Special Education Director Position Description
The Special Education Director leads campus-level efforts to ensure that every child we serve, regardless of academic or physical ability, receives a high-quality education that supports them in acquiring the skills necessary to transform society. The Special Education Director oversees the day-to-day work of campus special educator staff and contractors. Further, they work to ensure strong systems and processes, both for their team and with general education staff. The Special Education Director works closely with the campus and network leadership teams to ensure compliance and quality within the special education program.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Program Supervision and Coaching
- Through observation, data, and documentation reviews, ensure that all students in the special education program at Lee Montessori are receiving high-quality services
- Supervise/coach all special education staff: special education teachers, related service providers, and dedicated aides
- Schedule and coordinate any contractors
- Provide
ongoing professional development on special education, including instruction, policies, and procedures, for all faculty and staff - Research and select evidence-based interventions for reading, math, and behavior, and ensure fidelity of implementation
- Monitor and review draft IEPs and 504s and provide compliance and quality-related feedback to teachers and RSPs
- Facilitate IEP team meetings (referral, evaluation planning, eligibility, annual, amendment, etc.)
- Facilitate collaboration between special educators and other staff to ensure compliance with IEPs and 504s, and academic progress for students with formal supports
- Oversee Extended School Year, including assigning sufficient teachers and Related Service Providers, selecting curricula, and managing SLED ESY Module
- Lead the recruitment, hiring, orientation, and retention of special education staff who match Lee Montessori's philosophy
Data, Compliance, and Budget
- Develop and update school handbook in keeping with relevant laws and policies, and ensure compliance
- Implement a calendar of deadlines, including federal, state, and network, to ensure that all meetings and reports are completed according to rules and regulations
- Maintain accurate schoolwide documentation of specialized instruction and related services caseloads and schedules
- Coordinate accommodations and alternative testing for network and statewide assessments
- Collaborate in appropriate contracting processes; ensure procurement of specialized materials and technology as needed
- Budget and spend in appropriate categories in compliance with the overall Lee budget, legal requirements, and policy
- Participate in accurate data analysis and validation (e.g. Child Count) for internal and external stakeholders
Family Engagement and Core Values
- Provide families accurate, timely information, proactively and responsibly, both individually and through trainings; ensure school staff communicate data-driven student progress information in ways accessible to parents and families.
- Actively pursues professional growth and learning; reflects on feedback and outcomes to improve leadership practices and school performance
- Addresses difficult conversations with bravery and integrity; advocates for equity within the school and broader community.
- Leads with an equity lens in all aspects of decision-making and school culture; ensures all students-especially those historically underserved-have access to meaningful learning and support.
- Models grace, empathy, and respectful communication in all relationships
- Fosters a joyful school environment where children and adults feel valued, celebrated, and connected.
- Adheres to Lee's employee handbook and expectations for all staff members
Requirements & Qualifications
- Master's degree or certification in Special Education, or commensurate experience;
- 3 years of supervision experience;
- Three years of teaching experience in an urban setting or a Montessori school;
- In-depth knowledge and understanding of Special Education law, best practices, and instructional methods;
- A track record of success in increasing the achievement of urban students
- Entrepreneurial mindset, with the drive, passion to innovate, and tolerance of ambiguity needed for a startup environment
- Strong process, people, and project management skills with proven ability to; train, supervise and coach professional staff in order to foster a cooperative team environment;
- Intellectual agility, a commitment to maintaining rigorous standards, and a demonstrated ability to think strategically and execute on multiple priorities simultaneously;
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and rapidly-changing environment;
- Ability to leverage computer software programs and other technology that will support the learning environment; and
- Understanding of public education and charter schools is desirable.
