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Assistant Director of Special Education & Section 504

Do you want to be part of a district that is doing transformative work to ensure that every student graduates ready for college, career and community?
Do you want to join a team that is championing better experiences & outcomes for students of color?
Would you like to join a thriving urban school district that is committed to elevating you in your profession?

If so, the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) has much to offer you: a clear vision, a collaboratively-designed strategic framework, collaboration time, district support and excellent professional development opportunities.

Assistant Director of Special Education & Section 504

Why You Should Work with MMSD!

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is committed to Becoming a Model School District by striving to provide an anti-racist, culturally responsive, and inclusive atmosphere. MMSD actively seeks and encourages women and candidates of color to apply.

We have a simple but bold vision - to ensure that every school is a thriving school, that prepares every student to graduate from high school ready for college, career and community. We welcome applicants who will actively contribute to our ongoing commitment to making MMSD a thriving, welcoming environment for all students, families and staff.

We firmly believe in and are here to create a work environment that is challenging and rewarding, while supporting employees in their career path. We strive to provide, encourage, grow and develop a talented workforce that better supports and represents the diversity of our student population.

About Our District

The Madison Metropolitan School District is the second largest school district in Wisconsin. The district serves a beautifully diverse population of more than 27,000 students. More than half are students of color. Almost half come from low income households. Nearly one third are English Language Learners, and more than 100 languages are represented in our schools. Madison schools are committed to making this district a place where every child thrives.

Reports to: Executive Director of Student Services

Responsible for: Ensuring the educational needs of students with disabilities are met per state and federal statutes (Chapter 115, IDEA and or Section 504)

Any other key relationships: Chief of Schools, Principals, Curriculum and Instruction, Student Services Administrators, and PSTs

Minimum Qualifications

The purpose of positions in this classification is to provide administrative guidance (procedural and substantive) in the areas of special education and Section 504 programs within a defined level or attendance area; provide leadership in the area special education instructional improvement; administer assigned district-wide programs, alternative programs, and related services; provide leadership for attendance area special educational instructional improvement; provide supervision and evaluation of program support staff as well as related services staff; provide support to principals in the supervision of building special education staff; and conduct instructional improvement projects as assigned.

Current Areas of Responsibility
Coordinates and provides leadership (procedural and substantive) for special education and Section 504 programs.
Works with school principals and their leadership teams to develop, implement and evaluate school improvement efforts in relation to the academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs of our students with disabilities.

Provides guidance and direction to principals regarding implementation/analysis of schools' instructional design/service delivery to facilitate high performing inclusive educational environments.

Serves as Local Education Agency (LEA) Representative on Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams.

Co-coordinates/participates in IDEA or 504 complaint investigations, mediation meetings and due process hearings.

Leads a team of program support teachers to provide procedural guidance and job-embedded professional development for school staff.

Develops and manages attendance area or level special education budgets. Reviews expected needs, staffing levels, transportation, materials, and supply needs. Recommends budget to Executive Director of Student Services.

Assists in determining school special education and related services staff allocation.

Provides school teams with guidance and direction in developing teacher and special education assistant staffing plans/schedules.

Maintains accurate program records for cost reimbursement.

Supervises personnel for special education including PSTs and Student Services secretary.

Hires, supervises, evaluates staff in addition to recommending transfers, promotions, termination, and salary increases (when appropriate).

Supervises operations for assigned district-wide special programs, alternative programs, and related services. May assist in developing annual budget for assigned special programs.

Receives and responds to parent and staff complaints. Gathers relevant information and gives written or oral responses to complaints or refers to appropriate agency or person.

Participates on Student Services Administrative Leadership Team.

Provides case consultation to special education staff and administrative staff (relative to IDEA and Section 504).

Testifies in expulsion proceedings.

Collaborates with and provides leadership to the Student Services Professional Development and Learning Team.

Develops ongoing professional development opportunities that support standards-based education and focus on improving the access and engagement of our students with disabilities relative to the instructional core through a multi-tiered system of supports.

Works in collaboration with other district staff to create professional development opportunities and based on school data profiles, aligned to district improvement plans and school improvement plans.

Prepares and submits/presents a variety of reports such as staffing summaries, enrollment reports, memoranda, correspondence, reimbursement summaries, legal notices for special education and other written materials.

Assists in solving labor agreement issues.

Coordinates federal and state grant-funded activities.

Future State: I would prefer that the assistant directors have a larger role in improving instructional practices relative to students with disabilities. That they (1) work more closely with the principal/leadership team in establishing effective instructional designs, (2) have more input/responsibility regarding special education staff professional learning, and (3) work more closely with the School Improvement Partners/Chief of Schools to specifically improve instructional practices (e.g., participate in Deep Dives, allocation of staffing/resources, prioritization of professional learning needs).

Qualifications:

Master's degree or Ph.D. in Special Education/Special Education Administration

A minimum of three years special education leadership experience in a public school district

Wisconsin certification in at least one K-12 special education area and Type 80 license (Director of Special Education and Pupil Services) required.

Experience working cross-culturally and/or commitment to work toward improving one's own cultural competence i.e., valuing difference/diversity, recognizing personal limitations in one's skills and expertise and having the desire to learn in these areas.

Personal Characteristics

Commitment to equity in all its complex dimensions.

Unfailing belief that we as staff are key determinants in student outcomes and as such out actions are directly related to student achievement.

An unwavering belief that all our students can and will learn essential academic, social, and behavioral skills leading to postsecondary education, employment, and independent living.

Strong work ethic and efficient work habits.

Excellent interpersonal-communication skills.

Strong sense of ethics and morals.

Salary Range

89,660.25 - 106,472.25 Annual Salary

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