Dean Special Education Instruction

Dean for Special Education, 200 days‑Instruction

Jefferson County Schools – Jefferson High – Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia

Starting Date: Aug 10, 2026

Job Summary: The Dean of Special Education serves as a school‑based special education leader providing direct support to students, families, teachers, and administrators. This role ensures high‑quality instructional programming, legal compliance, and effective implementation of district policies related to special education (IDEA, Section 504, ESSA, and WVDE Policy 2419). The Dean works in partnership with the principal and district special education leadership to strengthen school wide systems, enhance inclusive practices, monitor compliance, and support improved outcomes for students with disabilities.

• Oversee daily operations of the school’s special education programs, including resource, self‑contained, inclusion, and related services scheduling.
• Collaborate with the principal to allocate support staff, paraprofessionals, and special educators efficiently.
• Provide guidance to teachers on instructional strategies, behavior supports, MTSS implementation, accommodations, and modifications.
• Ensure alignment with district initiatives and support school wide strategic planning for students with disabilities.
• Monitor all special education and Section 504 documentation (IEPs, eligibility reports, re‑evaluations, progress reporting) for accuracy and timeliness.
• Facilitate or co‑facilitate IEP and 504 meetings, ensuring procedural and legal compliance.
• Maintain building‑level audit systems for compliance with IDEA, WV Policy 2419, and district procedures.
• Support implementation of behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and conduct manifestation determination reviews.
• Ensure that accommodations and modifications are being implemented with fidelity across all content areas.
• Provide instructional coaching, technical assistance, and real‑time problem‑solving support to special educators and general educators.
• Deliver or coordinate professional development related to:
  • IEP development
  • Specific disability categories
  • Behavior supports
  • Data collection
  • Inclusive practices and co‑teaching
• Support onboarding and ongoing mentorship for new teachers and paraprofessionals.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for families regarding special education programming, services, and supports.
• Collaborate with families to address concerns, resolve conflicts, and promote strong school–home partnerships.
• Work with the school counselor, social worker, and mental health providers to coordinate wraparound services.
• Monitor student achievement, progress on IEP goals, and discipline data for students with disabilities.
• Collaborate with district office to analyze trends and set building‑level improvement goals.
• Use data to inform interventions, staff coaching, and program adjustments.
• Serve as a school‑level liaison for the Special Education Department.
• Participate in district professional learning communities, compliance reviews, and program evaluations.
• Assist in coordinating related services (speech, OT/PT, mental health, BCBA/behavior supports).
• Support the principal with school‑level operations, including crisis response, attendance initiatives, student supervision, discipline aligned to BIPs and manifestation determinations, and implementation of school wide systems as appropriate.
• Participate in building leadership teams, safety planning, and data review committees.
• Perform any additional administrative duties assigned by the building principal.

• Master’s Degree
• Completion of the WV Evaluation Leadership Institute
• Minimum three years successful teaching experience
• Knowledgeable in school curriculum
• Knowledgeable in County, State, and Federal policies
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others and as a member of an educational team
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, especially in high‑stakes or emotionally complex situations
• Ability to coach adults, facilitate meetings, and support conflict resolution
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage deadlines and multiple…