PURPOSE: To assist the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services in the leadership of special education programs consistent with federal and state laws, rules and regulations and district policies and procedures. Assists the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services in the administration of school specific programs and services that allow students requiring special education services to access general education curriculum in the least restrictive environment while meeting their individual educational needs.
QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Possess valid Illinois Professional Educator License with General Administrative/Principal Endorsement. Director of Special Education Endorsement strongly preferred, or enrollment in a program (required);
2. Master’s Degree;
3. Minimum of five (5) years of successful teaching, administrative, and/or supervisory experience in the area of special education and student services;
4. Knowledge of special education curriculum and programming, Illinois and federal special education law and regulation;
5. Capacity to effectively and efficiently organize and prioritize information; develop short and long range plans that are appropriately comprehensive, realistic, and effective in meeting special education program goals, and integrate planning efforts across special education areas;
6. Demonstrated leadership and excellent communication skills.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Regularly and directly assist the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services with the development and implementation of special education and student service programs; ensure programs are in compliance with state and federal laws, rules and regulations, and Board policy and align with the District's strategic plan, mission, and goals;
2. Maintain ongoing relationships with general education staff, parents, community-based service providers, and program staff regarding systems-change initiatives;
3. Assist with design and implementation of program outcome studies, and make recommendations on the policies and practices;
4. Assist in planning budgetary resources for special education programs;
5. Assist in preparing documentation and report data to the Illinois State Board of Education and Federal Government for the purpose of providing written support, conveying information, and complying with Federal and State regulations;
6. Collaborate with the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services to assist in setting staffing levels for special education programs for the purpose of providing services with fiscal efficiency;
7. Maintain a high level of knowledge regarding developing special education issues, changes in the laws and case law, and educational methods of educating students with disabilities, for the purpose of managing an excellent special education program;
8. Assist the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services in ensuring the implementation and progress toward achieving stated objectives for RtI/MTSS including compliance with special education regulations;
9. Communicate, interact and work effectively and cooperatively with building administrators, departments, staff, and parents;
10. In coordination with the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, plan and coordinate professional development and provide job embedded professional development related to special education;
11. Assist in coordinating special education transportation services;
12. Provide leadership for health related services by helping direct and coordinate the work of the district’s Certified School Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Health Coordinators;
13. Attend and participate in professional development and meetings as requested by the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services;
14. Supervise and evaluate certified and non-certified staff as needed or assigned;
15. Assist with hiring and assignment and induction of certified and non-certified staff;
16. Facilitate evaluation IEP/Annual Review/IEP update meetings as directed;
17. Effectively utilize conflict resolution strategies and problem-solving skills to address child, family, team or organizational issues;
18. Attend Board of Education meetings and present information as requested by the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services;
19. Collaborate with administrators, parents, general and special education teachers to ensure appropriate educational programming for students within the least restrictive environments;
20. Serve as the local education agency liaison for homeless children and youth as directed by the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services;
21. Other duties as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services/Superintendent.
TERM: 12 months
ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP: Reports to the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services
SALARY RANGE: $120,000 - $140,000
