This opportunity is open to all interested candidates.

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Area Program Manager, Special Education (assigned to support the Special Education Proactive Behavior Initiative) will plan, organize, and manage delivery of special education services for assigned special education programs and/or school sites; conduct research, analyze data, and prepare statistical reports to support and implement best practices; ensure compliance with state and federal mandates; provide ongoing direction and guidance to school sites for implementation and continuation of special education programs and services, as well as leadership, direction, and supervision of assigned personnel.

The ideal candidate is a systems-oriented, collaborative, and experienced educational leader who understands that effective behavior support begins with strong relationships, engaging instruction, inclusive practices, and well-designed school systems. This individual is skilled at using data to understand both student and system needs and can translate that information into practical supports for educators and school teams. The candidate will be an effective coach and supervisor who builds the capacity of others, communicates with empathy and clarity, and can balance strategic district priorities with the day-to-day realities of school sites.

POSITION SPECIFICS:

• Working Location: 4100 Normal Ave. San Diego, CA 92103
• Work schedule: 12 months / 248 days per year
• The position is paid on the AASD Certificated Supervisors Salary Schedule, Salary Plan 0708, Grade 030.
• Qualifies for District Paid health and wellness benefits for employee and dependents
• Experience with MTSS, proactive behavior supports, restorative practices, special education, instructional practices, and adult learning/coaching is desired, but not required.

Examples of Duties:

An incumbent may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification, but is intended to accurately reflect the principal job elements.

E = Essential Functions

Plan, organize, and monitor procedures, methods, development, and implementation of special education services to students and families for assigned special education programs and/or school sites. E

Provide direction to school sites and assigned staff in support of equity and access in general education and specialized settings. E

Ensure compliance with policies and procedures for administering services for assessment, identification, certification, establishment of priority, and placement of students with Individualized Education Programs. E

Provide technical assistance and consult with administrators, educators, paraprofessionals, caregivers, and other educational partners concerning the needs for students with Individualized Education Programs; coordinate articulation and/or transfer of students with Individualized Education Programs. E

Assist in coordination of site and/or centralized assessments for assigned special education programs and/or school sites and serve as an administrative designee for Individualized Education Program team meetings as appropriate. E

Prepare documentary evidence and present the District's legal position at due process hearings and mediations. E

Ensure maintenance of confidential, accurate and current records related to program requirements including assessment, placement, progress, attendance, hearings and mediations, Medi-Cal billing and nonpublic school billing in order to meet federal, State and District mandates and audits. E

Maintain knowledge of federal and state mandates regarding special education student and caregiver rights and responsibilities, and interpret these and other legal issues as appropriate for District staff, educational partners, and community agencies; investigate and collaborate with site administrators in response to alleged complaints and violations related to special education program issues. E

Monitor nonpublic school placement for compliance with appropriate legal requirements, state mandates and regulations, District policies and procedures, and standards for curriculum and graduation. E

Assist in planning and developing budgets for assigned special education programs and/or special education services at school sites, determine allocation of positions and needs for personnel and facilities, monitor compliance with regulations and expenditures of a variety of funding sources. E

Implement procedures, coordinate reviews, and monitor reporting forms and reports to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and grants for assigned special education programs and/or sites. E

Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff. E

Collaborate with community agencies; coordinate central intake for potential special education referrals from social community agencies. E

Direct and coordinate area and central office staff in providing timely professional learning and coaching support to schools. E

Plan, organize and implement programs and activities designed to develop assigned special education programs and/or special education services at school sites. E

Assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of program evaluation plans. E

Perform related duties as assigned.

In addition to the job duties listed above, in support of the Special Education Proactive Behavior Initiative, the incumbent will be expected to:

• Lead and monitor the implementation of proactive, tiered behavior supports across assigned school sites, including Tier 1-2 systems, developmentally appropriate behavioral expectations, evidence-based interventions, and restorative practices aligned with district frameworks.
• Supervise, coach, and develop Behavior Support Specialists (BSS) by providing ongoing feedback, monitoring coaching and service delivery, reviewing data and documentation, and ensuring consistency and fidelity of proactive behavior support practices across assigned schools.
• Analyze student, classroom, and school-level data to identify behavioral, instructional, environmental, and systems-level trends; use data to guide problem-solving, determine areas of need, monitor progress, and support school teams in developing responsive interventions.
• Build the capacity of school teams through consultation, professional learning, and coaching, partnering with site leaders, teachers, behavior teams, and other staff to strengthen school and classroom systems, student engagement, instructional practices, positive behavior supports, co-regulation, and restorative approaches.
• Coordinate and communicate across district and school-based teams to ensure alignment of proactive behavior initiatives, including facilitating site behavior team meetings, collaborating with district partners and the Executive Director of Special Education, monitoring implementation across assigned sites, and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.

To view the detailed position description for Area Program Manager, Special Education, click here.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training, experience and/or education equivalent to a Master's degree in special education or related field and four (4) years of leadership experience in delivery of special education services.

Licenses and Other Requirements:

Valid California Administrative Services Credential.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

Application Process

To be eligible for consideration, interested candidates must submit the following items. Your application will be considered incomplete if you do not include all required information, including completion of the Work Experience and Education Sections of the online application, required attachments, and responses to all application questions.

• Online employment application
• A completed online employment application must be submitted/received electronically by the closing date. This application MUST include all required attachments, current and previous employment history and education to evaluate your qualifications, and all other requirements identified in the recruitment and application questions. It is important to note that a resume does not substitute for completing the Work Experience and Education sections. Your application will be considered incomplete if you do not include all relevant details and attachments.
• Paper applications are not accepted.

• Answer all application questions. The application questions should be answered thoroughly, clearly, and concisely as the responses provided (along with the entire application package) will be carefully reviewed to determine which candidates will move forward in the recruitment process.

• Contact information for all previous places of employment where you served in a certificated position must be listed under the 'Employment History' section of the application (Assembly Bill 2534). As of January 1, 2025, in accordance with Education Code section 44939.5 (as amended by California AB 2534) applicants for certificated positions are required by law to provide a complete list of every school district, county office of education, charter school and/or state special school (also known as a Local Education Agency (LEA)) with which you have previously been employed, regardless of the length of service. The District may contact current and former LEAs at any time during the application screening process.
• In accordance with California Assembly Bill 2534, all applicants for certificated positions must provide a complete employment history. Please adhere to the following
• List Every Educational Employer: You must include every school district, county office of education, charter school, other educational institutions, or state special school where you have been employed, regardless of your length of service.
• HR Contact Information: In the Employer Email field, you must provide the email address for that employer's Human Resources or Personnel Office (i.e., not your direct supervisor).

Note: These email addresses are required to satisfy the employment verification and background requirements mandated by Education Code section 44939.5.

• Contact information for three references must be listed in the 'Reference' section of the application. References should be from a current or previous supervisor. Reference email requests may be sent at any time during the application screening process of this recruitment. These reference requests are not an indication of progression in the recruitment process or an interview opportunity. Written reference letters dated within the last year are also accepted and may be attached to your online application in the Reference Section.
• Attach Required Documents (PDF format recommended)
  • Cover Letter / Letter of Intent
• Resume
• Resume must reflect current and past work and accomplishments.
• A resume is to be attached, but does NOT substitute for completing work history, education sections, or the supplemental questions of the employment application.

• Credential
  • Valid California Administrative Services Credential is required.
  • A copy of your valid California Administrative Services Credential, or equivalent out-of-state administrative credential, MUST be attached to your submitted online application. Important note: preliminary and clear Administrative Services Credentials submitted with an expired date may not be considered. Verify the copy you upload to your online application is current. Certificates of Eligibility for Administrative Services Credentials typically do not have an expiration date.
  • Detailed instructions to view and print California credential(s) may be found on the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing website at thisLINK. For other states, please visit the state educator license/credential website.
  • If you are currently enrolled in an Administrative Services Credential program, you must attach verification of enrollment from the CTC-approved university/ program with the anticipated program completion date.
  • If you are currently in the process of obtaining an Administrative Services Credential by achieving a passing score on the California Preliminary Administrative Credential Examination (CPACE), you must attach a