Administrator of Special Education - K-12th Grades

Position Type:
Administration - Certified

Date Posted:
6/3/2024

Location:
District Services Center

Closing Date:
06/09/2024FTE: 1.0
Salary: TBD
Calendar: 210 +10 days extended)

Purpose
The Administrator of Special Education will play a pivotal role in ensuring that students with special needs receive the support and resources necessary to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. You will oversee the implementation and compliance of special education programs and services within the school district, collaborating with the district special education department, educators, support staff, families, and community partners to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Development and Implementation:

• Under guidance from the director, develop and monitor special education programs and services aligned with federal and state regulations, district policies, and best practices.
• Collaborate with the director and supervisors to ensure individualized education plans (IEPs) address the unique needs of students with disabilities.
• Plan and oversee specialized programs and services including Extended School Year and specialized transportation.

Staff Supervision, Evaluation, and Professional Development:

• Partner with supervisors in providing leadership and supervision to special education teachers, paraeducators, therapists, and other support personnel.
• Conduct regular observations, evaluations, and professional development activities to enhance the skills and effectiveness of special education staff.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and continuous improvement among special education team members.

Student Evaluation and Progress Monitoring:

• Partner with the director and supervisors to oversee the identification, assessment, and eligibility determination process for students with disabilities, in accordance with federal and state guidelines.
• Monitor student progress and outcomes, analyzing data to inform instructional decision-making and program improvement efforts.
• Collaborate with school psychologists, related service providers, other specialists, and contracted providers to ensure comprehensive evaluations, appropriate placement decisions, and compliant services.

Family and Community Engagement:

• Serve as a liaison between the school district and families of students with disabilities, providing information, support, and resources to foster meaningful partnerships.
• Facilitate individualized education planning meetings and other communication channels to ensure that families are active participants in the educational process.
• Collaborate with community organizations, agencies, and advocacy groups to enhance support services and opportunities for students with special needs.
• Coordinate department communication strategies, including newsletters, website, and social media

Compliance and Administration:

• Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements related to special education, including but not limited to IDEA, Section 504, and ADA.
• Maintain accurate records, documentation, and reporting systems related to student services, personnel, and budgetary matters.
• Develop and manage the special education budget, allocating resource
• effectively to meet the needs of diverse learners across the district.

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS):

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework to address the diverse academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of all students.
• Collaborate with school leadership teams to establish data-driven decision-making processes for identifying students in need of additional support and interventions.
• Provide professional development and coaching to educators on evidence-based practices for tiered instruction, progress monitoring, and intervention strategies.
• Ensure alignment and coordination between MTSS and special education services to facilitate early intervention, reduce disparities, and improve overall student outcomes.

Qualifications

• A valid Idaho State teacher's and Administrator's certificate required.
• Experience and/or expertise in highly effective classroom instruction and specially designed instruction for students with disabilities;
• Experience delivering multi-topic professional development through highly effective instructional strategies;
• Ability to lead building administrators and school teams through challenge and change processes;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to affect positive change;
• Effective communication/interpersonal skills;
• The ability to establish rapport, build relationships, and work collaboratively with all constituents of the West Ada community;
• A detailed -oriented approach to work and outstanding communication skills including writing, listening, and public speaking.

Essential Physical Abilities

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal conversation and to communicate effectively on the telephone and in person;
• Sufficient visual acuity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work and assessments, prepare and review documents, and organize documents and materials;
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to perform repetitive and/wrist/arm motions and to operate a computer and office equipment, and to occasionally physically restrain a student to keep him/her from harming self or others;
• Sufficient personal mobility, flexibility, and balance, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to work in an office environment, lifting or moving objects that weigh up to 20 pounds;
• Job tasks require, with or without reasonable accommodation, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, lifting and grasping;
• Must have a valid Idaho Driver's License and vehicle to drive and/or must provide own transportation for job related activities.

Evaluation

• Annually by supervisor.

Terms of Employment
To be determined by calendar year.
Regular attendance is an essential function of this job.

• If you are chosen for this position your employment with the District would be "at will". Employee "at will" means that the employee or the District may terminate the employment relationship with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time.
• As per Idaho Code 65-5-1/65-503: "Eligible veterans are provided advantages in public employment in Idaho..."