Director of Special Education

ServingSchools; Hiram (ME); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

MSAD 55 seeks a dynamic Director of Special Education to lead our team in providing programming, accommodations, and modifications for all students. This role oversees the SPED department and 504 processes with a focus on compliance and inclusive practice.

The ideal candidate holds Maine Administrator of Special Education Certification (030) and demonstrates collaboration, strong communication, and budgetary leadership to advance student outcomes in Sacopee Valley Schools.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a special education department and teams.
• Ability to develop and implement programming, accommodations, and modifications.
• Knowledge of federal/state compliance for special education and 504.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with leadership to develop efficient service delivery models.
• Support staff to develop curriculum and instructional programs for special education.
• Set rigorous academic and behavior expectations for students.
• Create positive relationships among students, staff, and parents.
• Oversee budgetary and operational practices, policies, and procedures.
• Prepare and administer federal and state grant proposals for special education and 504.
• Ensure compliance with governing regulations across programs.
• Promote belief that all students can learn and engage communities.

Skills

Collaboration

Communication skills

Time management

Calm under pressure

Education

Maine Administrator of Special Education Certification (030)

Job description

MSAD 55

Director of Special Education

Starting as soon as possible

Sacopee Valley Schools are nestled on one campus between the Saco and Ossipee River in the town of Hiram, Maine. Students from the surrounding towns of Baldwin, Cornish, Parsonsfield, and Porter attend Sacopee Valley. Sacopee Valley is conveniently located 30 minutes from North Conway, NH and 45 minutes from Portland. Recreational water activities at numerous local ponds and lakes are only minutes away. Winter fun, like skiing at King Pine or Pleasant Mountain, is an easy drive. There are also lots of opportunities for other recreational activities including hiking, camping, fishing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or antiquing. Cornish (less than five minutes away) has been called the Crown of York County and was voted one of the Best Places to Live in Maine. Cornish is also home to some highly-rated restaurants. For these reasons and more, people enjoy living in the Sacopee Valley area

Sacopee Valley educates just under 1,000 students in grades Pre-K – 12. With small classes and schools, teachers are able to know and inspire their students

Access to technology is widely available with new MacBook Airs for every student in grades 5-12 and iPads for students in grades K-4. Sacopee Valley is also one of the few districts in the State of Maine that has embraced the TURN Union Reform work that encourages teacher leadership. We see the value in moving forward together to provide the education all students deserve

MSAD 55 is seeking a dynamic Director of Special Education. This position will lead our incredible team of special education teachers and educational technicians in providing programming, accommodations, and modifications to ensure all students receive the education they deserve

Qualities Of An Effective Director Of Special Education

• Encourages trust, honesty, respect, and collaboration by example
• Uses strong written and verbal skills to communicate and collaborate with students, staff, parents, and community members
• Utilizes strong time management and organizational skills to lead the team
• Maintains a sense of calm, confidence, and adaptability when dealing with stressful situations

The Ideal Candidate Will

• Collaborate with the special education department and leadership team to develop and implement efficient and effective service delivery models that reflect best practices and maximize resources
• Support special education staff to develop and implement curriculum, instructional activities, and programs for special education students
• Encourage personnel to set rigorous academic and behavior expectations for every student
• Create an environment that fosters positive relationships among students, staff, and parents
• Oversee budgetary and operational practices, policies, and procedures
• Prepare and administer federal and state grant proposals for special education and 504
• Identify and implement practices which ensure federal and state compliance
• Communicate the belief that all students can learn and accomplish challenging learning goals and encourage the engagement of all in promoting this common interest
• Ensure the 504 caseload meets all regulatory and district standards
• Possess or be eligible for Maine Administrator of Special Education Certification (030)

Application Deadline: Friday, September 18, 2026 at 3:00 pm

EOE

Exact salary TBD based on education and experience ($100,000+ annually)