Director of Education

Brehm Preparatory School Carbondale, Illinois Full-Time, 12-Month, Exempt Position

Reports To:
Head of School

Brehm Preparatory School is a Blue Ribbon of excellence school and nationally recognized college preparatory day and boarding school serving students with learning disabilities and differences, including dyslexia, ADHD, executive functioning challenges, autism spectrum disorders, language-based learning disabilities, and nonverbal learning disabilities. Through individualized instruction, integrated support services, and a strengths-based approach, Brehm empowers students to recognize and optimize their potential throughout their lives.

The Director of Education is a professional growth opportunity. The Director of Education serves as the educational leader of Brehm Preparatory School and is responsible for the oversight of all academic programming, special education services, curriculum development, faculty supervision, student assessment, accreditation activities, and educational compliance.

The Director of Education collaborates closely with students, families, faculty, speech-language pathologists, support staff, school districts, and administration to ensure that every student receives an individualized educational program designed to promote academic achievement, self-advocacy, independence, and successful post-secondary outcomes.

The Director of Education is a visible leader within the school community who fosters excellence in teaching and learning while ensuring compliance with Illinois State Board of Education requirements and accreditation standards.

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate teachers, instructional staff, and related service providers.
• Conduct classroom observations and provide instructional coaching and feedback.
• Oversee curriculum development, course offerings, graduation requirements, and academic programming.
• Promote evidence-based instructional practices for students with learning disabilities and differences.
• Coordinate professional development activities and new staff orientation.
• Foster a collaborative and student-centered educational culture.

• Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of IEPs and educational programming.
• Facilitate and participate in IEP meetings and educational planning meetings.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local special education regulations.
• Coordinate educational assessments, progress monitoring, and data collection systems.
• Support transition planning related to post-secondary education, employment, and independent living.
• Serve as a resource to faculty regarding accommodations, differentiated instruction, executive functioning supports, and behavior interventions.

• Oversee student schedules, academic placement, graduation planning, and academic interventions.
• Monitor student progress and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to address student needs.
• Work collaboratively with residential, counseling, health, and student life departments to support the whole student.
• Assist in developing individualized educational recommendations and intervention plans.
• Support students and families through academic, behavioral, and transition-related challenges.

• Serve as the primary educational liaison for families and public school districts.
• Communicate student progress, programming recommendations, and educational outcomes.
• Participate in admissions, enrollment, and retention activities.
• Collaborate with educational consultants, related service providers, and community partners.
• Support district meetings, mediation, due process proceedings, and other educational consultations as needed.

• Coordinate and oversee compliance with Illinois State Board of Education requirements.
• Assist in maintaining state approvals, certifications, and required documentation.
• Lead and support accreditation activities through the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) and other accrediting organizations.
• Maintain educational policies, handbooks, procedures, and documentation systems.
• Ensure the timely completion of educational records, progress reporting, transcripts, and testing requirements.
• Monitor compliance with accommodations, documentation standards, and student record procedures.

• Serve as a member of the school leadership team.
• Collaborate with administration to advance strategic goals and school improvement initiatives.
• Support enrollment growth, program development, and student retention efforts.
• Participate in budgeting, resource planning, and long-term educational planning.
• Represent Brehm's mission and values within the school community and the broader educational community.

Required

• Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL).
• Illinois Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBS1) endorsement or Illinois Principal…