Director of Special Education

ESU 4, representing school districts in Johnson, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee, and Richardson Counties, is accepting applications for a Director of Special Education at the ESU 4 in Auburn, NE. ESU 4 offers an outstanding salary and benefit package. For more information regarding this position, please contact Gregg Robke. View the complete job description.

Department: Special Education

Job Title: Director of Special Education

Requirements:

Education Level:
- Masters Degree in Supervision of Special Education or Special Education and/or Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Administration/Special Education
Certification/Licensure:
- Valid Nebraska Teachers Certificate with Administrative and Special Education Endorsement
- Valid Nebraska Drivers License
Other Requirements:
- Broad knowledge of Special Education Programs, problems, and services; knowledge of state and federal special education laws and initiatives

Reports to: ESU 4 Administrator

Evaluation: Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of ESU 4 Board Policies and Procedures and as determined to be appropriate.

Essential Functions:

Serve as the educational leader of ESU 4’s special education programs.
Serve as a liaison among school districts, ESUs and the Nebraska Department of Education.
Maintain a collaborative working relationship with the Nebraska Department of Education.
Coordinate special education programs in accordance with Board policy, goals and objectives, rules and regulations, Department of Education rules and regulations, and Federal laws and regulations.
Work directly with ESU and district special education personnel to plan the proper placement and programming for students.
- Including attendance at, and possible facilitation of, meetings for determining eligibility and program planning/placement.
Plan ESU-wide/onsite district professional development to enhance the knowledge of special education teachers, regular education teachers, administrators, para educators and parents as they work with children with disabilities.
- Including collaboration with the Teaching And Learning Team, as well as special education directors from districts and ESUs in the support of professional development opportunities.
Collect and analyze ESU-wide and district data, including demographic, eligibility and LRE data, as well as attendance and survey data to assist with identifying trends, patterns and needs.
Develop long and short range plans as well as innovative special education programming; ESU-wide procedures in keeping with federal and state rules and regulations and programs which ensure an orderly operation of the special education programs in compliance with federal and state regulations.
Assist ESU-wide administration and staff in implementing district policies, procedures and programs. Confer with parents of students with disabilities. Interact with community agencies supporting collaboration in special education programming.
- Including Federal grants (IDEA), SPEDFRS and other reimbursement requests, documentation and data submission for required Federal Indicators, as required by NDE.
- Including regional grants such as the Planning Team Regional grant, PEaK (Promoting Engagement and Knowledge) project, and others offered and awarded by NDE.
Keep current by participating in local, state and national meetings. Provide information and training in special education initiatives and changes at the local, state and national level.
Recommend and assist with planning programs, services, facilities, and transportation which provide/support effective and efficient special education programs.
Comply with the procedures and guidelines of 92 NAC 51 (Rule 51) and IDEA in providing a free, appropriate public education for students with disabilities.
Maintain accurate records to document and administer special education programs.
- Including annual contracts and monthly billing of programs to ESU 4 districts.
Supervise and evaluate ESU 4 special education staff in relationship to ESU 4 Board Policy.
Assesses the overall effect of the special education program provided by the ESU.
Assists in screening/interviewing personnel for special education assignments.
Review ESU 4 policies and procedures established to ensure the proper implementation of federal and state regulations.
Hold meetings of ESU 4 special education staff and providers for the provision of professional development, program improvement, special education requirements and student achievement.
Participate as a member of the ESU 4 Team.
Attend meetings of the ESU 4 Advisory Committee.
Schedule and act as chairman of the ESU 4 Special Education Staff Liaison Committee.
Assist the Administrator in planning content, budget, curriculum and philosophy of the program.
Ensure the mission and vision of ESU 4 are adequately reflected in the ESU 4 Special Education programs and operations.
Perform duties as assigned by the Administrator.

Work Environment: Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Frequent sitting, driving, and standing
Frequent travel to area schools with home base at Educational Service Unit 4
Occasional prolonged and irregular hours
Occasional overnight travel to functions related to role and responsibility
Constant repetitive hand motions with prolonged use of a computer
Occasional walking, climbing stairs, bending/stooping, and/or reaching/pushing/pulling

Other Requirements (Intellectual, Sensory):

Effective oral and written communication skills
Ability to establish and maintain working, collaborative relationships
Leadership skills which enable the delegation of a wide range of responsibilities
Strong decision making skills; attention to detail; ability to work independently; dependable; strong work ethic

Working Conditions:

Environment - Primary work area is inside an air-controlled environment

Salary and Contract:

Salary commensurate with education and experience
225 day school year contract
Contract begins on or about Aug. 1, 2024