JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Director of Special Education

Position Hours: Full-time extended workdays, occasional Saturdays, and frequent travel

Length of Term/Employment: 225 workdays / At-Will

Reports to: Executive Director of Academics and Accountability

Position Mission:

The role of the Special Education Director, under the supervision of the Executive Director of Academics and Accountability, will lead the Special Education Team by effectively designing, executing and managing short-term and long-term plans that are focused on actions designed to meet the school district’s goals and objectives. The Special Education Director will work with campus administration and district staff to provide quality special education services that are integrated with the educational programming for all students. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and continuous improvement, the Director will lead initiatives to collaborate with campus administration and district staff to enhance program effectiveness, support professional development for educators, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The ultimate mission is to empower all students to achieve their fullest potential and succeed in a dynamic and evolving global society.

Position Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s Degree
Must possess teaching certification from Texas State Board for Education (Required)
- Certified in Special Education (Required)

Experience

Minimum 3 years of experience and knowledge in teaching Special Education students and compliance requirements.
Minimum of 3 years campus administration or related experience (required).
Proven track record of improving academic outcomes for students and eliminating disparities in achievement, opportunities and services for all students.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

Leadership and Management:

Direct and manage district and campus special education programs and services to meet student needs.
Lead the formulation and implementation of contracts for special education services provided outside the district.
Direct personnel to provide leadership and support to campuses, ensuring appropriate service delivery that conforms to established guidelines.
Oversee program initiatives to ensure fidelity of implementation and compliance with state and federal guidelines.
Assess and recommend improvements in training, implementation, and practices.
Resolve issues and crisis situations related to instructional programs, student placement, and behavior.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Program Development and Implementation:

Develop and implement programs/initiatives in Special Education
Align program initiatives with district strategies, mission, vision, core values, and beliefs.
Ensure the implementation and evaluation of a College, College and Career, and/or the Military Readiness (CCMR) program to ensure all students graduate with CCMR.
Support all aspects of district instructional and curriculum integration of technology for special education.
Assist in creating the district instructional, district testing, and training calendar.
Collaborate and lead development and adherence to policies regarding the education, emotional, and social well-being of all students.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Instructional Support and Professional Development:

Provide support and professional development to campus administrators, district academic staff, and classroom teachers on effective instruction, accommodations, modifications, and interventions.
Collaborate and lead monthly meetings with the Curriculum team to ensure all students have access to appropriate curricular resources.
Demonstrate knowledge of general and special education curriculum, instructional best practices, and special education law.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Data Analysis and Accountability:

Ensure systematic evaluation of student progress and use findings to improve program effectiveness.
Proficient in leveraging student assessment data systems to inform data-driven decision-making at the program and individual student levels.
Skilled in analyzing educational data to identify patterns, predict future challenges, and develop strategic plans to enhance special education services and outcomes.
Conduct special education audits and gather State Performance Plan data for submission to TEA.
Gather, organize, review, and submit comprehensive technical documentation for Results Driven Accountability (RDA).
Collaborate with the PEIMS department to ensure accurate and adequate reporting of student records.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Fiscal and Resource Management:

Manage fiscal resources, including budget preparation, directing spending, and collaborating with finance to monitor maintenance of effort for general funds, special education grants, Section 504, RTI, and dyslexia programs.
Provide staff with resources and materials within the special education budget.
Collaborate with Jubilee Academies Executive Director of Academics and Accountability in the development and management of the Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education budgets.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Student Support and Compliance:

Maintain accurate and complete special education student files, including IEPs and evaluations.
Attend complex ARD Committee meetings and provide follow-up, including planning and implementing ARD Committee decisions.
Demonstrate knowledge of staffing, position management, student cases, and classroom/equipment requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Collaboration and Communication:

Maintain effective communication, collaboration, and cooperation with district departments and school-based teams.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Thorough understanding of state and federal special education mandates, including compliance timelines, and changes to state and district policies, procedures, and regulations.
Knowledge of district instruction and post-secondary education goals and initiatives, and the support needed for students with disabilities to achieve them.
Understanding of how disability conditions affect learning and behavior.
Ability to use data to inform instructional and behavior intervention decisions.
Ability to develop and deliver staff development.
Strong organizational, communication, and interpretational skills.
Knowledge of Texas Resource System, gradual release of responsibility, and Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports.
Ability to identify and analyze appropriate evaluation instruments for Child Find.
Ability to develop and review procedures and policies related to student evaluation for special education services, counseling as a related service, manifestation determination review ARD meetings, and reevaluation.
Establish and maintain open communication with students, teachers, campus administrators, and directors.
Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, teachers, and administrators.
Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.

This job description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.

Professional Growth and Development:

Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
Actively develops others towards goals through the use of timely and constructive feedback, targeted professional learning, personalized coaching, and recognition of accomplishments and strengths.
Maintains 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.

Charter & Community Responsibilities:

Convey the charter’s mission to the public and encourage support in accomplishing the mission.
Illustrate understanding of Charter and community needs and begin activities to meet those needs.
Demonstrate use of productive and efficient skills to raise community and parent involvement.
Actively participate in student recruitment efforts.

Charter Atmosphere:

Encourage a constructive, thoughtful climate for learning.
Promote fairness of students and staff from all cultural backgrounds.
Communicate with students and staff in an effective manner that promotes and sustains the Jubilee culture.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Assistant Director of Special Education
Leads the selection and recommendation for hiring of all special education centralized leadership and support personnel.
Maintains regular leadership team meetings with direct reports.
Promotes continuous improvement among the administrative and other professional staff, identifies individual strengths and areas for improvement, and works with the executive director of educational support services to establish high expectations for staff performance.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
- Maintain emotional control under stress.
- Frequent and prolonged standing.
- Stooping, bending, pulling and pushing required.
- Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom equipment and supplies.
Other:
- Adhere to the staff dress code.
- Maintains a good working relationship with Jubilee Academies’ staff
- Compile, maintain, and fill all reports, records, and other documents required.
- Actively stays abreast of new developments in education.

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.