stress. Regular districtwide travel to multiple work locations as assigned; moderate lifting and carrying. 

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Salary : $92,266 - $125,940