Berrien Springs Public Schools

Director of Special Education

Berrien Springs, MI

We Inspire:

Berrien Springs Public Schools is a premier district that seeks to inspire students to become self-directed learners in an environment that promotes collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking skills. We strive to provide students with real-world problem solving and experiential learning with individualized options. We believe students are inspired to learn when they have opportunities to be involved in their learning process.

Who We Are:

Together, inspiring each student to think, learn, achieve, and care in a global community. At Berrien Springs Public Schools, we strive to serve the needs of all student learners while seeking ways for students to reach their full potential. Our mission is to involve all stakeholders in the educational process. We have a strong focus on what we call "The Shamrock Way." The Shamrock Way is offering personalized learning opportunities where students can learn and grow in a caring environment. BSPS services a highly diverse student population that makes our district environment rich with culture, talents, interests, abilities, skills, and needs. Our highly qualified staff develops students to be self-directed and lifelong learners, who demonstrate personal competencies in academic achievement, technology, and citizenship.

The Role:

As Director of Special Education, you will focus on students who require specially designed instruction and their families. You will support these students’ access to high-quality instruction through building relationships, utilizing effective programs, and supporting a well-trained staff. To be successful, you must collaborate with colleagues both within and outside of the district on a mission to continuously improve our services. You will constantly supervise reports of data, finance, and programs. In addition, Berrien Springs Public Schools have 24 off-site programs throughout the state of Michigan that you will support and oversee as they meet the needs of students that have chosen one of our online-learning divisions.

Competencies for this position:

Have implemented or maintained Special Education programs
Have conformed to district, state, and federal objectives and laws
Has served as a resource to patrons, school personnel, and leadership
Has provided leadership in difficult situations, with adept problem-solving skills
Has developed new partnerships and maintained relationships
Has conflict resolution or restorative practice training and experience
Has successfully led team members towards strategic goals
Has monitored programs for effectiveness towards constant improvement
Has developed and managed fiscal resources with coherent goals
Is an exceptional communicator in-person, in writing, and on media
Is an exceptional leader; develops and supports teammates to ascend to new levels
Continuously learns and is curious about research and best practices
Has an understanding of multiple cultures and educational backgrounds
Can perform other duties as assigned - you are flexible and team-oriented
Has a strong understanding of Special Education law, Michigan Compiled Laws, and Board Policies
Has analyzed data to develop strategies and programs focused on future student achievement

Why You Will Love This Role:

As a member of our growing professional learning team, you’ll not only drive the change in your department but you will be part of an innovative team of committed colleagues. You will have a high level of autonomy when reviewing programs, funding, and training, always focused on improving services to our clients - our students and their families. Your role requires cross-functional collaboration at all levels with other departments, districts, and support agencies. Your efforts will result in meaningful educational opportunities for all students since special education is interwoven with general education; each makes the other better.

What We’ll Love About You

You have 3+ years of special education classroom experience, in addition to a Master’s Degree or higher, including a Michigan Administrative Certificate. You have had the opportunity to work with diverse departments and leaders to attain quality educational environments for students. You are a data-oriented person that loves to prototype or refine programs, always seeking efficiency and effectiveness. Budgets are no big deal and you have experience developing budgets and responsibly implementing dollars towards district goals. You connect and build relationships in an authentic and personalized way with all stakeholders to come to the best solution; not necessarily yours. You are creative and strategic in your approach to planning, keeping your team, the budget, and relative data in perspective. You are excited to collaborate with your team, as well as others to create a rich environment and meaningful experience for all students.

What You’ll Get Out of This Role:

A varied and challenging role in an innovative hybrid organization
A robust benefits package including a board paid annuity, the ability to earn longevity pay after five years of employment, option to earn yearly merit pay as well as health insurance and life insurance
Development and further training opportunities for shaping and realizing your professional goals
Exceptional colleagues who challenge each other, care about you and support your efforts
You are signing up for a difficult job. Leading in education is not easy, but you will be working with a top-notch team that is leading in innovation and is following a mission to add value to all students through personalized learning

Classification: Category 5

Position Title: Director of Special Education

Department: Special Education

Reports To: Director of Curriculum and Special Projects

Salary: $90,000 - $105,000 based on experience

Length of Contract: This is a 235-day annual assignment. The schedule consists of 220 standard work days, with an additional 15 days reserved for administrative meetings, summer school needs or interviewing.

Location: Sylvester Elementary – Special Education Office

Start Date: August 1st, 2026

Deadline to apply: May 8, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.

Applications may be submitted to:

Jennifer Thies, Director of Human Resources

Berrien Springs Public Schools

P.O. Box 130

Berrien Springs, MI 49103

Email: jthies@homeoftheshamrocks.org

The Berrien Springs Public Schools Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and transgender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic, (collectively, "Protected Classes") in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.