Director of Special Education

Contract: 240 days

Location: District Office

Reports to: Chief Officer of Special Services

Position will be open until filled.

 

Purpose:

The Director of Special Education will direct the special education program for the district. The Director will ensure that all special education students are in the least restrictive environment (LRE) and are receiving a free appropriate public education (FAPE). Further, he or she will provide guidance to the district about state and federal special education laws and guidelines for students with disabilities. The Director of Special Education will support individualized student learning. In addition, he or she will focus on individual and group professional development that will expand and refine the understanding about research-based effective instruction for students with disabilities. 

 

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Master’s degree from an accredited college/university
• Must have a valid SC teacher certificate in the areas of Educational Andministration (Elementary Principal or Secondary Principal), School Psychologist II or III, or Secondary Guidance
• Minimum of five years of successful experience in special education or school administration
• Experience in researched-based instructional practices/interventions
• Proficiency with Enrich software
• Desire to continue career improvement

Essential Functions:

• Support the philosophy and vision of Barnwell County School District.
• Facilitate the professional development of teachers and therapists.
• Create positive relationships with teachers, staff, therapists, and administrators.
• Communicate and demonstrate researched-based instructional practices that result in increased student performance.
• Communicate effectively with all members of the school district and community.
• React to change productively and handle other tasks as assigned.

General Responsibilities:

• Direct, coordinate, and evaluate the special education programs and psychological services of the District.
• Coordinate and monitor the process of assessment, identification, and placement of special education students.
• Monitor and coordinate the development and implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
• Maintain confidential files for individual students in special education programs in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Maintain and monitor a system of inventory control for all District special education and psychological services materials and equipment.
• Monitor and assist with implementation of MTSS.
• Monitor Extended School Year services for students with disabilities.
• Supervise and assist with coordination of homebound instruction for special education students.
• Develop and maintain liaison with the State Department of Education Office of Exceptional Children.
• Provide organized, individual and/or group learning opportunities for teachers as needed.
• Provide support in analyzing student assessment data.
• Instruct and support teachers with curriculum software products, and classroom/curriculum related technologies.
• Provide encouragement and emotional support to teachers, as well as encouraging ongoing professional growth for all teachers.
• Work positively toward meeting identified district improvement goals.
• Assist with development of district curriculum, instruction and assessments.
• Develop and maintain a confidential, collegial relationship with teachers.
• Provide assistance with supervision and evaluations of certificated and classified personnel assigned to and under the umbrella of the Office of Special Services as needed.
• Coordinate and work closely with school principals regarding matters of special education and special education personnel.
• Communicate the goals, objectives, and nature of special education programs to the Board of Education, administration, staff, parents, and the general public.
• Provide professional development for issues pertaining to special education students and programs.
• Complete and submit, in a timely manner, appropriate data to the State Department of Education for the State Performance Plan, District Performance Plan, Child Count, and other required data as needed.
• Assist in the recruitment, selection, and appropriate assignment of staff members to special education programs at the various school sites.
• Coordinate Child Find procedures for the District.
• Coordinate implementation and training of the state-selected IEP online program.
• Participate in Regional and State special education meetings.
• Support and cultivate a positive internal/external image of Barnwell County School District.
• Perform duties as assigned by the Superintendent, his or her designee, & the Chief Officer of Special Services.

References:

Please be sure to provide references that can attest to your ability to perform the duties listed in the job description and for the position in which you are applying. References should include, but are not limited to, previous supervisors/managers, colleagues, current or previous instructors, current principal or assistant principal, etc. When providing references please include a current and valid email address for each reference. All applicants must provide three references, of which at least two should be current or previous supervisors. Immediately upon your application submission, your references will be emailed a reference request.