Special Education (SPED) Director – Small Charter School

Freedom Academy, Inc; Phoenix, Northern (AZ, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Freedom Academy, Inc. is seeking an experienced SPED Director to lead and oversee our special education program.

You will ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws while guiding IEP development and staff support in a K–8 charter environment. You will partner with families and school leaders to build systems that are legally sound, outcomes-focused, and emotionally supportive for students with diverse learning needs.

Qualifications

• Valid Arizona Special Education certification.
• Leadership or administrative experience in special education preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of IDEA, ADA, and Section 504.
• Experience ensuring compliance and managing SPED documentation and processes.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication with staff, families, and external stakeholders.
• Commitment to individualized student support.

Responsibilities

• Ensure full compliance with all federal, state, and local special education laws and regulations.
• Oversee development, implementation, and monitoring of IEPs.
• Maintain audit-ready documentation and reporting systems.
• Support and lead SPED teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers.
• Coordinate evaluations, eligibility determinations, and IEP meetings.
• Collaborate with school leadership, teachers, staff, and families to support student success.
• Monitor student progress and overall program effectiveness.
• Provide training and guidance on compliance and best practices.
• Foster a structured, inclusive, student-centered campus environment.
• Support operational excellence and relational trust within SPED program.

Skills

Highly organized

Detail-oriented

Clear communication

Leadership

Compassionate

Education

Valid Arizona Special Education certification

Tools

IEP documentation systems

Compliance tracking

Job description

At Freedom Academy, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to grow, succeed, and feel supported in a learning environment that recognizes both their potential and their individual needs.

We believe strong special education programs require both compassion and excellence — systems that are relational, student-centered, legally sound, and built with integrity. We are committed to creating a school culture where students are supported well, families feel respected and informed, and staff are equipped to help every learner thrive.

We are building a school culture rooted in Integrity, Honor, and Leadership — where students are challenged academically, developed relationally, and supported by adults who genuinely care about their success.

We are currently seeking an experienced, knowledgeable, and highly organized Special Education (SPED) Director to lead and oversee our special education program.

This role is far more than compliance management. The SPED Director plays a critical leadership role in ensuring students receive appropriate support services while helping build systems, structures, and staff support that allow the entire program to operate effectively, ethically, and in alignment with both student needs and legal requirements.

The ideal candidate is both relational and detail-oriented — someone who can support students and families with compassion while also maintaining strong operational oversight, compliance systems, documentation accuracy, and staff leadership.

If you are passionate about supporting students with diverse learning needs, strengthening special education systems, mentoring staff, and helping create a positive and legally sound learning environment — we would love to meet you.

What Makes Freedom Different

Freedom Academy is a K–8 charter school committed to:

• Defending childhood
• Reclaiming academic excellence
• Restoring parental trust in education

We believe students thrive in environments that are both structured and relational. Our goal is to create a campus that feels joyful, safe, encouraging, and deeply human — not cold, chaotic, or institutional.

Our classrooms prioritize strong academics, healthy childhood development, character formation, and meaningful partnership with families.

Our team genuinely cares about one another. We laugh together, problem-solve together, support one another through challenges, and work hard to create a school environment where both students and staff can flourish.

Our Commitment to Families

At Freedom Academy we believe strong schools are built through strong partnerships with parents. We are committed to creating a learning environment that prioritizes academic excellence, student safety, character development, healthy childhood experiences, and transparent communication with families.

Applicants are encouraged to review our Freedom Academy Pledge to Parents to better understand our school culture, values, and educational philosophy:

Freedom Academy Pledge to Parents

We believe clarity builds trust, and we are committed to ensuring strong alignment between our team, our mission, and the families we serve.

What You’ll Help Lead & Support

As SPED Director, you will help:

• Ensure full compliance with all federal, state, and local special education laws and regulations
• Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
• Maintain accurate, organized, and audit-ready documentation and reporting systems
• Support and lead SPED teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers
• Coordinate evaluations, eligibility determinations, and IEP meetings
• Collaborate with school leadership, teachers, staff, and families to support student success
• Monitor student progress and overall program effectiveness
• Provide training, guidance, and support regarding compliance and best practices
• Help foster a structured, inclusive, and student-centered campus environment
• Support both operational excellence and relational trust within the SPED program

We’re Looking For Someone Who:

• Is highly organized, detail-oriented, and dependable
• Has strong knowledge of special education law, compliance, and documentation
• Leads with both professionalism and compassion
• Communicates clearly and professionally with families, staff, and leadership
• Maintains calm, solution-oriented leadership in complex situations
• Values both operational excellence and meaningful student support
• Works collaboratively and contributes positively to team culture
• Is teachable, adaptable, and growth-minded
• Can balance compliance oversight with relational leadership
• Believes every student deserves to feel supported, respected, and capable of success

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Valid Arizona Special Education certification
• Prior leadership or administrative experience in special education strongly preferred
• Extensive knowledge of special education law, including IDEA, ADA, and Section 504
• Demonstrated experience ensuring compliance and managing SPED documentation and processes
• Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills with staff, families, and external stakeholders
• Commitment to individualized student support

Apply today and help lead a program where every student can thrive!