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Special Education Director Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

The Trust Director also leads community outreach and education efforts regarding special needs trusts and trust services. Performance Measures: A successful Trust Director will produce positive ...

The Trust Director also leads community outreach and education efforts regarding special needs trusts and trust services. Performance Measures: A successful Trust Director will produce positive ...

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Special Education Director information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$46.1K

$96.6K

$137.3K

How much do special education director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for special education director in Rio Rancho, NM is $96,593.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $114,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Special Education Director?

To thrive as a Special Education Director, you need in-depth knowledge of special education law, curriculum development, and leadership, typically demonstrated by a master's degree in special education or educational administration and relevant state certification. Familiarity with IEP software systems, data analysis tools, and compliance monitoring platforms is crucial for managing programs and ensuring legal adherence. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and team-building abilities help foster collaboration among staff, families, and community partners. These skills are vital to provide effective oversight, maintain regulatory compliance, and ensure students with disabilities receive appropriate educational support.

How does a Special Education Director typically collaborate with teachers and support staff to ensure student success?

A Special Education Director works closely with teachers, instructional aides, and related service providers to develop and implement individualized education programs (IEPs) tailored to students' unique needs. Regular meetings, professional development sessions, and ongoing communication are key components of this collaboration. The director also provides guidance on compliance with legal requirements, helps resolve challenges in classroom instruction, and ensures that all staff have the resources and support they need. This team-based approach fosters a positive environment focused on student growth and achievement.

What is the difference between Special Education Director vs School Principal?

AspectSpecial Education DirectorSchool Principal
CredentialsMaster's degree in education or special education, certification in special education administrationMaster's degree in education or school administration, principal certification
Work EnvironmentDistrict or school district offices, overseeing special education programsSchool campus, managing overall school operations
ResponsibilitiesDeveloping special education policies, compliance, program oversightManaging daily school activities, staff, student discipline, and curriculum

The Special Education Director focuses on overseeing special education programs and ensuring compliance across districts, while the School Principal manages overall school operations and staff. Both roles require advanced education and certification but differ in scope and daily responsibilities.

What does a Special Education Director do?

A Special Education Director is responsible for overseeing and managing special education programs within a school district or educational institution. Their duties include ensuring compliance with federal and state laws, supervising special education staff, developing and implementing individualized education programs (IEPs), and coordinating resources for students with disabilities. They also work closely with parents, teachers, and administrators to create supportive learning environments and advocate for the needs of special education students.

What does a Special Education Director do?

Special education directors oversee special education programs in individual schools or for many schools in a school district. They ensure that teachers implement processes and strategies to assist students with mental, behavioral, physical, or other learning disabilities. As a special education director, your job duties include analyzing assessments to determine the best learning plan for each student’s needs, applying for and confirming compliance of grants, leading professional development and continuing education courses for special education staff, and evaluating program effectiveness. The special education director is an administrative position, so you need a combination of experience in the education field and strong leadership skills to perform well in this career.

What are the most commonly searched types of Special Education jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? The most popular types of Special Education jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What are popular job titles related to Special Education Director jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? For Special Education Director jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Special Education Director jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Special Education Director jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Special Education Director jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Special Education Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Special Education Director job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,593 per year, or $46.4 per hour.

Virtual Special Education Teacher

ACCEL Schools

Albuquerque, NM

$48K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


ACCEL Schools rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

518th of 622 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

We are seeking a highly qualified Virtual Special Education Teacher who is dedicated to providing a superior education for all students! ACCEL Schools uses a cutting-edge 21st-century curriculum, which can be accessed online and through a variety of traditional methods.

The Virtual Special Education Teacher supports the educational and behavioral goals of all students with a focus on students with an Individualized Education Program.

ELIGIBILITY: Open to residents of New Mexico

About the Opportunity

  • Assist with the implementation of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for each student served
  • Write IEPs in a timely manner
  • Participate in the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
  • Maintain all student records and files according to federal, state and local mandates
  • Complete all necessary paperwork within timelines to be compliant
  • Complete progress reports as required
  • Complete all components of all paperwork
  • Work 1:1, in small groups or in whole class sessions with students
  • Administer Transition Assessments
  • Write lessons plans to accommodate goals in the student's IEP
  • Teach all subjects following the school's course of study or as assigned
  • Schedule and participate in IEP and other meetings for students with disabilities
  • Prepare and administer all standardized tests, benchmark assessments and evaluation assessments as directed
  • Work with the teaching staff to improve standardized and proficiency testing results
  • Maintain confidentiality concerning all student information and any professional matters
  • Keep accurate records on each student such as grade books and progress reports, lesson plans, attendance records, and behavior/discipline records
  • Collaborate with parents, teachers, psychologists, parents, Administrator, and professionals outside of school
  • Work with Related Services to keep evaluations current, updated every three years
  • Provide resources for classroom teachers for areas of disability
  • Attend professional developments as assigned

About You

  • Masters' Degree preferred
  • Current New Mexico certification/licensure in appropriate area
  • Three years of teaching experience, at least 2 of which are in special education preferred
  • Strong content knowledge in one or more content areas
  • Familiarity with state proficiency testing state teaching standards
  • Understanding of and/or willingness to learn the MTSS process
  • Prior experience working with a diverse student body
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills that reflect professionalism and tact at all times
  • Genuine care for children and a passion for teaching
  • Proficiency in computer applications, including Google Docs, MS Office Suite, e-mail, and internet applications
  • Prior experience with software and databases used to maintain Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) compliance including Power School Special Programs
  • Ability to learn new technologies and acquire new skills through independent study, professional training, and from more senior team members
  • Strong ability to gather, analyze, and interpret student data to make sound educational decisions
  • Ability to handle confidential information responsibly and exhibit sound judgment while maintaining that confidentiality
  • Ability to and willingness to work occasional evenings
  • Valid driver's license and ability to perform occasional local and in-state travel
  • Ability to pass federal, state and local background checks
  • Knowledge of co-teaching models and the ability to co-teach

About Us

ACCEL Schools is a network of 100+ high-performing, public charter schools serving PK-12 students. We proudly advocate for school choice and work to address educational inequities throughout the United States. Our schools are inclusive and widely differ to reflect the unique values of the many urban, suburban, and rural communities we serve. Our brick-and-mortar, virtual, and hybrid schools specialize in closing educational gaps and offer innovative models such as career-technical education, sports training, bilingual programming, and more. We have been recognized and praised by legislators, authorizers, and researchers for providing exceptional education options to students in historically under-resourced communities.

We offer the following benefits:

Life benefits – time & peace of mind

  • Paid time off
  • Retirement contributions
  • Optional Basic Life and AD&D insurance
  • Voluntary life insurance (employee, spouse, child)
  • Discounted childcare at Early Learning Academies locations

Health benefits – stay well & thrive

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Voluntary short-term disability insurance
  • Voluntary long-term disability insurance

Career benefits – keep growing

  • Career advancement opportunities throughout Pansophic Learning and our strong network of 4,000+ instructors and education professionals

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is our policy to abide by all federal, state and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination based solely on a person's race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth, physical disability, mental and/or intellectual disability, age, military status, veteran status (including protected veterans), marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other protected status except where a reasonable, bona fide occupational qualification exists.

#LI-AB1


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