Special Education Director

Job Description

Job Description Special Education Director
The Special Education Director, reporting to the Superintendent or designee, provides district-wide leadership across all special education programs, services, staff, and compliance functions. This role ensures high-quality specialized instruction, strong family engagement, and seamless collaboration with principals, general education teams, special education providers, and community agencies. The position drives system-wide improvement while ensuring all services mandated by IEPs are delivered with fidelity.
Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in Special Education or a related field
• State of Michigan certification as a Special Education Director or Supervisor
• Minimum of three years teaching experience, including at least two years in a special education classroom
• Ability to meet all district compliance requirements, including background checks

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams
• Experience working with diverse populations and community cultures
• Strong understanding of the continuum of services in special education
• Ability to build trust and strong working relationships with staff, families, and students

Core Responsibilities

1. Build and promote effective communication among students with special needs, families, and staff.
2. Support the adaptation of district and building policies to ensure alignment with special education needs.
3. Maintain current knowledge of all state and federal requirements related to special education and provide training to ensure full staff compliance.
4. Provide leadership in establishing new programs and strengthening existing services.
5. Continuously evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements and additions as needed.
6. Participate in educational consultation among students, parents, and staff.
7. Provide curriculum guidance and support in evaluating instructional techniques that address individualized student needs.
8. Develop IEP procedures and coordinate the communication of student goals with families.
9. Attend IEP meetings as required to support appropriate student placement and service alignment.
10. Coordinate and deliver professional development to build team capacity and strengthen instructional practices.
11. Develop and manage efficient processes for recommending students for evaluation.

Leadership Responsibilities

1. Model innovative, research-based instructional methods that adapt effectively to varied student needs.
2. Organize resources to support learning across classrooms, buildings, and the broader community.
3. Build strong relationships with parents to strengthen confidence in the academy and its support systems.
4. Promote a culture characterized by high expectations, genuine concern for students, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
5. Demonstrate professional conduct that reflects positively on the Academy and the district.
6. Foster a collaborative, communicative, team-based school environment that respects diverse learners and families.
7. Participate in the development of policies and regulations that impact instruction and student success.
8. Provide leadership and expertise as a member of the District Acceleration Network (DAN) and Building Acceleration Networks (BAN), including needs assessment analysis, goal-setting, and progress monitoring.
9. Engage in ongoing professional development with a growth mindset, and lead opportunities that build district capacity.
10. Use technology effectively for instruction, communication, record keeping, and administrative tasks.
11. Support cooperative staff relations and participate in essential out-of-class duties that advance school operations.
12. Support community-facing initiatives that strengthen the Academy’s presence and reputation.
13. Demonstrate pride as a member of the Academy Leadership Team.
14. Support implementation of the school’s Emergency Response Plan.
15. Follow all procedures and policies outlined in the Employee Manual.

Working Conditions The role requires emotional steadiness, strategic decision-making, and consistent daily attendance. Duties may include district-wide travel, collaboration across buildings, and engagement in complex problem-solving scenarios. Terms of Employment

• Salary:
• Type of Assignment: Full-time, District-wide
• Schedule: Based on the academic calendar and district leadership requirements