Assistant Director of Special Education

Job Description

Primary Purpose:

Coordinates the district’s special services program to ensure provision of needed services for special needs students take place. Work to provide individualized education plans to meet the needs of all students and ensure compliance with all state, federal, and local requirements.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Master’s degree

Texas Mid-management or other appropriate Texas certificate

Valid Texas teaching certificate with special education endorsement

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Understanding of the individual needs of special needs students
• Ability to interpret policy, procedures, and data
• Ability to manage budget and personnel
• Ability to coordinate district function
• Ability to communicate with all levels of special needs students and their parents

Experience:

Five years teaching experience in special education

Essential Job Functions:

• Coordinates special education programs and services to meet students’ needs.
• Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis, and that the findings are used to make special education programs more effective.
• Ensure the use of technology in the teaching-learning process.
• Encourage and support the development of innovative instructional programs, helping teachers to pilot such efforts when appropriate.
• Plan the necessary time, resources, and materials to support subordinates in accomplishing educational goals.
• Manage the special education referral process; arrange for or conduct student assessments; make recommendations regarding placement and program management for individual students.
• Supervise and monitor the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) process district wide.
• Participate in committee meetings to ensure the appropriate placement and development of individual education plans for students according to district procedures.
• Supervise transition services for special education students entering and exiting public school programs.
• Assist in identification of and providing services for 504 dyslexic students.
• Provide leadership in the formulation and implementation of contracts for special education students receiving services outside of the district.
• Obtain and use evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to gauge special education program effectiveness.
• Serve as resource person in the design and equipping of facilities for students with disabilities.
• Ensure that curriculum renewal is continuous and responsive to student needs.
• Demonstrate support for the district’s student management policies and expected student behavior related to special education programs.
• Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, and teachers concerning vital issues.
• Recommend sound policies to improve program.
• Implement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in area of special education.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required
• Complete and file federal funds applications and reports.
• Administer the special education department budget and ensure that programs are cost effective and funds are managed prudently.
• Compile budgets and cost estimates based on documented program needs.
• Maintain a current inventory of supplies and equipment and recommend the replacement and disposal of equipment when necessary.
• Approve and forward purchase orders for the special education department to the accounting department.
• Prepare, review, and revise job descriptions in the special education department.
• Develop training options and/or improvement plans to ensure exemplary operations in the special education area.
• Evaluate job performance of employees to ensure effectiveness.
• Participate in the recruitment, selection, and training of personnel and make sound recommendations relative to personnel placement, assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
• Serve as district liaison to community agencies providing services to students and notify parents and students of available services.
• Participate in professional organizations and serve on community boards.
• Articulate the district’s mission and goals in the area of special education to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.
• Demonstrate awareness of district-community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs.
• Use appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.
• Perform other duties as required by supervisor.
• Demonstrates principles of the Manor ISD People Experience.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise special education staff.

Equipment used:

Personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment

Working Conditions

The working conditions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential

functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

and expectations.

Mental Demands:

Maintain emotional control under stress

Work with frequent interruptions

Physical Demands:

Lifting (45 pounds or more)

Carrying (45 pounds or more)

Sitting

Standing

Bending/Stooping

Kneeling

Pushing/Pulling

Repetitive hand motions

Keyboarding/mouse

Speaking clearly

Hearing

Environmental Factors:

Work inside/outside

Exposure to noise

Work prolonged or irregular hours

2025-06-23