Principal, Special Education School

Fairfax County Public Schools; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairfax County Public Schools is seeking a Director for a special education school responsible for supervising all aspects of the school’s administration and services. The role includes planning and management of educational programs, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and maintaining communication with the community.

The ideal candidate will have a Master's degree, a postgraduate educational license, and extensive experience in special education administration. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree and six years of experience in teaching, administration, or supervision.
• Three years in an administrative role, preferably in special education.
• Knowledge of the legal requirements and practices of special education.

Responsibilities

• Directs the provision of instructional and therapeutic services.
• Prepares master schedules for program implementation.
• Maintains communication with family and community groups.
• Supervises personnel and evaluates educational staff.

Skills

Administration and supervision

Educational program development

Communication skills

Ability to evaluate programs

Knowledge of special education

Education

Master's degree

Postgraduate educational license

Job description

Summary

Directs and supervises all aspects of a special education school including planning, organization, administration, and management.

Qualifications

• Master's degree.
• Six (6) years of experience in teaching, administration, or supervision, with three years in an administrative role, some of which shall have been in special education.
• Advanced degree(s) beyond the minimum degree requirement in a relevant field may be considered for some experience.
• Postgraduate educational license with endorsement(s) designated as appropriate to assignment.
• Endorsement in administration and supervision Prek-12.
• Knowledge of procedures, equipment, legal requirements, and practices of instruction for the population of the center to which assigned.
• Knowledge of the various instructional and therapy specialties assigned to the center.
• Ability to assess, supervise, and evaluate both programs and personnel.
• Ability to keep abreast of current special education curriculum and instructional practices and trends.
• Ability to plan, develop, and administer instructional programs and professional and support staff assigned to the center.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with students, staff, and the community.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Major Duties / Essential Functions

• Directs the provision of appropriate instructional, therapeutic, and related services for students assigned to the school.
• Prepares a master schedule for the implementation of all program components with optimum use of facilities and staff.
• Studies the educational needs of the population served by the school and participates in the development of plans for meeting them, coordinating school activities with appropriate special education and student services offices, sections, and activities.
• Coordinates and facilitates student mainstream and Satellite and Family Life Adjustment (FLEX) experiences with other principals.
• Maintains continuing communication and liaison with family, civic, and community groups.
• Selects, evaluates, and supervises the use of instructional equipment and devices and other instructional or reference materials.
• Adapts approved educational programs to the particular needs of the community and the students served.
• Directs the timely completion of all reports and related conferences (including progress reports and Individual Educational Programs).
• Directs the eligibility and placement process, including due-process or related appeal hearings.
• Provides continuing evaluation of educational staff members, and jointly evaluates ancillary personnel.
• Provides counseling on instructional and administrative matters.
• Arranges and supports pupil transitions in and out of the program.
• Prepares and administrates the school's budget.
• Interviews prospective employees and makes recommendations regarding their employment.
• Supervises and evaluates personnel and ensures vital reports/communications are accurate, complete, and disseminated on time.
• May coordinate and supervise community use of buildings and interfaces with appropriate departments with respect to personnel, curriculum, equipment, and supplies.
• Performs related duties as required or assigned.

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

This job operates in a professional office environment and has a noise level of mostly low to moderate. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

Per the FCFPSA collective bargaining agreement, telework may be approved in limited circumstances as defined by Regulation 4417.