Cleveland ISD - Director - Special Education

Job Details

Region: 4
School District/Employer: Cleveland ISD
District Category/Employer: Central Office,
Position: Director,
Assignment Level: Area
  • Special Education
Job Title: Director - Special Education
School:
Campus Description:
Date Posted: 11/18/2024
Deadline: Until Filled
Openings: 1
Commitment: Full Time
Description/Notes: PRIMARY FUNCTION
The Director of Special Education provides leadership and oversight for the district's special education programs and services. The role ensures compliance with federal and state laws, manages the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and supports staff to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Certification:
Master's Degree in Special Education, Educational Administration, or a related field
Texas Principal or Administrator certification preferred

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
Proven knowledge of Texas Education Agency (TEA) special education guidelines, federal law, and educational best practices
Expertise in program development, staff supervision, and resource allocation
Ability to multi-task with minimal supervision
Ability to work collaboratively and independently to solve problems
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Experience:
Minimum of five years of experience in special education, with at least three years in a leadership or administrative role

EVALUATION
Performance will be evaluated annually in accordance with provision of the Board’s policy on evaluation of personnel.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the district’s special education programs.
Set clear performance expectations and monitor staff performance through regular evaluations, feedback, and performance improvement plans.
Ensure district-wide compliance with federal (IDEA) and state (Texas Education Code) regulations concerning special education.
Conduct regular audits of special education programs and processes, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions as needed.
Oversee the development and submission of required reports to local, state, and federal agencies, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
Design and implement staff professional development programs to improve instructional practices and compliance with legal requirements.
Foster a collaborative environment and provide ongoing mentoring, coaching, and support for special education staff to improve instructional effectiveness.
Collaborate with principals and campus administrators to ensure consistent supervision and support for special education staff at the campus level.
Supervise the development, implementation, and monitoring of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for all students receiving special education services.
Ensure that staff appropriately collaborate with parents, teachers, and other stakeholders in the IEP process.
Regularly review IEPs to ensure they align with student needs, legal requirements, and district standards.
Direct campus administrators and staff in effectively utilizing data to drive decisions regarding student placement and programming.
Act as the primary district liaison between schools, parents, community agencies, and external providers regarding special education services.
Work closely with campus administrators to ensure special education staff are adequately supported and aligned with district initiatives.
Address and resolve escalated parent concerns or disputes regarding special education services or staff performance, including representing the district in due process hearings if needed.
Develop and manage the special education department budget, ensuring resources are allocated equitably to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
Supervise the procurement of instructional materials, assistive technologies, and other resources necessary for special education programming.
Work with district administration to secure appropriate funding and staffing levels for special education services.
Conduct regular evaluations of special education programs to assess effectiveness, quality of instruction, and staff performance.
Use data to identify trends, areas for improvement, and areas of strength within the district’s special education services.
Implement program improvements based on data-driven analysis and stakeholder feedback to continuously enhance services for students.
Adhere to professional and ethical standards, in accordance with generally accepted community standards and the Texas Education Agency Code of Ethics.
Develop needed professional skills appropriate to job performance.
Maintain confidentiality.
Reliable attendance and punctuality.
Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
Comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies.
Attend and participate in staff meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools.
Qualifications: Master's Degree in Special Education, Educational Administration, or a related field
Texas Principal or Administrator certification preferred

Salary Range: Minimum: $94,560
Mid-Point: $113,472
Maximum: $124,551
Benefits:
How To Apply: https://www.applitrack.com/clevelandisd/onlineapp/JobPostings/view.asp?FromAdmin=true&AppliTrackJobId=2638

Contact Person:

Name: Erica McCarter
Email: erica.mccarter@clevelandisd.org
Address: 316 E. Dallas Street
City: Cleveland
State: TX
Zip: 77327
Phone: (281) 592-8717
Fax: (281) 592-8283