Director of Special Services

The Director of Special Services directs, coordinates and supervises all aspects of the Special Educational Program for the school district. This includes the creation and maintenance of an academic environment that promotes and supports student achievement through effective implementation of curriculum, instruction and assessment. The Director will supervise Special Education staff and support them through effective Professional Development. The Director works with administrative staff to articulate the goals developed by the Board of Education and monitors compliance.

• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate.
• Full or Temporary approval for Director of Special Education
• Master’s or Education Specialist degree in Education with focus in curriculum and leadership and/or administrative certification preferred.
• Certified endorsement in at least one (1) area of Special Education.
• Minimum of five successful years as classroom teacher.
• Proficient knowledge of Special Education Law and Administrative Rules.
• Minimum of three successful years of administrative or leadership experience at the building or district level.
• Experience with data driven curriculum design and implementation of effective instructional practices and school improvement/accreditation processes.
• Strong analytical skills, experience with data presentation software, and a strong understanding of statistical analysis fundamentals.
• Understanding and appreciation for working in a diverse environment.
• Experience supervising and evaluating teachers while maintaining a collaborative and effective professional development for teachers and principals.
• Proven ability to engage others in the development of a vision for excellence; ability to maintain positive interpersonal relationships with members of the educational community.
• Superior communication skills.
• Ability to handle multiple projects, problem solve, and designate assignments with accountability.
• Knowledge of IDEA grants required; knowledge of Title and 31a grants and programs preferred.

• Collaborate with district and building level leaders in the development and implementation of federal and state aid programs including but not limited to IDEA, Title I, II, III, At-Risk, and other grant funding opportunities.
• Oversees the educational and administrative needs of PreK-12 Special Education Programs in compliance with State/County Special Education Planning under IDEA.
• Collaborate with district and building level leaders to assist in supervision of assigned employees.
• Monitor and evaluate staff, monitors curriculum, initiates professional development programs, and implements best practice methodologies for the district – including technology initiatives.
• Provide training to administration as needed to keep them abreast of changes in Special Education, Section 31A, and Title requirements.
• Oversee McKinney Vento Program and Homebound students
• Collaborate with the District’s K-12 curriculum development team to ensure that Special Education programs, courses of study, methods and materials for instruction are based upon appropriate student needs and are consistent with State of Michigan laws and Board of Education’s goals and policies.
• Prepare reports, supports parent advisory committee, and manages the district’s Medicaid Reimbursement Program.
• Monitors district compliance with Advanc-Ed, MI-SAAS, and the ESSA Act.
• Review curriculum cycles, prioritization and budgets and make recommendations to the Superintendent and the Board.
• Review, interpret, and analyze data (including “sub-groups) gathered through district, state, or national assessments to assist staff, administrators, and Superintendent and the Board in their respective duties.
• Support and maintain the creation and implementation of an…