Director of Special Education for Teaching and Learning
Proper Certification Required
Effective July 1, 2026
Qualifications: Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a General Administrative Endorsement (no longer issues after 8-31-14) Director of Special Education (PK-12) endorsement
Reports to: Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning
Work Calendar: Full-Time, 12 month position
Position Goal: Assist the district through providing leadership in supervising, developing, maintaining, and implementing professional development for staff to achieve efficient and effective Special Education Programs and services for all students.
Rate of Pay/Benefits: Salary range $94,000-$112,000. The position includes medical, dental, vision, and voluntary life insurance benefits.
The Director of Special Education for Teaching and Learning shall be responsible for the following duties and perform other duties that may be assigned by the Superintendent
Superintendent/Board:
- Observe, implement and adhere to all Board of Education policies and regulations, and all administrative rules and procedures
- Attend Board of Education meetings when necessary to provide supportive materials and information.
- Review the Board policy manual section and procedures on special education and make recommendations for changes and updates.
- Follow all State of Illinois school codes relative to school improvement initiatives.
- Communicate Special Education objectives and programs to the Board. Administration, Staff and Community.
- Remain current with legal requirements governing Special Education
- Collaborates with the Director of Special Services to complete Medicaid reporting, the annual IDEA grant application, and Preschool for All grant
Roles & Responsibilities:
- Develop, implement and monitor Special Education procedures and programs
- Collaborate with Director of Special Services to support the process for early intervention and identification of student with special needs
- Supervise the Special Education Coordinators
- Establish and implement procedures for evaluation, placement, and services for students in special education programs
- Provide oversight for the coordination of Individualized Educational Plan (IEP)staffings and 504 plans
- Review referrals for case student evaluations
- Supervise and coordinate home instruction for homebound or hospitalized students
- Monitor and improve procedures to ensure implementation for evaluation, placement, and the continuum services for students in Special Education programs
- Provide oversight to ensure effective communication and collaboration between the case managers and parents/guardians
- Facilitate communication regarding transportation requirements for students with an IEP
- Evaluate existing programs and make recommendations for changes as needed
- Participate in due process activities as needed
- Work with building administrators to maintain special education programs
- Collaborate with building administrators and the Teaching and Learning department on the MTSS process once a student is identified for a Domain meeting.
- Supervise the implementation of the continuum of services and supports provided by the professional teaching staff as they relate to special education
- In conjunction with building level administrators maintain a consistent presence in school buildings and classrooms to monitor and support the implementation of the Board-adopted core curriculum, promote effective instructional practices, and facilitate collaboration with general education teachers
- Maintain the district's Special Education recording and reporting
- Collaborates with the Director of Teaching and Learning, Director of Multilingual Learners, Director of Special Services, and Director of Educational Technology
- Participate in the coordination of professional development with the Teaching and Learning Department, in-service workshops, and training for the implementation of special education.
- Provide current trend information, research, news and other relevant data to special education staff members
Individual:
- Develop positive working relationships with staff that promotes an encouraging, supportive learning environment in the classroom and increase teacher motivation
- Assume responsibility for personal professional growth and development by attending necessary professional development seminars, conferences and meetings
- Remain current on effective special education practices, teaching techniques and learning strategies, literature and new research findings
- Be knowledgeable of the District Safety Plan
- Develop positive working relationships with staff that promotes an encouraging, supportive learning environment and increases staff motivation
- Assume responsibility for personal professional growth and development by attending necessary professional development seminars, conferences and meetings