Summary

A SRMCS Special Education Director understands and promotes the school’s mission, vision, objectives, and policies both within and outside the immediate school community. S/he is responsible for the overseeing the general operations of the Special Education Program as well as providing comprehensive, consistent, and inclusive educational support to students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) in a multitude of school environments.

Description

Swan River Montessori Charter School Job Description:  Special Education Director

Reports To:  School Director      FLSA Status:  Exempt

Summary:  A SRMCS Special Education Director understands and promotes the school’s mission, vision, objectives, and policies both within and outside the immediate school community.  S/he is responsible for the overseeing the general operations of the Special Education Program as well as providing comprehensive, consistent, and inclusive educational support to students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) in a multitude of school environments. 

Duties and Responsibilities include the following.  Other duties may be assigned. 
 

  1. Operational Responsibilities:
    1. Conduct paraprofessional training prior to the start of each school year and, at minimum, bi-weekly thereafter.  This may include, but is not limited to, providing direct/indirect support in- and outside of the classroom environment, acting as a liaison between paraprofessionals and lead teachers, and regularly observing staff and students to ensure program quality as well as the progress of students in all areas of child development.
    2. Act as a special education liaison to Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).
    3. Develop, maintain, and adhere to TSES Manual in accordance with MN law.
    4. Create, revise, collect, and file weekly paraprofessional schedules, logs, semi-annual certifications, and other related paperwork.
    5. Enter and maintain all Extended School Year (ESY) student data using the school-approved data entry software.  Coordinate all ESY student transportation.
    6. Monitor special education funding/spending on an ongoing basis.  Orders supplies and materials as necessary on behalf all special education teachers and related service providers.
    7. Assist in hiring, scheduling, and managing of related service providers.
    8. Complete and file all yearly tuition acknowledgements.
    9. Supervise and support lead special education teachers with the completion of IEPs, evaluations, and progress reports.
    10. Coordinate and implement the Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC).
    11. Maintain ongoing communication with the SRMCS MARSS Coordinator ensuring all data is accurate and thorough.
    12. Attend and participate in all required meetings, including but not limited to Child Find Team meetings, Child Study Team meetings, pre-IEP meetings and IEP meetings.
  2. Planning and Instruction:
    1. Plan, prepare and execute special education instruction supporting the development of the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical growth of the whole child – body, mind, and spirit.
    2. Maintain and promptly submit all documentation related to special education including, but not limited to, Individual Educational Plans (IEPs), progress notes, assessments, other paperwork as directed.
    3. Monitor talents, special abilities, disabilities, and/or deficiencies of qualified students.  Document and report student issues/concerns to administration as appropriate.  This includes referrals for intervention and additional special education services.
    4. Provide academic support to students in coordination with the general education teacher(s).
    5. Demonstrate foundation knowledge of school-based therapy, including but not limited to, child development and common pediatric diagnoses, including mental health diagnoses.
    6. Collaborate with colleagues and other related service providers and participate in multi-disciplinary teaming, when appropriate, to support integration of goals, strategies, and progress across settings.
    7. Provide consultation and recommendations for environmental modification and supports as needed.
    8. Manage time and workflow efficiently, complete documentation in a timely manner within expected guidelines and manage caseload to support optimal productivity.
  3. Assessment/Evaluation:
    1. Conduct standardized assessments for students being evaluated for special education services as well as for those being reassessed for continued services.  Ensure all data is accurate and thorough. 
    2. Conduct skilled evaluations using sound clinical reasoning to interpret findings, identify goals and establish effective service plans.
    3. Establish individualized service plans with measurable objectives/goals based on evaluation results.
    4. Monitor and report student progress as required.
  4. Crisis Prevention & Intervention:
    1. Keep current with literature on crisis prevention and intervention planning.
    2. Participate in school planning for crisis prevention and intervention.
    3. Engage in crisis intervention as needed.
  5. Student Interaction:
    1. Promote and foster each child’s positive self-esteem and individual development toward fullest potential in the areas of physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth.
    2. Demonstrate ability to engage, support and motivate students, showing adaptability and consideration for individual needs, context, and environment to optimize progress. 
    3. Actively supervise students at all times (whether or not under your immediate care).
    4. Consistently model and reinforce positive, healthy behavior.
  6. Parent/Guardian Interaction:
    1. Demonstrate ability to work effectively with families, showing flexibility, cultural sensitivity, and compassionate care.
    2. Provide parent education, resources, and home programs to support carry over within the home and community.  Refer family for additional services as needed.
    3. Remain available and approachable to parents/guardians via telephone, email, etc.  Respond promptly to parent/guardian communications (within 24 hours, at minimum).
    4. Participate in parent/teacher conferences as requested.
  7. Professional/Ethical/Workplace Expectations:
    1. Establish and maintain a positive interpersonal relationship with all children, fellow staff, parents/guardians, and the community.
    2. Perform general classroom cleaning duties as necessary.
    3. Stay current on special education legislation/law, best practices, professional literature, procedures, and policies.
    4. Provide in-services/training/workshops to colleagues as requested.
    5. Maintain student/family confidentiality at all times. 
    6. Adhere to Montessori theory/philosophy to the greatest degree possible.
    7. Adhere to all established school policies, procedures, and plans, including all contents of the SRMCS Employee Handbook.
    8. Demonstrate effective team participation, interpersonal communication, and conflict resolution skills within and across departments.
    9. Attend all in-service training, teacher workshops, school events, parent/family education nights, conferences, staff meetings and parent meetings as required.
    10. Maintain strong daily attendance on all school days (approximately 173 school days per academic year on average).  Use appropriate procedures if unable to come to work at any time.

General Job Qualifications & Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Education/Licensure:  Special Education Director License.  Valid Minnesota teaching license in corresponding field.  First aid and CPR certification required. 

Language Ability:  Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from administration, co-workers, students, parents/guardians, general public, and the MN Dept. of Education and related agencies.

Reasoning Ability:  Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills:  To perform this job successfully, the individual must have knowledge of and the ability to effectively use Microsoft Office, Google Suite, the Internet, and email. 

Physical Demands & Working Environment:  The physical demands and working environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be requested to enable individuals with disabilities. 

To apply send resume and cv to director@swanrivermontessori.org