Director of Special Education
About the role
Director of Special Education
Terms of Employment: 210-day contract
Reports to: Superintendent
Summary: The Director of Special Education provides leadership, compliance oversight, and instructional support for all special education programs in the district. This role ensures adherence to Indiana Article 7, IDEA, IDOE guidance, and all federal/state reporting requirements. The Director supports administrators, teachers, assistants, and families to ensure high-quality services for students with disabilities.
Qualifications:
- Valid Indiana teaching license with Special Education certification
- Director of Exceptional Needs or Building-Level Administrator license preferred
- Minimum of 3-5 years of successful experience in special education teaching or coordination
- Demonstrated knowledge of Indiana Article 7, IDEA, and DOE compliance systems
- Experience iwth IEP development, behavior supports, crisis intervention, and transition planning
- Strong skills in budgeting, grant management, and data analysis
Essential Functions:
Program Leadership & Compliance
- IEP Compliance Oversight - Ensures all IEPs meet Indiana Article 7 requirements, federal IDEA regulations, and district timelines
- Internal IEP Audits - Conducts systematic audits of IEPs for accuracy, service alignment, progress monitoring, and defensibility
- Manifestation Determination Coordination - Supports scheduling, facilitation, and compliance of case conferences; ensures parent participation and required team membership
- Case Conference Coordination - Supports scheduling, facilitation, and compliance of case conferences; ensures parent participation and required team membership
- Homebound Services Monitoring - Oversees eligibility, documentation, service delivery, and progress monitoring for homebound students
- Proportionate Share Management � Coordinates private school proportionate share consultations, service plans, and documentation.
- Special Education Transportation � Ensures transportation needs are accurately documented in IEPs and implemented with fidelity.
- Compliance Reporting � Supports federal/state reporting including DOE-SE, Indicator data, and monitoring submissions.
- Support IDOE monitoring cycles, including Indicators 1�17.
- Transition Coordination - Supports development of transition plans and coordination of services.
- Developmental Preschool Coordination - Supports compliance and facilitation of Preschool services.
- Child Find Coordinator - Coordinates required Child Find actions to remain compliant with federal regulations.
- Observation/Evaluation - Collaborates with building administrators to conduct observations and evaluations for all Special Education staff.
Instructional Leadership & Curriculum
- Special Education Curriculum Oversight � Guides selection, implementation, and evaluation of curriculum and instructional resources for students with disabilities.
- Mentorship - Serves as mentor for new Special Education teachers
Behavior & Crisis Support
- Behavior Support Systems � Provides consultation on FBAs, BIPs, Tier 2/3 supports, and data-based decision-making.
- Crisis Response Training � Serves as district trainer for crisis response, de-escalation, and safety protocols.
- Coordinates post-incident reviews and ensures documentation aligns with state expectations.
Grant & Budget Management
- Grant Management � Oversees IDEA Part B grants, CEIS, and other special education funding streams.
- Budgeting � Develops and monitors special education budgets, contracted services, and compliance with federal spending rules.
- Ensures alignment with maintenance of effort (MOE) and supplement-not-supplant requirements.
Staff Training & Professional Development
- Training of Assistants � Designs and delivers training for instructional assistants, paraprofessionals, and special education staff.
- Professional Development - Provides PD on SDI, accommodations, behavior supports, progress monitoring, legal compliance, and annual PAR training for administrators.
- Maintains active professional memberships in ICASE, encourages staff participation, and attends annual law symposiums.
- IDOE Special Programs - supports teachers in using and managing IDOE Special Programs.
- Relay Reporting - Ensures appropriate staff are trained and properly using the Relay system for Medicaid reporting.
Collaboration & Communication
- Serves as liaison between district leadership, building administrators, teachers, families, and community agencies.
- Provides guidance on Article 7 procedural safeguards and parent rights.
- Supports principals in discipline decisions involving students with disabilities.
Professional Responsibilities:
- Demonstrate initiative in the performance of assigned responsibilities.
- Follow attendance, punctuality, and other qualities of an appropriate work ethic.
- Ensure adherence to proper safety standards
- Models and maintains high ethical standards.
- Keeps the building principal informed of potential problems or student concerns.
- Use effective, positive interpersonal communication skills to work as an effective team member.
- Participate in training programs offered to increase skills and knowledge.
- Participate in school, corporation, and parent meetings.
- Responds to inquiries and concerns in a timely manner.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding student information and school/workplace matters.
- Demonstrates support for the school corporation and its goals and priorities.
Job Requirements:
- Knowledge of school policies and procedures.
- Ability to adapt to different situations and schedules.
- Knowledge of techniques and procedures to use in working with a targeted student population.
- Ability to relate and communicate effectively with students, teachers, and parents.
- Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
- Ability to plan and/or implement instructional activities.
- Ability to learn or operate a variety of technology and equipment.
- Ability to cooperate and work as a member of a team.
- Maintain appropriate licensure.
Additional Duties:
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Superintendent and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
Equipment:
Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.
Travel Requirements:
Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.
Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:
Works in standard office and school building environments.
Note: Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Job Duties for this position.
It is the policy of the Southeast Dubois County School Corporation not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, veteran status, national origin, age, limited English proficiency, or disability in its programs or employment policies as required by the Indiana Civil Rights Law (I.C. 22-9-1), Title IV and Title VI (Civil Rights Act of 1964), the Equal Pay Act of 1973, Title IX (Educational Amendments), and Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973). Questions concerning compliance with these laws should be directed to the Superintendent, 432 E 15th St., Ferdinand, IN 47532, phone number 812-817-0900. The interview committee will give preference to candidates who, through the interview process, past experience, and references have demonstrated the ability to interact with students, staff, and the community.
The Southeast Dubois County School Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals with disabilities, including disabled veterans and veterans with service connected disabilities, are encouraged to apply.
FLSA Status: Exempt