Website https://x.com/RPS535 Rochester Public Schools
Location: Edison Administration Building
Date Available: 07/01/2025
Closing Date: 06/12/2025
WORK SCHEDULE: Full-time, 260 days per year
Click link below to view the calendar with work days.
260 day Calendar
CLASSIFICATION: ROPE, Regular; D-6-1; Exempt
SALARY: $95,047 – $148,512 annually (prorated based upon hire date)
Click link below to review the 2024-2026 Rochester Operations Professional Employees (ROPE) Work Unit Agreement containing salary schedule.
ROPE Work Unit Agreement 2024-2026
BENEFITS: Benefits available.
Contact Employee Services @ 507-328-4280 for detailed benefits information. Please reference the exact job posting.
Hiring Manager: Melissa Stenke, Director of Special Education
If you have questions regarding a job posting, contact the Office of Human Resources @ 507-328-4321 or email [email protected].
Job Summary:
The Assistant Director of Elementary and Early Childhood Special Education provides leadership, oversight, and development of special education programs for students with disabilities in early childhood through elementary grades. Under the direction of the Director of Systemwide Special Education Services, this role ensures compliance with state and federal laws, supports high-quality instruction and services, and promotes equitable access to education for all students with disabilities.
This position plays a vital role in fostering inclusive practices, driving continuous improvement in special education services, and collaborating with district and community stakeholders to support student outcomes and family engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Program Oversight
Provide supervision and leadership to coordinators, related service providers, and other staff as assigned by the Director.
Oversee special education programming and services in elementary schools and community-based early childhood special education (ECSE) settings.
Supervise Extended School Year (ESY) programming for ECSE and elementary students.
Ensure consistent implementation of district-wide special education programs aligned with district goals and compliance standards.
Compliance & Due Process
Ensure adherence to federal, state, and district special education laws, regulations, and policies.
Provide expert guidance to staff on due process procedures, timelines, and documentation requirements.
Serve as Out-of-District Placement Representative.
Assist in the Alternate Dispute Resolution process as needed.
Professional Development & Staff Support
Lead professional development initiatives including CPI and Ukeru training; monitor effectiveness and recommend adjustments.
Conduct teacher observations and support performance management in collaboration with principals and supervisors.
Participate in recruitment and hiring processes to ensure the selection of qualified special education personnel.
Collaboration & Communication
Collaborate with building administrators and act as a liaison for special education services, supporting communication and effective problem-solving.
Assist the Director in leading the Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) to foster partnerships with parents, staff, and community stakeholders.
Support internal and external communication efforts to promote transparency and stakeholder engagement.
Budgeting & Resource Management
Assist in the development and oversight of budgets and resource allocations for ECSE and elementary (Grades B–5) special education services.
Monitor expenditures and ensure fiscal responsibility in program operations.
Crisis & Conflict Resolution
Respond to crisis situations and provide leadership in conflict resolution involving students, staff, or families.
Conduct Title IX investigations and HR-related inquiries as requested by the Director of Systemwide Special Education Services or the HR Executive Director.
Continuous Improvement
Support ongoing evaluation of special education programs and services.
Use data to inform decision-making and drive program improvement and equity-focused initiatives.
Other Duties
Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Systemwide Special Education Services.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
Current Minnesota Director of Special Education license
Valid state licensure in special education administration or equivalent
Minimum of 5 years of experience in special education, including supervisory or administrative roles
In-depth knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, and relevant Minnesota special education regulations
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in early childhood special education (ECSE) and elementary special education programming
Familiarity with Ukeru and CPI frameworks
Demonstrated success in conflict resolution and dispute mediation
Strong understanding of inclusive practices and equity-based program design
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills
Ability to manage complex projects and competing priorities
Commitment to continuous improvement and culturally responsive practices
Proficiency in data analysis and use of educational software systems
Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including families, educators, and administrators
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
This role involves travel to school sites and attendance at occasional evening or weekend meetings.
Duties may include extended periods of sitting, computer use, and occasional lifting of instructional materials.
Commitment to Equity:
Rochester Public Schools is committed to diversifying its workforce to better reflect the community we serve. We believe the practices used in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, supporting, and promoting staff must include and honor, at every level, those who represent the diverse identities of our schools and community.
https://www.rochesterschools.org/equity-statement
Common and Shared Accountabilities for All Positions
Employees of the Rochester Public School District #535 are expected to support the goals, model and promote an environment that is respectful for all, and work collaboratively with other staff to focus on the needs of the learner. A quality, customer focus that conveys a welcome attitude, an adaptability to change, and a desire for continuous improvement is also expected of all employees. In addition, staff are to respect confidential matters, encourage a safe and secure environment throughout the schools, and be dependable and accountable employees.
District Information: To learn more about Rochester Public Schools, visit www.rochesterschools.org.
All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability.
District Application Guidelines
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District ApplicationAPPLICATION PROCESS
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