Sylvania
Benton Harbor Area Schools
Director of Special Education
Salary Range:
$90,149 - $108,809
Position Summary:
The Director of Special Education provides leadership, oversight, and management of all special education programs and services within Benton Harbor Area Schools. This position ensures that all programs are delivered in compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, while promoting inclusion, equity, and academic achievement for students with disabilities. The Director works closely with building administrators, teachers, parents, and community partners to provide high-quality educational opportunities and support services for all students.
Overview The Director of Special Education provides leadership, oversight, and management of all special education programs and services within Benton Harbor Area Schools. This position ensures that all programs are delivered in compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, while promoting inclusion, equity, and academic achievement for students with disabilities. The Director works closely with building administrators, teachers, parents, and community partners to provide high-quality educational opportunities and support services for all students.
Responsibilities
Provide leadership and supervision of all district special education staff, including teachers, paraprofessionals, psychologists, social workers, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and support staff.
Ensure compliance with federal and state laws/regulations, including IDEA, ADA, Section 504, and Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE).
Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and related services.
Supervise and evaluate special education personnel, ensuring effective instructional practices and student support.
Manage the district’s special education budget, including state and federal funds, grants, and allocations.
Provide professional development and training opportunities for staff in areas of compliance, instructional strategies, and inclusive practices.
Collaborate with Human Resources to attract and recruit certified teachers.
Monitor teachers and sped staff; collaborate to provide feedback for growth in student achievement.
Collaborate with principals, general education staff, and administrators to support effective inclusion and equitable learning opportunities.
Develop and implement district policies, procedures, and best practices related to special education programs.
Monitor student progress and outcomes, preparing reports for the superintendent, board of education, and Michigan Department of Education.
Communicate effectively with parents, families, and community agencies, fostering strong partnerships.
Serve as a liaison with Intermediate School District (ISD), state agencies, and external service providers.
Maintain accurate records and ensure timely completion of all state and federal reporting requirements.
Address complaints, mediations, and due process hearings in collaboration with legal counsel and MDE when necessary.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.
Minimum Qualifications
Education : Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
Certification : Valid Michigan Administrator Certificate with approval as Director or Supervisor of Special Education, as required by the Michigan Department of Education. Must have Director approval within three (3) years.
Experience : Minimum of five (5) years of successful experience in special education, with at least three (3) years in a leadership, administrative, or supervisory role in a similar district.
Knowledge & Skills :
In-depth knowledge of special education laws, rules, and regulations.
Strong leadership, organizational, and management skills.
Ability to build collaborative relationships with staff, families, and community agencies.
Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
Experience in an urban school district.
Skill in budget management, program evaluation, and data-driven decision making.
Educational Specialist or higher.
At least three (3) years of experience in a similar district in a Supervisor or Director Role.
Work Environment
The position requires travel between school buildings and occasional evening or weekend meetings.
Work is performed in schools, offices, and community settings.
Reports To Superintendent of Schools.
Terms of Employment
Full-time, 12-month administrative position.
Salary and benefits as determined by the Board of Education.
Evaluation Performance will be evaluated annually by the Superintendent of Schools in accordance with Board policy.
Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The duties require standing, walking, sitting, talking, and hearing. Visual abilities include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception. This description is not an exhaustive list of duties and may be amended. Job descriptions are not intended to create employment contracts.
Equal Opportunity Benton Harbor Area Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
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Salary Range:
$90,149 - $108,809
Position Summary:
The Director of Special Education provides leadership, oversight, and management of all special education programs and services within Benton Harbor Area Schools. This position ensures that all programs are delivered in compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, while promoting inclusion, equity, and academic achievement for students with disabilities. The Director works closely with building administrators, teachers, parents, and community partners to provide high-quality educational opportunities and support services for all students.
Overview The Director of Special Education provides leadership, oversight, and management of all special education programs and services within Benton Harbor Area Schools. This position ensures that all programs are delivered in compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, while promoting inclusion, equity, and academic achievement for students with disabilities. The Director works closely with building administrators, teachers, parents, and community partners to provide high-quality educational opportunities and support services for all students.
Responsibilities
Provide leadership and supervision of all district special education staff, including teachers, paraprofessionals, psychologists, social workers, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and support staff.
Ensure compliance with federal and state laws/regulations, including IDEA, ADA, Section 504, and Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE).
Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and related services.
Supervise and evaluate special education personnel, ensuring effective instructional practices and student support.
Manage the district’s special education budget, including state and federal funds, grants, and allocations.
Provide professional development and training opportunities for staff in areas of compliance, instructional strategies, and inclusive practices.
Collaborate with Human Resources to attract and recruit certified teachers.
Monitor teachers and sped staff; collaborate to provide feedback for growth in student achievement.
Collaborate with principals, general education staff, and administrators to support effective inclusion and equitable learning opportunities.
Develop and implement district policies, procedures, and best practices related to special education programs.
Monitor student progress and outcomes, preparing reports for the superintendent, board of education, and Michigan Department of Education.
Communicate effectively with parents, families, and community agencies, fostering strong partnerships.
Serve as a liaison with Intermediate School District (ISD), state agencies, and external service providers.
Maintain accurate records and ensure timely completion of all state and federal reporting requirements.
Address complaints, mediations, and due process hearings in collaboration with legal counsel and MDE when necessary.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.
Minimum Qualifications
Education : Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
Certification : Valid Michigan Administrator Certificate with approval as Director or Supervisor of Special Education, as required by the Michigan Department of Education. Must have Director approval within three (3) years.
Experience : Minimum of five (5) years of successful experience in special education, with at least three (3) years in a leadership, administrative, or supervisory role in a similar district.
Knowledge & Skills :
In-depth knowledge of special education laws, rules, and regulations.
Strong leadership, organizational, and management skills.
Ability to build collaborative relationships with staff, families, and community agencies.
Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
Experience in an urban school district.
Skill in budget management, program evaluation, and data-driven decision making.
Educational Specialist or higher.
At least three (3) years of experience in a similar district in a Supervisor or Director Role.
Work Environment
The position requires travel between school buildings and occasional evening or weekend meetings.
Work is performed in schools, offices, and community settings.
Reports To Superintendent of Schools.
Terms of Employment
Full-time, 12-month administrative position.
Salary and benefits as determined by the Board of Education.
Evaluation Performance will be evaluated annually by the Superintendent of Schools in accordance with Board policy.
Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The duties require standing, walking, sitting, talking, and hearing. Visual abilities include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception. This description is not an exhaustive list of duties and may be amended. Job descriptions are not intended to create employment contracts.
Equal Opportunity Benton Harbor Area Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
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