Position Type: Administration/Manager Date Posted: 10/2/2024 Location: Harper Woods School District District: Harper Woods School District JOB TITLE: Special Education Director REPORTS TO: Superintendent Summary of Position: The Harper Woods Public School District is looking for an experienced leader to serve as a Special Education Director to support the programs and services for students with disabilities. This position will work closely with the Superintendent to support the implementation of adequate support for students in the HWS. Our goal is for ALL students to achieve with the necessary conditions in place to achieve success. All students with an IEP should be in their least restrictive environment. Minimum Qualifications:
- Master's Degree in special education or related field required
- Central Office certification
- Current experience with MI-STAR and Catamaran
- Five (5) years minimum experience in special education administration.
- Comprehensive knowledge of special education laws, rules, and practices
- Superior communication skills in speaking and writing
- Manifest the ability and desire to work positively and proactively on behalf of students, teachers, administrators, and parents
- Collaborative leadership skills
- Experience in an urban school district is preferred.
Responsibilities and Essential Functions: The Special Education Director responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following:
- Ensure that the district is compliant in all areas of special education
- Collaborate with general education to develop and implement MTSS strategies
- Supervise special education staff and the ancillary staff assigned to support students and coordinate all related activities
- Guide successful instructional strategies for general education and special education teachers
- Supports the department with the development of appropriate professional development for both teachers and administrators
- Collaborative with the lead teachers regarding the implementation of special education services and programs at each school
- Collaborates with the ISD to ensure that students have access to ACT 18 programs as needed
- Coordinates all services and supports delivered to students from Detroit Public Schools and Grosse Pointe Public Schools
- Recommends the continued improvement and development of special education programs/services and facilities
- Collaborates with the leadership team and various departments regarding the implementation of special education programming; provides guidance/direction related to compliance
- Supervises and evaluates the performance of the special education staff
- Analyzes the needs of schools to determine the advisability of modification of instructional programs or procedures, administrative organization, and personnel assignment as it relates to students with disabilities.
- Perform other duties as required
Skills and Abilities Required: The following characteristics and skills are essential for the successful performance of assigned duties: Empathy and commitment to cause:
- Deep understanding of the urban school system environment and commitment to improving student achievement.
- Passionately believes that all students can achieve at high levels.
- Demonstrates cultural competence and a deep understanding of and empathy for issues facing urban families.
Communication, interpersonal, and team skills:
- Builds and maintains strong relationships.
- Works successfully alone or on a team.
- Coaches, coordinates, and leads special education teams.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Actively listens to others and effectively interprets others' motivations and perceptions.
- Builds consensus and resolves conflicts; exhibits willingness to have difficult conversations.
Problem-solving and systems thinking:
- Understands how various systems/departments interact to achieve the long-term goal.
- Makes decisions using data and technology.
- Takes initiative to solve problems and create stakeholder buy-in.
- Identifies and prioritizes mission-critical issues with alignment of people, time, and resources.
- Thrives in achievement-oriented and fast-paced environments.
Leadership skills:
- Motivates, inspires and moves other adults to action to achieve ambitious goals.
- Skilled at re-envisioning, building, and managing a team, especially in a time of growth and change; excellent at identifying talent and taking advantage of each person's skills and contribution to a team effort.
- Builds and maintains positive relationships with individuals and groups.
- Moves groups to consensus and resolves conflicts. Exhibits willingness to have difficult conversations.
- Builds coalitions and works collaboratively with diverse stakeholders at all levels, including but not limited to district personnel, students, families, communities, and advocacy groups.
- Establishes clear expectations, deliverables, and deadlines.
- Set clear agendas and facilitate effective meetings.
- Ability to train, supervise, and evaluate staff from different cultural backgrounds and skill sets.
Deadline: Until Filled Salary: Based on experience in the position Application procedure: www.hwschools.org under Our District Job Postings Note: You must use the applitrack process. HWS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, religion, height, weight, citizenship, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions opportunities.