Director of Specially Designed Instruction
Position Summary:
Manage all service and support programs that are available to students with conditions or identified disabilities as required under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act throughout the school district. Directs and provides leadership for a comprehensive special education program to ensure the district provides appropriate services for special education students. Directs leadership in planning and implementing curriculum and instructional improvements for students with disabilities that yield improved student performance. Provides leadership and support to administrators and teachers in the areas of district policy, standardized procedures, and ensures program compliance with all state, federal, and local requirements
Essential Duties:
Direct and administer the district’s special education program to ensure the delivery of needed services for students with special needs
Provide leadership and oversight in developing a collaborative culture of excellence within the Office of Exceptional Student Services
Provide leadership in planning and implementing curriculum and instructional improvements for students with disabilities that yield improved student performance
Provide leadership and oversight in building district and campus capacity in acquiring, analyzing, and reporting data pertaining to students with disabilities
Provide instructional resources and materials to support departmental staff in meeting district and departmental goals
Ensure the provision of professional development opportunities to support special education staff in the instruction of students with disabilities
Stay abreast of current topics, trends, and best practices in the area of special education through a variety of professional opportunities.
Perform all other tasks and duties as assigned
Job Specifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities):
Master’s Degree from an accredited university
Experience working with children and youth in a special education setting; experience in an urban school setting and/or in a multicultural education environment preferred.
Comprehensive and proficiency in theories and principles of learning and evaluation; knowledge of special education principles, theories and laws.
Demonstrate ability to resolve logistical and operational problems related to special education service delivery. Demonstrate knowledge of state and federal special education law.
Demonstrate knowledge of special education programs. Effective oral and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills, strong work ethic and collaborative work style
Five (5) years’ experience in program administration and the supervision of professional personnel;
Five (5) years’ experience in a special education leadership role;
Five (5) years’ experience in leading diverse work teams, program evaluation research methods, and understanding IDEA grant administration;
Solid strategic planning, analytical and decision-making skills;
Excellent communication and organizational skills;
General knowledge of the school District’s mission and goals, programs, facilities, and personnel;
*Relevant experience may be substituted for formal education at a 2:1 ratio. Therefore, for every 1 year of college lacking, 2 years of directly relevant experience may be substituted.
Physical/Mental Requirements:
Must have adequate manual dexterity to write legibly and perform required duties on a computer.
Must have adequate visual acuity to read, interpret and transcribe written material and other required duties.
Requires normal range of hearing and clear speaking abilities to interact appropriately with others in person and on the telephone.
Requires some stooping, bending, stretching and occasional lifting not to exceed 25 pounds.
Sitting for prolonged periods of time.
May periodically require work outside of normal business hours, including weekends, under sometimes. stressful conditions in order to meet business needs and strict deadlines.
Work Environment:
Office duties will be performed in a well-lighted, climate-controlled environment.
Will require time in office, as well as external meeting locations with community partners or schools throughout the OKC metro area.
May require participation in meetings and activities outside of normal business hours, including weekends and holidays.
May be required to work overtime and weekends and holidays.
Able to bend and stoop, lift 25lbs, stand and/or sit for extended periods of time.
Reports To: Executive Director of Special Education
FSLA Status: Exempt
Compensation: 903
Work Days: 242
FTE: 100
This job description is not intended to be all inclusive. The employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by the supervisor or appropriate administrator. Oklahoma City Public Schools reserves the right to, update, revise or change job duties as the need prevails. This document is for communication only and not intended to imply a written or implied contract of employment. The Board of Education and Superintendent may approve alternatives to the listed qualifications.