ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION

Description

About us: 

GEO Academies is a national, non-profit network of open-enrollment, public charter schools committed to empowering students to accelerate their academic pathways, advance their social mobility, and achieve their career and lifelong goals. Our innovative and award-winning K-16 GEO Academies Model begins with personalized, competency-based learning and accelerates students into post-secondary immersion as early as 9th grade. GEO Academies students have the opportunity to earn a full college degree or career credential even before graduating from high school - at no cost to families.

Job Description:

We are seeking a certified, experienced, and knowledgeable Associate Director of Special Education to join our team. As an Associate Director of Special Education, you will be responsible for enhancing the delivery of high-quality special education services across our network of schools. This position is school based and will be responsible for implementation of district established program policies and procedures. Responsibilities include monitoring compliance with district, state, and federal regulations, leadership in curriculum and instruction for students with disabilities, and supporting school-based special education teams in delivering effective, data-driven interventions. This position will work collaboratively with the regional director of special education, school personnel, and other district personnel.

Responsibilities (includes, but not limited to):

Compliance & Regulations:

• Ensure adherence to all federal, state, and local regulations regarding special education policies and procedures, including IDEA and Section 504 requirements;
• Monitors IEP caseloads and due dates for IEPs and evaluations; 
• Reviews IEPs and supporting documentation for IDEA compliance; 
• Ensures eSER submission of all IEPs and supporting documents;
• Provides training and coaching on special education law to include compliance and regulations;
• Assists with implementation of all internal and state monitoring as well as any other district initiatives.

Program Development & Implementation:

• Support the development and execution of special education programs that meet the diverse needs of students;
• Conducts regular observations and walk-throughs to monitor instruction;
• Provides feedback and coaching to educators in areas of need; 
• Monitors the quality of IEP development and the provision of FAPE;
• Works collaboratively with related services providers;
• Monitors documentation of provision of services;
• Provides training on the program implementation;
•  Supports all Child Find initiatives and events; 
• Assists with implementation of all district initiatives for program improvement and innovation.

Student Support & Progress Monitoring:

• Oversee the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and support teams in data collection, assessment, and intervention strategies to drive student success;
• Monitors and reviews progress monitoring documentation;
• Ensures the development of quality IEP progress
• reports;
• Provides training and coaching on IEP development and progress monitoring procedures;
• Assists with implementation of all district initiatives for program improvement and innovation.

Professional Development:

• Provides ongoing training, coaching, and support to special education teachers and staff to improve instructional practices and compliance procedures;
• Participate in professional development to remain abreast of developments and changes in the field;
• Schedule and facilitate weekly professional learning meetings with special education staff;
• Attend regular professional development and planning meetings with the regional director of special education.

Collaboration & Communication:

• Works closely with the regional director of special education, school administrators, teachers, families, and community stakeholders to create inclusive and supportive learning environments;
• Communicates important information to all stakeholders;
• Assists pupil appraisal and other services providers with data collection and coordination of the evaluation process, as needed.

Resource Management:

• Assist in allocating resources, including staff and materials, to ensure effective service delivery;
• Monitors special education programming supplies and materials.

Evaluation & Continuous Improvement:

• Analyze data on student performance and program effectiveness, making recommendations for improvements and best practices.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field preferred.
• Valid state certification in Special Education or related credential.
• Minimum of five years of experience in special education, including compliance and instructional support leadership or administrative roles.
• Strong knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, and other relevant laws and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to support and coach teachers and staff in implementing best practices for special education.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, collaboration, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with data analysis, progress monitoring, and intervention strategies.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and with a diverse group of stakeholders
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• The ability to multi-task and maintain accurate records
• Ability to meet compliance deadlines

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience delivering professional development/in-service -Knowledge of the RTI/ MTSS (Multi-Tier Systems of Support) process and other intervention techniques