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:

1. 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
2. Provide sustained leadership, guidance and support to the Special Education Department to increase knowledge and support of Special Education policies, procedures, and programming.
3. 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. 
4. 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.
5. 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. 
6. 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.
7. Assist in the development, implementation, and oversight management of budgets equitably to support and maintain quality programs to maximize student achievement.
8. Collaborate with District staff to ensure that all PK-12 Special Education programs and supports are executed at the highest level and cross-functionally.
9. Monitor staffing needs and collaborate with relevant district team members to address recruitment, hiring, and professional development needs of Special Education staff.
10. Supervise and evaluate appropriate Special Education staff to ensure support and accountability in all roles within the Specialized Services Department and in alignment with District expectations

 

Supervisory Responsibilities:
Direct supervision and evaluation of the PK-12 Special Education Department staff, and collaborate with coordinators or specialists providing special education and specialized support.

 

Working Conditions:

Physical Demands:

Typical demands of an office environment, including extensive computer use and district-wide travel for meetings and events.

 

Work Environment:
Primarily office-based with regular interaction with district staff, educators, students, families, and community members. Campus visits will be required as needed and as a part of ensuring program implementation with fidelity and monitoring of service delivery models. Attendance at evening or weekend events may be required.

 

Position Working Days:
226 Days

 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive description of all work requirements and responsibilities, and management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other responsibilities be performed when the job changes. Additionally, the minimum level of education notated as a requirement could be supplemented by commensurate experience and/or certification(s) or license(s) as determined by the hiring manager.