Director of Special Education

Minimum Valid State Board of Education license/certificate as determined at the time of appointment.Qualifications: Previous administrative experience preferred.

• Skills in behavioral management substantiated by training and work experience.
• Ability to influence the district's cultural environment and implement program options/instructional practices and support services that help students benefit from the educational program.
• Adheres to the Licensure Code of Professional Conduct for Ohio Educators.
• Articulates a clear educational philosophy and sustainable implementation strategy.
• Complies with drug-free workplace rules, board policies and administrative guidelines/procedures.
• Embodies high ethical standards/integrity. Accepts personal responsibility for decisions/conduct.
• Exhibits consistent, impartial and resourceful decision-making skills. Interprets information accurately. Evaluates options thoroughly. Develops reasonable solutions to resolve issues.
• Maintains a record free of criminal violations that would prohibit public school employment.
• Meets all mandated health screening requirements.

Essential 1. Directs special education services that advance academic progress. Pursues ongoingFunctions: program improvements.

• Serves as an active member of the management team. Upholds board policies. Implements administrative guidelines/procedures. Upholds applicable local, state and federal laws.
• Plans/implements strategies to ensure tasks are completed within required time-frames.
• Promotes the district's mission. Implements a shared vision of learning that supports high-quality district services and advances substantive educational goals.
• Encourages innovations. Analyzes data to improve school operations.
• Manages change processes. Helps develop/implement a district-wide strategic plan. Delineates time-frames, financial/program resources, and a strategy to accomplish district goals.
• Cultivates relationships that promote a strong commitment of public support for the district.
• Facilitates staff selection/orientation. Supervises assigned staff. Assumes responsibility for the results of duties delegated to staff. Provides support to improve staff performance.
• Provides staff leadership. Engenders staff enthusiasm/teamwork. Helps resolve problems.
• Implements state mandated and locally developed personnel assessment programs.
• Participates in collaborative planning of staff development/in-service training activities.
• Serves on local professional growth committees as directed.
• Keeps current with state standards/guidelines. Manages the instructional program. Promotes academic excellence in a nurturing environment. Facilitates the development of curriculum guides/courses of study. Evaluates and recommends instructional materials.
• Coordinates the "child find" activities.
• Develops strategies to improve student attendance and active participation/performance in school.
• Disseminates program information (e.g., pamphlets, newsletters, web-based notices, etc.).
• Assists with enrollment and withdrawal procedures. Monitors attendance rates. Consults with staff to identify students struggling academically. Investigates student/family concerns.
• Helps staff resolve problems that impede student participation in appropriate learning activities.
• Coordinates Individual Education Plans (IEPs) development/review processes. Attends IEP meetings as the District Rep and/or coordinates the attendance of a District Rep at IEP meetings in the event of schedule conflicts.
• Helps ensure that assessment instruments/procedures support non-biased planning activities.
• Implements protocols to safeguard student information shared with staff and/or referral sources.
• Complies with federal/state guidelines for the education of students identified as having a disability. Ensures that services are provided in the least restrictive educational environment.
• Plans/implements student intervention strategies that produce tangible evidence-based benefits within specified time-frames. Evaluates service outcomes.
• Facilitates student/family referrals to community services (e.g., legal, health, social services, etc.) Serves as a district contact person for public agencies and an intermediary for parents/staff.
• Oversee student enrollment in alternative programs and out-of-district placements. Serves as a liaison to chartered non-public schools. Oversees the development of IEPs for Scholarship Program Students (e.g., Jon Peterson Program, Autism Scholarship Program).
• Assists with state-mandated testing programs as it relates to special education students. Maintains test security. Analyzes test results. Provides leadership for instructional modifications/interventions that enhance student learning.

1. Exemplifies professionalism that advances the district's public image.

   • Develops mutually respectful relationships with co-workers. Functions as part of a cohesive team.
   • Encourages community participation in school-sponsored activities.
   • Helps students understand/embrace ethical conduct and democratic values.
   • Maintains a professional appearance. Wears work attire appropriate for the position.
   • Maintains an acceptable attendance record and is punctual.
   • Provides leadership for the continuous advancement of academic standards.
   • Respects privacy and maintains the confidentiality of privileged information.
   • Shows an active interest in the personal development of all staff/students.
   • Strives to develop rapport and serve as a positive role model for others.
   • Sustains an effective and positive work/learning environment.
   • Takes advantage of opportunities to promote district programs.

2. Maintains open/effective communications.

   • Communicates district objectives and program performance expectations to stakeholders.
   • Coordinates staff meetings, conferences and other required school activities.
   • Interprets district policy. Serves as an information resource for program/procedure changes.
   • Prepares/maintains accurate records. Submits required paperwork on time. Returns emails and phone calls in a timely manner.
   • Provides prompt notification of personal delays or absences.
   • Uses active listening and problem-solving techniques to resolve questions/concerns tactfully.
   • Uses diplomacy and exercises self-control when dealing with other individuals. Respects diversity

3. Pursues opportunities to enhance professional performance.

   • Keeps current with technology and other skills associated with work assignments.
   • Maintains applicable credentials. Complies with all state licensure requirements.
   • Works toward mastery of individualized development/performance goals as directed.

4. Takes precautions to ensure safety.

   • Intervenes to prevent/stop bullying and/or inappropriate student behavior.
   • Monitors safety concerns. Works with stakeholders to manage/eliminate risks. Helps update/implement the district's emergency preparedness/crisis response plan.
   • Reports suspected child abuse and/or neglect to civil authorities as required by law.
   • Responds to emergencies. Serves as a liaison to community services (e.g., police, fire, etc.).
   • Upholds the student conduct code. Maintains high expectations for appropriate student behavior.
   • Watches for situations that may indicate a problem. Initiates action to manage/eliminate risks.
   • Works with staff/students to address equipment safety/security issues.

5. Performs other specific job-related duties directed.

   • Serves as District Title IX Coordinator and Homeless Liaison. Must have or be willing to obtain proper certification/training.
   • Assists with unexpected/urgent situations as needed.
   • Manages workplace initiatives that improve productivity and advance district goals.

Working Safety is essential to job performance. Employees must exercise caution and comply withConditions: standard safety regulations and district procedures when involved in the following situations:

• Balancing, bending, climbing, crouching, kneeling, reaching, or standing.
• Exposure to adverse weather conditions and temperature extremes.
• Exposure to blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases.
• Interacting with aggressive, disruptive and/or unruly individuals.
• Lifting, carrying and moving work-related supplies/equipment.
• Operating and/or riding in a vehicle.
• Traveling to meetings and work assignments.