Special Education Department Chair

Iasaedu; Park Ridge (IL); On-site; USD 145,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois Education Job Bank is hiring a SPED Department Chair to lead special education programs, ensure compliance with IDEA/504, and serve as LEA representative in IEP meetings. You will supervise teachers and coordinate services across placement models, with a focus on inclusive practices and data-driven improvement.

The role requires a Master’s in Special Education or Educational Leadership, a valid IL PEL with LBS1, and at least five years of SPED leadership experience.

Qualifications

• General Administrative or Principal Endorsement per Illinois School Code (Section 21) and related training requirements.
• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with LBS1 endorsement required.
• Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of successful experience in special education.
• Demonstrated expertise in special education compliance, IEP facilitation, and instructional leadership.
• Strong organisational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in the design, implementation, and evaluation of high-quality special education programs aligned with district goals and state/federal mandates.
• Ensure compliance with IDEA, Section 504, and all related statutes.
• Serve as the LEA representative in IEP reviews and ensure IEPs are developed with fidelity.
• Oversee evaluation, placement, and services for students with disabilities across all service delivery models.
• Facilitate implementation of FBA and BIP and ensure staff training and compliance.
• Develop and implement department procedures for documentation, progress monitoring, and legal compliance.
• Collaborate with district leadership to ensure consistent policy application across schools.
• Supervise and evaluate staff within the Special Education Department.
• Provide coaching and professional development to promote instructional excellence and compliance.
• Manage daily schedules and substitute coverage for department staff.
• Oversee TA utilization to align with student needs and IEP requirements.
• Coordinate referrals, interventions, and out-of-district placements as appropriate.
• Lead PLTs and department meetings related to compliance, instruction, and inclusion.
• Collaborate with SE DLT to ensure district-wide consistency.

Skills

Principal Endorsement

PEL Illinois LBS1

Master's in Special Education

5+ years of experience in special ed

IEP facilitation

Instructional leadership

Organizational skills

Education

Master's degree in Special Education or Educational Leadership

Illinois PEL with LBS1 endorsement

General Administrative or Principal Endorsement

Job description

• Leads and/or participates in the Special Education Department, Professional Learning Teams (PLTs), Building Referral Team, Special Education District Leadership Team (SE DLT), Building and District Leadership Teams.

Leadership and Program Administration

• Provide leadership in the design, implementation, and evaluation of high-quality special education programs aligned with district goals and state/federal mandates
• Ensure compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504, and all state and federal statutes related to special education
• Serve as the LEA representative in IEP annual reviews and reevaluations; ensure IEPs are developed, written, and implemented with fidelity
• Oversee the evaluation, placement, and provision of services for students with disabilities across all service delivery models
• Facilitate implementation of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and Behaviour Intervention Plans (BIP) and ensure staff training and compliance
• Develop and implement department procedures for documentation, progress monitoring, and legal compliance
• Collaborate with district leadership to ensure consistent application of special education policies and procedures across all schools

Instructional Leadership

• Ensure fidelity of Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) across instructional, resource, and SEL classrooms
• Promote inclusive practices that increase student participation in the general education environment
• Lead the development, alignment, and evaluation of curriculum and instructional resources for special education courses and interventions
• Oversee implementation of data-driven instructional practices that improve student achievement and growth
• Support the development of course syllabi, grading practices, and progress reporting to ensure alignment with district standards
• Participate in the course selection process, ensuring appropriate student placement and support

Supervision and Evaluation

• Supervise and evaluate certified, non-certified, and support staff within the Special Education Department
• Provide ongoing feedback, coaching, and professional development to promote instructional excellence and compliance
• Develop and manage teacher and teaching assistant (TA) daily schedules, ensuring efficient service delivery
• Coordinate substitute coverage and assist with personnel support within the department
• Oversee the utilization and assignment of Teaching Assistant resources to align with student needs and IEP requirements

Student Services and Support

• Facilitate collaborative problem-solving related to student services and supports, applying data-based decision-making to improve outcomes
• Oversee implementation of evacuation and personal care plans for students requiring specialised assistance
• Ensure high-quality service delivery from related service providers (speech-language, social work, psychology, OT/PT as applicable)
• Monitor student progress, behaviour, and outcomes through data collection and analysis
• Collaborate with building and district teams on referrals, interventions, and out-of-district placements when appropriate

Professional Learning and Collaboration

• Lead Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) within the Special Education Department to promote collaboration, reflection, and continuous improvement
• Facilitate department meetings, building referral discussions, and ongoing training related to compliance, instruction, and inclusion
• Collaborate with the Special Education District Leadership Team (SE DLT) to ensure consistency in district-wide practices and compliance
• Participate actively in Building and Leadership teams to align special education with broader school initiatives

Perform all other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Board of Education, Superintendent, and Designee

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

• General Administrative or Principal Endorsement, per the Illinois School Code (Section 21), and completion of the Illinois Performance Evaluation – Growth Through Learning training modules
• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with LBS1 endorsement required
• Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field
• Minimum of five (5) years of successful experience in special education
• Demonstrated expertise in special education compliance, IEP facilitation, and instructional leadership
• Strong organisational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills required

Salary/Benefits

EMPLOYMENT

This is a 10-month position with an annual base salary range of $145,000 - $160,000 (this amount does not reflect the Board-paid TRS) based on qualifications, training, and experience. The fringe benefits package is comprehensive and highly competitive with those offered by high school districts in the suburban area.

• 10-month administrative position
• Approximate start date: August 2, 2027
• Approximate end date: May 31, 2028

Additional Notes

The Special Education Department Chair provides instructional leadership, coordination, and supervision for all special education programmes and staff within the school. The Department Chair ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, promotes effective instructional practices, and supports inclusive programming that meets the diverse needs of students with disabilities. The position serves as the Local Education Agency (LEA) representative in IEP meetings, oversees service delivery and staff development, and ensures the highest standards of student growth, achievement, and access across the continuum of supports.