Director of Special Education

Job Title: Director of Special Education

Reports to: Associate Superintendent

Dept./School: Special Education

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Pay Grade/Days: Inst. 8/240 Days

Date Revised: 4/24/2024

Primary Purpose

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

Texas Mid-management or other appropriate Texas certificate

Valid Texas teaching certificate with special education endorsement, preferred or Texas Special Education related licensure

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

• Oversee the development and delivery of special education curriculum and instructional programs that incorporate district goals and support student achievement. Ensure that curriculum renewal is continuous and responsive to student needs.
• Develop and implement 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.
• 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.
• Obtain and use evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to gauge special education program effectiveness. Make changes when warranted.
• Ensure that the necessary time, resources, materials, and technology support to accomplish educational goals are available. Encourage and support the development of innovative instructional programs.
• Direct transition services for special education students entering and exiting public school programs.
• Take an active role in the formulating and implementing contracts for special education students receiving services outside of the district.
  
  

Student Management

• Demonstrate support for the district’s student management policies and expected student behavior related to special education program.
• Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, and teachers concerning vital issues.
  
  

Policy, Reports, and Law

• Implement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in area of special education. Recommend sound policies and procedures to improve program.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
  
  

Budget and Inventory

• Develop and administer the special education budget based on documented needs and ensure that operations are cost effective and funds are managed wisely.
• Compile budgets and cost estimates based on documented program needs.
• Maintain a current inventory of supplies and equipment and recommend the replacement and disposal of equipment when necessary.
• Approve and forward purchase orders for special education department to accounting finance department as required by District procedures.
  
  

Personnel Management

• Prepare, review, and revise job descriptions in special education department.
• Develop training options and/or improvement plans to ensure exemplary operations in the special education area.
• Evaluate job performance of employees to ensure effectiveness.
• Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and make recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
  
  

Communication and Community Relations

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

Other

• Regular Attendance
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

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

Working Conditions

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals

Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: Frequent districtwide travel; occasional statewide travel; work performed at District buildings and campuses.

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Applicants for all positions are considered without regard to race, color, sex, (including pregnancy), national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other legally protected status. Additionally, the district does not discriminate against an applicant who acts to oppose such discrimination or participates in the investigation of a complaint related to a discriminating employment practice.

The district Title IX Coordinator is Linda Muehlberger, Coordinator of Student Services, 1104 Broad St., Wichita Falls, TX 76307 940-235-1029

Questions regarding posted positions should be addressed to human resources 940-235-1012.