Assistant Director Special Education Academic Services

Job Summary

The Assistant Director of Special Education Academic Services collaborates with all Anchorage School District staff, parents, and community members to develop, monitor, and administer special education services.

Specifically, the assistant director provides leadership of special education services within schools for students from kindergarten through age 21.

• The assistant director provides leadership support for the teaching and learning of students with disabilities; designs and provides professional development;
• assists in developing and monitoring budgets; assists in maintaining compliance with all applicable government regulations and ASD standards;

and assists with the coordination of special education complaint resolution within ASD. The assistant director is under the general direction of the senior director of Special Education Instruction.

This position requires a valid Alaska teaching or administrative certificate and has a retirement association with the Alaska Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS).

Job Requirements

The following are required :

• A bachelor’s degree in special education or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• A current Alaska teaching or special services certificate by start date.
• A current Alaska type B administrative certificate within two years of start date. Must verify enrollment in a program no later than 60 days after the start date.
• A minimum of five years of experience in special education or a related field.
• A minimum of three years of increasingly responsible teaching, administrative, or supervisory experience in special education, school, or district leadership;

or any combination of experience and training that provides the applicant the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform duties.

A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to travel to school locations.

The following are preferred :

• A master’s degree in special education or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Extensive experience with developing high-quality Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Experience with supporting challenging conversations and ability to navigate special education team meetings to address family concerns.
• Evidence of providing staff training and professional development.
• Leadership skills in effectively resolving conflicts to minimize distractions in the workplace.
• Leadership skills in coaching, mentoring, and supervising teams to support schools in providing high-quality instruction behavior modification.
• Leadership skills in coaching, mentoring, and supervising teams for professional growth.
• Evidence of ability to collaborate and work effectively with stakeholders and the administrative team.
• Extensive knowledge of special education programs, best practices, professional standards, and trends that affect student outcomes.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations and legal mandates, ASD policies, and division procedures governing special education.
• Knowledge of best practices and issues for the provision of special education services, supervision, and evaluation of staff.
• Knowledge of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports for Behavior (MTSS-B).
• Knowledge of child development and disabilities that may qualify a student for special education services.
• Knowledge of special education principles, practices, and services that affect student outcomes.
• Knowledge of practical supervisory principles and practices that positively affect staff performance.

Essential Job Functions

• Works collaboratively with the senior director, director, and other assistant directors of Special Education Instruction to share administrative responsibilities for the department.
• Facilitates or co-facilitates meetings with principals, administrators, staff, and parents / guardians to analyze and resolve complex matters.
• Effectively collaborates with other special education team members to implement best practices, division planning, compliance issues, and provision services.
• Monitors and provides oversight of student Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to ensure appropriate accountability and compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
• Provides instructional leadership and technical expertise to special education staff members.
• Prepares and submits various administrative reports as identified by the senior director and director of Special Education Instruction.
• Responsible for staff development plans, professional development, training for certificated and classified staff, and training on special education topics and technical assistance for principals and other stakeholders.
• Organizes, prioritizes, and maintains effective follow-through processes.
• Makes effective use of technology for record-keeping, data analysis, and research.
• Maintains strict confidentiality.
• Demonstrates reliable and regular in-person attendance.
• Develops and maintains positive and professional relationships with diverse populations through effective written and verbal communication.
• Leads in the development of innovative programs, projects, solutions, and problem-solving related to department goals and major initiatives.
• Participates and facilitates in district planning teams, curriculum reviews, and other relevant committees.
• Maintains knowledge and provides interpretation and information on federal and state laws and regulations related to special education and the department goals related to district initiatives and policies.
• Assists administration and principals in selecting, assigning, and evaluating certificated and classified staff when appropriate.
• Leads data analysis groups and utilizes data to drive decision making.
• Participates and facilitates planning, professional development, and on-site administrative duties for Extended School Year (ESY).
• Participation in district and department recruitment and retention efforts of special education staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the senior director and director of Special Education Instruction.

Physical / Mental Demands

The physical demands of this job require frequent standing, walking, sitting, speaking and hearing. Specific visual abilities are also required.

The employee is regularly required to reach with his / her hands and arms and occasionally lift items weighing less than 40 lbs.

Additionally, the employee must be able to understand vague and implicit instructions, be able to readily recall facts and details, handle conflict and make effective decisions under pressure.

The employee must have the ability to effectively manage the stress of working with students, parents, and other employees representing diverse cultures, personalities, and work styles in a dynamic work environment.

The Anchorage School District is committed to providing reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all individuals with a qualified physical or mental disability.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a professional environment with a wide variety of individuals having differing functions, personalities and abilities, including working with diverse groups of people in a variety of different settings.

While performing the duties of this job the employee may be regularly exposed to a video display. The employee may be exposed to outdoor weather conditions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.