DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Other duties may be assigned.

The Director of Special Education provides leadership, oversight, and coordination of special education services and programs within the district. This includes managing compliance with state and federal regulations, ensuring effective implementation of special education services, overseeing budgeting, staffing, and professional development, and working closely with parents, staff, and external agencies to support students with disabilities. The role requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, with a focus on continuous improvement and student success.

Supervise, evaluate, and support special education personnel, including recruitment, onboarding, and professional development.
Supervise all staff and implement and monitor all educational programming to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements for Macomb County Juvenile Justice Center School.
Provide leadership for the implementation of all special education programs, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations (e.g., IDEA, Section 504, ESSA, ADA).
Lead the development and alignment of special education curriculum, instructional practices, and assessments.
Maintain high visibility and frequent communication with building administrators to ensure effective supervision and support of special education services.
Develop and monitor special education budgets, including federal and state funds, Medicaid reimbursement, and applicable grants.
Ensure legal compliance in all aspects of special education, including IEP processes, evaluations, and documentation.
Prepare and submit required federal and state reports, grant applications, and fiscal monitoring reports.
Monitor and interpret state and federal laws to develop policies and procedures ensuring full district compliance.
Collaborate with general education leadership to ensure inclusive practices and alignment with district goals.
Serve as the liaison with county, intermediate school districts, state agencies, and public/private organizations.
Facilitate parent engagement, conflict resolution, and problem-solving to strengthen family partnerships.
Represent the district in dispute resolution processes, including due process hearings and mediations.
Monitor student achievement data, attendance, discipline trends, and program performance to inform improvement.
Lead the special education components of the district's continuous improvement process (e.g., MICIP, ESSA accountability).
Analyze district, state, and national assessment data to evaluate program effectiveness and address achievement gaps.
Design, implement, and evaluate professional learning systems aligned with best practices and district goals.
Demonstrate leadership in addressing complex challenges and continuously improving special education services.
Report regularly to the Superintendent and Board of Education on performance, compliance, and program outcomes.
Oversee corrective action plans resulting from monitoring reviews or compliance findings.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the district’s polices and applicable laws.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Hold valid State of Michigan teacher certification or appropriate state licensing.
Minimum of a Master’s Degree in Education
Minimum of three years of successful administrative, supervisory or managerial experience
Demonstrate ability to work with students, staff, administration, parents, community and Board of Education
Thirty semester or equivalent hours of graduate credit and a successful 200-clock hour practicum in Special Education Administration.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience serving as a Special Education Director; or
A minimum of five (5) years of experience in an administrative or supervisory role within a special education program or department; or
Experience as a building administrator with demonstrated knowledge of special education law, programs, and compliance, including oversight of multiple special education programs and services; and at least five (5) years of successful teaching experience in Special Education or service as a School Psychologist, School Social Worker, or Speech-Language Pathologist.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate, or appropriate licensure for school social workers, speech pathologists, or psychologists. Must be certified or licensed in at least one area of special education or relevant field. A minimum of 3-5 years of successful experience in educational settings or clinical practice (specific to the position) is required.

Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board of Education may find appropriate and acceptable.

Director for Special Education