Director of Special Education

Title:    Director of Special Education

Terms of Employment:  260 day contract, starting July 1, 2027

Reports To:  Superintendent

Summary:   The Director of Special Education provides visionary leadership, oversight, and coordination for all special education services within the district. The Director ensures students with disabilities receive high-quality educational programming in compliance with federal, state, and local laws while supporting staff, families, and administrators in providing effective and inclusive educational opportunities

Qualifications: 

• Valid Indiana teaching license with Special Education certification
• Director of Exceptional Needs or Building-Level Administrator license preferred
• Minimum 5 years of successful experience in special education teaching or coordination
• Demonstrated knowledge of special education services, procedures, and legal requirements
• Strong skills in budgeting, grant management, and data analysis

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and oversight for all district special education programs, services, and initiatives while promoting inclusive, student-centered practices.
• Coordinate the district's special education case conference process, providing coaching, support, and direct participation in meetings as needed based on student or staff needs.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state special education laws, including state reporting, due process, mediation, manifestation determinations, and other legal requirements.
• Serve as a behavioral consultant by supporting Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA's), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP's), and complex student behavioral needs.
• Conduct staff training needs assessment and provide leadership, coaching, mentoring, and professional development for administrators, teachers, related service providers, and paraprofessionals
• Assist with the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, supervision, and evaluation of special education staff.
• Develop and manage the district special education budget, including oversight of federal, state, and local grants, Medicaid reimbursement, and other funding opportunities.
• Oversee special education data management, including child count and required reporting, to ensure compliance with Indiana Department of Education requirements and support informed decision-making.
• Collaborate with district staff and community partners, including the Preschool Coordinator, First Steps, Vocational Rehabilitation, and other agencies, to support comprehensive student services.
• Build collaborative relationships with students, families, staff, and community partners.
• Utilize data to monitor compliance, improve programs, and support student outcomes.
• Facilitate effective meetings, resolve conflicts professionally, and communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders.
• Initiate data collection for development of policies for FAPE, LRE, due process, and procedural safeguards.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent