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 and Assistant Director of Special Education and Itinerant Services for program budgets
- Assist the Director and Assistant Director of Special Education and itinerant Services in equitable and responsible distribution of resources
- Assist the Director and Assistant Director of Special Education and Itinerant Services 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 Teams, 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 and Itinerant Services 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