Special Education Administrator - 10 months

MCLEAN COUNTY UNIT DISTRICT #5; Normal (IL); On-site; USD 71,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully Board Paid Medical, Dental, and

Job summary

McLean County Unit District No. 5 is seeking a Special Education Administrator to lead development, implementation and evaluation of district-wide special education programs.

The role ensures FAPE in LRE, compliance with federal/state laws, and collaboration with families and community partners. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership in special education law, instructional best practices, and a commitment to student success.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Special Education or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of successful experience as a special educator.
• Valid Professional Educator License with Endorsement in Supervision, Administration or Director of Special Education.
• Professional image, actions, communications and working relationships are required at all times.
• Occasional evening meetings or events and travel between district locations as needed.

Responsibilities

• Establish, modify, and direct implementation of special education policies and programs for the district.
• Ensure district compliance with IDEA, Section 504, and Illinois special education regulations.
• Coordinate and monitor special education services across schools for consistency and quality.
• Provide leadership, training, and support to special education teachers and related staff.
• Collaborate with general education administrators to promote inclusive practices.
• Serve as a liaison between the district, families, and outside agencies.

Education

Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field

Job description

McLean County Unit District No. 5

Job Description

Position Title

Special Education Administrator - 10 Month

Location

Unit Office

Department

Special Education

Reports to

Director of Special Services

FLSA/ Minimum Wage Law Class

Exempt - Professional

IELRA Class

Exempt - Supervisor & Managerial Employee

FTE

1.0

Summary

The Special Education Administrator plays a pivotal role in the development, implementation, and evaluation of special education programs and services across the district in compliance with state and federal regulations. Working with the Director of Special Education and team, the SEA role ensures that students with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), supports staff in the delivery of specialized instruction, and collaborates with families and community stakeholders.This position is responsible for ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to special education, while also promoting an inclusive and equitable educational environment for all learners. The ideal candidate will be a leader with a deep understanding of special education law, best practices in instruction and intervention, and a commitment to student success.

Duties

• Establish, modify, and direct implementation of special education policies and programs for the district
• Ensure district compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504, and Illinois special education regulations.
• Coordinate and monitor special education services across schools to ensure consistency and high quality.
• Provide leadership, training, and support to special education teachers, related service providers, and paraprofessionals.
• Collaborate with general education district and building administrators to promote inclusive practices.
• Serve as a liaison between the district, families, and outside agencies regarding special education services.
• Investigate and resolve parent concerns and due process issues.
• Stay current on changes in special education law, best practices, and instructional innovations.
• Develop and implement professional development aligned with district and state priorities.
• Participate in MTSS District team meetings and facilitate MTSS initiatives.
• Provide support to schools in need of behavioral or academic support within special education programs and general education settings:
  • Direct observation of students' academic, behavioral or functional skills
  • Follow up and consult with staff to provide recommendations and assistance with progress monitoring tools.
  • Provide direction to building principals on next steps for staff implementation of suggestions
• Provide direction to administrators and staff when seeking a change in placement to a more restrictive setting due to behavioral and/or academic needs.
• Provide oversight, direction, and guidance to staff on writing and implementing individualized IEPs.
• Collaborate effectively with building principals, general education staff, parents, and community agencies to ensure coordinated services for students.
• Serve as the IEP Local Education Administrator (LEA) as needed.
• Coordinate Task Forces as approved by the Director of Special Education.
• Supervision of appointed special education building teams and programs.
• Supervise, evaluate, recruit, interview for employment, and recommend for hire, promotion, transfer, or discharge of special education teachers and related service staff as applicable.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of Special Education.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field
• Minimum 5 years successful experience as a special educator
• Valid Professional Educator License with Endorsement in Supervision, Administration or Director of Special Education
• Professional image, actions, communications and working relationships are required at all times
• Able to perform job duties at assigned work location on a regular and consistent basis
• Requires occasional evening meetings or events and travel between district locations as needed
• Such alternatives within the guidelines of the Illinois State Board of Education and acceptable to the Board of Education of McLean County Unit District No. 5

Compensation

Fully Board Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision available

Salary Range: $70,700 - $113,300