Senior Manager of Special Education

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Considerable knowledge of educational philosophy, culturally responsive teaching methods and approaches, and currently researched best practices and strategies for a diverse student population

Knowledge of:

• Theory and research in education
• Application of methods used in improving academic achievement
• Educational assessment practices and techniques
• Effective intervention, academic and behavior techniques
• Academic curriculum and pedagogical techniques that is effective across diverse populations
• Minnesota State Academic Standards
• School safety procedures
• Effective supervision and discipline
• State and Federal laws relating to minors, the Teacher Code-of-Ethics, and local policies and procedures
• Instructional technology
• Current educational theories and practices
• Evidence-based research and best practices in educational interventions
• Effective supervision, talent management, and progressive discipline
• State and federal laws relating to students, special education, and District policies and procedures

Skills in:

• Crisis management, handling emergencies, and de-escalation techniques
• Effective problem solving
• Leadership and exceptional interpersonal skills
• Strong oral and written communications for grammatically-correct business correspondence
• Expertise in Due Process and responding to MDE Complaints

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff and the community
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with key stakeholders through a variety of methods
• Provide leadership of behavior management and supervision
• Remain calm in stressful situations, including interactions with demanding and/or upset customers and staff
• Hold difficult conversations and deal with conflict or performance issues effectively and in a timely manner
• Facilitate the resolution of conflict
• Plan, organize, and manage time and resources
• Exercise excellent judgment and decision making
• Model District expectations for ethics, confidentiality, and professionalism
• Accept constructive feedback and engage in continuous improvement
• Work with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Lead and supervise staff and students
• Remain flexible and develop alternative strategies to achieve established goals
• Multi-task complex issues
• Apply leadership skills within a shared decision-making model

Essential Functions
The following identifies the primary and essential functions of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of all duties.

Organizational Management

• Provide support to the Director of Special Education for program budgets
• Assist the Director of Special Education in equitable and responsible distribution of resources
• Assist the Director of Special Education with program and enrollment planning including Extended School Year (ESY)

Curriculum Planning and Professional Development

• Provide leadership for the implementation of professional development
• Provide leadership to implement best practice curriculum and instruction for students with disabilities
• Assist with the development of programs to ensure equitable opportunities to accelerate growth for students with disabilities
• Collaborate with coaches, Instructional Leadership Team (ILT), and others on ensuring effective instructional practices and the consistent use of curriculum
• Conduct program evaluation and data analysis to improve outcomes for students

Department Climate/Culture

• Support Division of Special Education and Itinerant Services with developing and monitoring improvement planning and implementation
• Participate in team meetings
• Facilitate team meetings and update staff with pertinent information

Communication

• Provide critical coaching and leadership to staff that helps ensure educational equity and effective interventions
• Communicate with member district reps in regards to student programming and services
• Mediate Staff to Staff, Staff to Student, and Student to Student conflicts

Policies and Procedures 

• Provide leadership for special education in District 287
• Provide professional development in curriculum, instruction, service delivery, and due process
• Provide due process support and direction to staff
• Provide guidance, support, and direction with respect to fidelity of program implementation for students

Performance Management

• Collaborate with Director, Assistant Directors, Senior Managers, and others to hire, supervise, and evaluate staff
• Collaborate and carry out aspects of investigative activities as appropriate and necessary, in collaboration with an Assistant Superintendent, Executive Director, Director, or Assistant Director
• Provide feedback, support and assistance to licensed instructional staff regarding Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), Positive Behavioral Support Plans (PBSP), Three-Year Reevaluations, Child Study documentation, and other related areas
• Provide ongoing formative feedback including walkthroughs on employee instructional practice/performance
• Utilize problem solving and conflict resolution skills to resolve disputes and ensure students receive a free, appropriate, public education
• Provide guidance/decision making during IEP meetings