Assistant Director of Educational Services - Special Education

Morrison Center; Scarborough (ME); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 8 weeks off per year

64 Hours of Earned Time Off per year

Winter/February/April/Aug breaks or 14

Holidays (MLK Day, Labor Day, Veterans

Job summary

Morrison Center in Scarborough, ME seeks an experienced Assistant Director of Education to support the Senior Director of Education and Clinical Integration in leading a specialized program for students with complex behavioral, developmental, and educational needs.

The role emphasizes curriculum oversight, IEP development, regulatory compliance, staff development, and data-driven instructional leadership to ensure high-quality student outcomes in a private school setting.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Special Education required.
• Maine Special Education Certification (282) required.
• Minimum five years of instructional coaching or educational leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Ability to lead teams and support students with diverse and complex learning needs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee K-12 curriculum aligned with state standards.
• Guide teachers in adapting instructional practices and materials to meet diverse learner needs.
• Assist in implementing proficiency-based learning, assessment, and progress monitoring systems.
• Coordinate and oversee state-required assessments, including alternate assessments.
• Collaborate with educators, related service providers, and families to develop IEPs.
• Review IEP documentation for accuracy and compliance with regulations.
• Support staff preparation for IEP meetings and communication with LEAs.
• Ensure compliance with IDEA and district requirements.
• Monitor student performance data and support data-driven practices.
• Lead onboarding, staff training, and professional development initiatives.
• Mentor staff to strengthen instructional practices and collaboration.
• Foster partnerships with families and sending school districts.

Skills

Educational leadership

Instructional coaching

IEP compliance

Data analysis

Education

Master's Degree in Special Education

Maine Special Education Certification (282)

Maine Administrator Certification (035 or 045)

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Assistant Director of Education to support the Senior Director of Education and Clinical Integration in leading a highly specialized educational program serving students with complex behavioral, developmental, and educational needs. This leadership role plays a critical part in ensuring high-quality instruction, regulatory compliance, staff development, and positive student outcomes within a special purpose private school setting.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative educational leader with strong expertise in special education, curriculum development, IEP compliance, instructional coaching, and team development.

Top-Tier Benefits Package:

• Up to 8-weeks off per year!
• 64 Hours of Earned Time Off provided for use any calendar year
• Access to several School Breaks and holidays including:
  • Winter Break
  • February Break
  • April Break
  • Independence Week
  • August/September break
  • PLUS 14 Holidays, including MLK Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day to name a few

• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Contributions
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Short term/long term disability
• Year-round employment
• Full-time daytime schedule.

Essential Functions:

Educational Leadership & Curriculum Oversight

• Support the development, implementation, and evaluation of K-12 curriculum aligned with state standards.
• Guide teachers in adapting instructional practices and materials to meet diverse learner needs.
• Assist in implementing proficiency-based learning, assessment, and progress monitoring systems.
• Coordinate and oversee state-required assessments, including alternate assessments.

IEP Development & Special Education Compliance

• Collaborate with educators, related service providers, and families to develop and implement high-quality Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Review IEP documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Support staff preparation for IEP meetings and facilitate communication with local education agencies (LEAs).
• Ensure compliance with IDEA, state regulations, and district requirements.

Student Achievement & Data Analysis

• Monitor student performance data and support the use of data-driven instructional practices.
• Assist in evaluating educational outcomes and identifying areas for continuous improvement.
• Support progress monitoring and reporting systems to ensure students meet individualized goals.

Staff Supervision & Professional Development

• Supervise, coach, and evaluate assigned special education teachers and educational technicians.
• Lead onboarding, staff training, and ongoing professional development initiatives.
• Mentor staff to strengthen instructional practices, classroom management, and compliance knowledge.
• Promote effective collaboration between teachers, Educational Technicians, and Behavioral Health Professionals (BHPs).

Collaboration & Communication

• Partner with multidisciplinary team members including BCBAs, Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Physical Therapists, Social Workers, and Nursing staff.
• Foster strong partnerships with families and sending school districts.
• Participate in leadership meetings and assist with resolving staff and student concerns.
• Support a positive, collaborative school culture focused on student success.

Administrative & Operational Support

• Assist with scheduling evaluations, re-evaluations, observations, assessments, and IEP meetings.
• Maintain accurate educational records and ensure confidentiality of student information.
• Support program reviews, audits, accreditation, and state approval processes.
• Assume leadership responsibilities in the absence of the Senior Director of Education and Clinical Integration as needed.

Requirements:

• Master's Degree in Special Education
• Maine Special Education Certification (282)
• Minimum of five (5) years of instructional coaching or educational leadership experience
• Strong knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and best practices
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and support students with diverse and complex learning needs

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a special purpose private school, therapeutic school, or similar specialized educational setting
• Experience with curriculum development, instructional coaching, and educational data analysis
• Maine Administrator Certification (035 or 045)
• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary clinical teams

Why Join Us?

• Make a meaningful impact in the lives of students with complex educational and behavioral needs.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of educators and clinical professionals.
• Contribute to an innovative, mission-driven educational program focused on student growth and success.
• Opportunity to mentor and develop educational staff while growing as an educational leader.