Director of Special Education

Job Title: Director of Special Education

Reports To: Superintendent of Schools

Job Purpose: Administration and supervision of the Special Education Programs in grades PK-12. To oversee the special education program, CST referral and evaluation process and implementation of Individualized Education Programs for eligible special education students in the District. To coordinate the special education programs in the district to insure compliance with State and Federal mandates regarding special education students and be responsible for overseeing student 504 plans.

Qualifications-Required:
NJ Chief School Administrator or Principal Certification
Minimum of 3 years of administrative experience
Understanding and Knowledge of Special Education Law
Understanding and Knowledge of CST procedures and IEP development
Understanding and Knowledge of Special Education assessment tools
Understanding and Knowledge of 504 Plans for students
Excellent communication skills, oral and written
Excellent presentation skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Excellent organizational skills
Must possess a valid NJ driver’s license
Must be able to pass the Criminal History Review
Must be able to pass the Sexual Abuse Disclosure

Qualifications-Desired:
Minimum of 3 years as a Child Study Team member
Minimum of 3 years teaching experience
Proficient with technology, i.e., IEP development, word processing
Knowledge of State certification requirements for Special Education Staff
Familiarity with certified staff evaluation instruments
Experience working with diverse student populations in a PK-12 environment
Experience working in a school district with more than 2000 students
Understanding and Knowledge of RTI programming and intervention services for students

Duties/Responsibilities:
Oversees the development and operation of all special education programs and department staff members throughout the district.
Develops and stimulates professional growth and initiative on the part of the staff.
Serves as a contact person for resources within the district, community, county and the state.
Coordinates the development of CST diagnostic and achievement testing programs.
Assists in interpreting the special education program to the public.
Organizes professional development opportunities designed to improve instruction and assessment techniques including IEP development.
Organizes professional development opportunities designed to improve instruction and assessment techniques including the development of and overseeing of student 504 plans.
Assists in recruiting, screening and recommending the selection of special education staff members.
Assists in establishment of teacher assignments based upon sound instructional planning.
Conducts staff evaluations for certificated and non-certificated staff members in accordance with Board of Education policy.
Recommends the retention or dismissal of staff members.
Review lesson plans as needed.
Recommends, in cooperation with staff members, specialized curriculum materials, including courses of study, unique to special education.
Recommends improvements to the curriculum and instruction for special education programs.
Assists in the selection and implementation of programs and conferences related to the area of instruction.
Prepares an annual budget to be submitted to the business office and Superintendent and administers the budget as approved.
Develops and monitors the IDEA grant, extraordinary aid report, end of year report and other State and Federal requirements.
Prepares Board agenda items for the Special Education department district-wide.
Reviews and submits recommendations for the use of various instructional materials.
Plans PLCs for CST members.
Develops a current and accurate inventory of all instructional area equipment, tests, textbooks, supplies, etc., and supervises the care and use of same.
Secures a thorough knowledge of N.J.S.A. 18A and N.J.A.C. Title 6 and disseminates pertinent information as it relates to the area of special education.
Coordinates data collection from Central Registration regarding the enrollment of all special education students into and out of the District.
Ensures compliance with all State and Federal regulations governing special education.
Reviews SGO development for CST
Advises the Superintendent and Board attorney of all potential matters of litigation and monitors the handling of such litigation.
Supervises and evaluates all Special Education Supervisors.
Attends monthly Parent Support Group Meetings.
Attends parent meetings as appropriate or requested.
Addresses issues raised by parents.
Meets with contractors and other vendors concerning materials and supplies for the Special Education Department.
Oversees ordering of department supplies and materials.
Identifies need for curriculum change and professional development.
Develops a professional awareness of current curriculum developments through readings, visitations, in-service courses and workshops and membership in various professional organizations designed to achieve this goal.
Performs other tasks as directed by the Superintendent and/or Assistant Superintendent.

Working Conditions:
School Building
Classroom
12-Month Position
Salary commensurate with experience
Medical and Dental Benefits
Membership in Teacher’s Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF)

Physical Requirements: (The physical demands are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
Able to go up/down stairs
Able to sit for long periods of time
Able to stand for long periods of time
Able to sit at computer and use a keyboard for long periods of time
Able to present in front of small/large groups
Able to represent the district in court before a judge and/or mediator
Able to restrain a student, if necessary
Able to use fine motor skills
Able to control operation of the department
Able to have appropriate visual function

Direct Reports:
Supervisors of Special Education (4)
Child Study Team Members
Related Service Providers
Private Contractors

Application Procedure:
Apply Online

Selection Procedure:
Interview

Egg Harbor Township Board of Education is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer