Director Of Special Education

Our ideal candidate will have the following essential core characteristics:

The Director of Special Education will serve under the direction of their Assistant Superintendent of Exceptional Education and Student Services as a member of the leadership team to foster and facilitate a culturally responsive and inclusive community that empowers all students to develop their unique potential and thrive as learners, citizens, and leaders in a diverse global community. Applicants must demonstrate an asset-based perspective, a track record of successful teaching, an orientation towards teamwork, and hold high expectations of students and colleagues. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with strong verbal and written communication skills and a personal accountability mindset.  All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

Our ideal candidate must have the following qualifications:

1. A minimum of five (5) years successful experience in education, including teaching, supervision, and/or administration.
2. A valid New York State Certificate as a School Administrator and Supervisor (SAS), School District Administrator (SDA) or School District Leader (SDL).
3. Knowledge of Part 200 Regulation, Implementation of IDEA, ADA and Section 504, and ESSA requirements.

 The successful candidate can expect the following responsibilities:

Management:

1. Provides leadership in the development, direction, coordination and evaluation of Special Education programs including services for: Instructional leadership of K-12 Special Education curriculum, Speech and Hearing, Physical and Occupational Therapy, Section 504, and Home Instruction of exceptional students.
2. Supervises the assessment and annual review process for students with special needs by serving as the Chairperson of the Committee on Special Education and for the Preschool Committee on Special Education.
3. Facilitates Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team decisions regarding appropriate services and student placement within or outside the district; ensures availability of staff and materials resources to meet identified student needs.
4. Maintain all appropriate correspondence and ensure adherence to legal mandates as related to the Committees on Special Education and Preschool Special Education.
5. Assume responsibility for implementation of Special Education programs and related services in accordance with law and developed Individualized Education Plans.
6. Provide oversight, coordinate referrals and monitor placement of students in District self-contained classes and/or out of District programs.
7. Assist in the coordination of transportation, summer programming, transition services and assistive technology for students with disabilities.
8. Provide oversight and assume responsibility for the provision of services to non-public schools within the District.
9. Assists in the implementation of ADA and Section 504 regulations.
10. Assists in the interpretation and application of district policy

 Reporting:

1. Provide oversight and assume responsibility for Medicaid Reporting.
2. Prepare and/or assist in the preparation of documents and reports related to Special Education as required by local, state, and federal agencies.
3. Collects and analyzes data to determine if students may benefit from additional social, emotional, and physical support.
4. Attends meetings of District leadership and other meetings associated with other District and building matters to gain an awareness of and contribute effectively to the development of school programming.

Supporting schools:

1. Meets and communicates with Special Education staff (teachers, speech language pathologists, OT, PT, COTA) on a regular and planned basis to assure K-12 program articulation and continuity.
2. Establishes a collaborative culture with staff, parents/guardians and students focused on student achievement to determine appropriate programs and services for students.
3. Fields inquiries, complaints and concerns from parents/guardians, district personnel and the Board
4. Works cooperatively and collectively with administrators, and other instructional personnel (as appropriate) to monitor student progress and works collaboratively to implement Special Education programs, monitor the Response-to-Intervention (RTI) process, develop coordinated Special Education services and conduct program reviews.
5. Collaborates with Administrators to recruit, hire and train Special Education staff.
6. Seeks out potential partnerships with groups and organizations with the intent of addressing student/program needs.
7. Participate in the supervision and professional appraisal of K-12 Special Education staff, related service providers and/or student services personnel as assigned.

Professional Learning:

1. Meets and communicates on a regular and planned basis with District Special Education staff to ensure effective implementation of programs and initiatives and to assure program articulation and continuity.
2. Develops and presents appropriate professional learning for Special Education staff members referencing the goals of the Strategic Plan, Board of Education, and the District Professional Learning Plan.
3. Assists in the planning and implementation of the District's professional learning opportunities for Special Education staff and models the personal and professional expectations held by District personnel by demonstrating a commitment to growth and renewal.
4. Provide oversight and assume responsibility for training, administration, implementation and submission of New York State Alternative Assessment (NYSAA).
5. Supports new teachers as they learn about programs and available District resources.
6. Performs such other tasks and assumes such other responsibilities as directed by the Assistant Superintendent for Exceptional Education & Student Services.

This posting in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee.  The employee will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent for Exceptional Education & Student Services.  Williamsville Central School District reserves the right to update, revise or change this recruitment bulletin and related duties at any time without prior notice.

SALARY:                                $103,000 - $133,000

APPLICATION DEADLINE:Friday, April 12, 2024 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Internal: Candidates may submit letters of interest and proof of certification to the Human Resources Department.  Original signed letters of interest must be submitted by the end of the day on Friday, April 12, 2024.  Internal candidates are strongly encouraged to include a current resume with their letter of interest.

External: Fill out an online application at www.williamsvillek12.org or www.wnyric.org/application and then apply to the appropriate posting.  If you have any questions, you may contact Human Resources at (716) 626-8053. 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENT:

• It is required that all candidates attach a PDF or JPG of their scanned certifications or a screenshot of their TEACH account to their application or letter of interest.
• It is required that external candidates attach a current resume and cover letter.
• It is required that external candidates attach three current professional letters of reference.

The Williamsville Central School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of age, race, color, creed, national origin, marital status, religion, gender, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, or disability. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Please make sure to complete an application by clicking here for this job posting.