Executive Director of Special Education and Specialized

Position: Executive Director of Special Education and Specialized Support
Location: La Joya

Job Title:

Executive Director of Special Education Wage/Hour Status:
Exempt

and Specialized Support

Reports to:

Deputy Chief of Academics Pay Grade: 8

Dept./School:
Academics and School Leadership Initiated Date:
May 2024

District Primary

Purpose:

To lead and elevate La Joya ISD by championing a rigorous and innovative PK-12 Special Education program, thereby enhancing student success and achievement at all levels.

Department Primary

Purpose:

To assist in the execution and management of initiatives and programs under the Deputy Chief of Academics in the Division of Academics and School Leadership. This position requires a strategic leader with a deep understanding of special education regulations, laws, policies, best instructional practices, and the ability to foster collaborative partnerships across all stakeholder groups. This position requires a student-centered advocate for students with specialized needs and willing to create systems and structures to ensure that all students are provided both Free and Appropriate Public Education access, as well as an opportunity to thrive in the Least Restrictive Environment in alignment with the Individuals with Disabilities Act.

Education/Certification:

* Bachelor's degree in Special Education or directly related field;

* Master's degree in Special Education, Educational leadership, or directly related field preferred;

* Valid Texas Special Education EC-12 Certification;

* Valid Texas Mid-Management or Principal Certification preferred.

Qualification Requirements:

* 6 years of experience including a minimum of
- * 3 years successful teaching experience in Special Education; and,

* 3 years as a central office leader or principal, with a strong record of results

* Combination of any of the above stated qualifications allows for requirements to be met

* Expert knowledge in interpreting and applying federal, state, and local laws, guidelines, finances, and procedures pertaining to special education.

* Demonstrated leadership in educational administration with a focus on improving student outcomes through specialized support services and multi-tiered systems of support

* Extensive experience in program design, development, implementation, and data-driven decision-making.

* Knowledge of evidence-based programs, curricular implementation, and assessment requirements in Texas public schools PK-12.

* Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiated instruction based upon student levels, including MTSS procedures

* Knowledge and oversight of 504 plans, dyslexia, and other specialized supports required for students with special needs

* Demonstrated knowledge and implementation of budgets and budgeting processes for local, state, and federal funds and experience in developing and managing central or campus budgets.

* Proven ability to plan, organize and coordinate projects, work and training related to the implementation and supervision of the District's PK-12 Special Education program.

* Track record of successfully leading and managing diverse teams, promoting collaboration, cultivating high-performance organizational cultures and instigating positive transformations.

* Track and monitor district outcomes in relationship to Results-Driven Accountability (RDA) and Other Specialized Populations (OSP)

* Deep commitment to equity, inclusivity, and diversity in education and ensuring that the Least Restrictive Environment is adhered to with fidelity in alignment with IDEA.

Major

Responsibilities and Duties:

* Lead an intentional strategy to ensure the overall quality of PK-12 Special Education services across the District while ensuring a Free and Appropriate Public Education to all students in the Least Restrictive Environment in alignment with IDEA

* Provide sustained leadership, guidance and support to the Special Education Department to increase knowledge and support of Special Education policies, procedures, and programming.

* Lead, mentor, and supervise the assigned Special Education Department team and ensure team direction, alignment, and commitment on all district and department continuous improvement efforts.

* Provide timely, regularly scheduled updates to the Deputy Chief of Academics, Chief of Academics and Leadership, and/or their designee on compliance, progress, areas of concern, and other relevant matters, maintaining open lines of communication within the department.

* Direct comprehensive evaluations to regularly assess the effectiveness of special education programming, services and initiatives across campuses, and make data-driven recommendations for enhancements and continuous improvement.

* Oversee the development and deployment of responsive and evidence-informed professional development programs for educators, promoting innovative practices and leadership growth across the organization in the area of PK-12 Special Education.

* Assist in the development, implementation, and oversight management of budgets equitably to support and maintain quality…