Director of Special Education

26-27 Director of Special Education

Bridgeport ISD Bridgeport Administration Office - Bridgeport, Texas

Direct and manage all of the Wise County Shared Services special education programs. Ensure that services are provided for special needs students and individualized education plans are provided to meet the needs of all students. Warrant compliance with all state, federal, and local requirements.

• Master’s degree
• Texas principal certification
• Certified Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T‑TESS) appraiser

• Knowledge of federal and state special education law
• Understanding of the individual needs of special needs students
• Ability to communicate with all levels of all students and their parents
• Ability to implement policy and procedures
• Ability to interpret data
• Ability to manage budget and personnel
• Strong organizational, communication, collaboration, and leadership skills

• 5 years of experience as a school administrator

• Oversee the development and delivery of curriculum and instructional programs that incorporate district goals and support student achievement. Ensure that curriculum renewal is continuous and responsive to student needs.
• Develop and implement an effective referral process and ensure that student assessments and recommendations regarding placement and program management for individual students are completed in a timely manner.
• Monitor the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) process district wide. Participate in committee meetings as needed to ensure that students are placed appropriately and development of individual education plans for students are consistent with district procedures. Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis.
• Obtain and use evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to gauge program effectiveness. Make changes when warranted.
• Ensure that the necessary time, resources, materials, and technology to support and accomplish educational goals are available. Encourage and support the development of innovative instructional programs.
• Direct transition services for special education students entering and exiting public school programs.
• Take an active role in formulating and implementing contracts for special education students receiving services outside of the district.

• Demonstrate support for the district’s student management policies and expected student behavior related to special education.

• Implement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in the areas of special education. Recommend sound policies and procedures to improve programs.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.

• Develop and administer the special education budget based on documented needs and ensure that operations are cost effective and funds are managed wisely.
• Maintain a current inventory of supplies and equipment and recommend the replacement and disposal of equipment when necessary.

• Assist with preparing, reviewing, and reviewing job descriptions in the special education department.
• Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and make recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.

• Establish and maintain a professional relationship and open communication with principals, teachers, staff, parents, and community members.
• Serve as the district liaison to all Wise County Shared Services Districts, community agencies, and all other entities providing services to students.
• Articulate the Wise County Shared Services Districts’ mission and goals in the area of special education to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.
• Demonstrate awareness of district-community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs.
• Use appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.

Supervise, evaluate, and…