Special Education Department Chair

• Date Posted:
  10/30/2026
• Location:
  
  Maine South High School
• Closing Date:
  12/01/2026

The Special Education Department Chair provides instructional leadership, coordination, and supervision for all special education programs and staff within the school. The Department Chair ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, promotes effective instructional practices, and supports inclusive programming that meets the diverse needs of students with disabilities. The position serves as the Local Education Agency (LEA) representative in IEP meetings, oversees service delivery and staff development, and ensures the highest standards of student growth, achievement, and access across the continuum of supports.

• General Administrative or Principal Endorsement, per the Illinois School Code (Section 21), and completion of the Illinois Performance Evaluation – Growth Through Learning training modules
• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with LBS1 endorsement required
• Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field
• Minimum of five (5) years of successful experience in special education
• Demonstrated expertise in special education compliance, IEP facilitation, and instructional leadership
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills required

• Leads and/or participates in the Special Education Department, Professional Learning Teams (PLTs), Building Referral Team, Special Education District Leadership Team (SE DLT), Building and District Leadership Teams.

• Provide leadership in the design, implementation, and evaluation of high-quality special education programs aligned with district goals and state/federal mandates
• Ensure compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504, and all state and federal statutes related to special education
• Serve as the LEA representative in IEP annual reviews and reevaluations; ensure IEPs are developed, written, and implemented with fidelity
• Oversee the evaluation, placement, and provision of services for students with disabilities across all service delivery models
• Facilitate implementation of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) and ensure staff training and compliance
• Develop and implement department procedures for documentation, progress monitoring, and legal compliance
• Collaborate with district leadership to ensure consistent application of special education policies and procedures across all schools

• Ensure fidelity of Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) across instructional, resource, and SEL classrooms
• Promote inclusive practices that increase student participation in the general education environment
• Lead the development, alignment, and evaluation of curriculum and instructional resources for special education courses and interventions
• Oversee implementation of data-driven instructional practices that improve student achievement and growth
• Support the development of course syllabi, grading practices, and progress reporting to ensure alignment with district standards
• Participate in the course selection process, ensuring appropriate student placement and support

• Supervise and evaluate certified, non-certified, and support staff within the Special Education Department
• Provide ongoing feedback, coaching, and professional development to promote instructional excellence and compliance
• Develop and manage teacher and teaching assistant (TA) daily schedules, ensuring efficient service delivery
• Coordinate substitute coverage and assist with personnel support within the department
• Oversee the…