SY26/27 Director of Special Education

Washington Leadership Academy; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington Leadership Academy is seeking a Director of Special Education to ensure IDEA compliance, manage MDT processes, and oversee IEP implementation. The role requires coordinating data tracking, staff development and timely reporting to ensure high-quality services for students with disabilities.

The position reports to the VP of Special Education and leads a team of case managers, supporting inclusion and separate setting services, with emphasis on compliant transportation and family

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education or related field.
• Master's degree in special education preferred.
• Credentialing in specialized curriculum and instruction preferred.
• Standard background check clearance.

Responsibilities

• Ensure IDEA and Medicaid documentation compliance.
• Establish tracking systems for IEPs, services, evaluations, and related data.
• Oversee MDT meetings and ensure parent notifications and participation.
• Oversee academic progress, accommodations and modifications for students with disabilities.

Skills

IDEA compliance

MDT facilitation

IEP management

Staff development

OSSE compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in education or related field

Master's degree in special education

Credentialing in specialized curriculum and instruction

Job description

Background:

Washington Leadership Academy (WLA) is a world-class college prep high school in Washington D.C. that prepares students to thrive in the world and to change it for the better. WLA employs college prep academics, computer science instruction, and real world experiences to ensure that students achieve their full potential. WLA fosters a community of wellness where students and staff members feel like family.WLA is one of 10 schools in the nation to be recognized as a “Super School” and awarded a $10 million grant to redesign high school and empower young people.

Expectations of the role:

Drives Compliance

• Ensures special education staff abide by IDEA and local regulations
• Establishes tracking systems that include student information related to IEPs, services, service hours and evaluations; student PLOPs, grades, cognitive potential, standardized test scores, and testing accommodations; and student discipline incidents
• Maintains compliant special education files
• Handles due process actions in collaboration with a technical assistance expert
• Arranges for staff development/ training as needed
• Ensures all staff completes required documentation for IDEA and Medicaid
• Maintains calendar of annual, triennial review, 30 day review and initial eligibility/IEP meetings to ensure timelines are met
• Oversee and manage all high level discipline for students with IEPs, such as FBA, BIP and manifestation hearings
• Responsible for managing all compliance to OSSE for special education
• Oversee and manage special education transportation

Chairs MDT

• Convenes MDT on a regular basis to discuss and address needs of truant, suspended and failing students
• Chairs initial eligibility/IEP conferences
• Monitors and supports MDT meetings chaired by teachers/case managers
• Ensures parents receive all notifications and evaluation reports in advance of the MDT meetings; ensures parents are welcomed as participating partners in all meetings
• Ensures timely receipt of reports and evaluations’
• Maintains communications with non-public school coordinator regarding transferring students and full time placements needed
• Takes comprehensive meeting notes and monitors notes taken by teachers/case managers; records dissenting opinions; follows eligibility criteria and guidelines

Ensures Academic Progress

• Overseas delivery of both instruction and related services as stipulated on IEPs (i.e- student schedule checks)
• Supervises case managers and related service providers
• Monitors service delivery in inclusion classes and resource settings
• Ensures IEPs are curriculum based, relevant for the individual student, and complete
• Stays abreast of best practices
• Reviews and analyzes report cards and current performance measures and promotes alternative interventions when students are failing
• Ensures students with disabilities receive appropriate accommodations and modifications for school based, state-level and CollegeBoard testing
• Ensures cooperative relationships with general education staff; advocates for special education with school leaders

Reporting Relationships:

• Special education director reports to the VP of Special Education

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in education, special education or related field
• Masters degree in special education and credentialing in specialized curriculum and instruction preferred
• Standard background check clearance
• 3 years of teaching experience is helpful

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, walk, and use his/her hands. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move heavy classroom materials or equipment. The specific vision abilities required by this job may include close vision.

Washington Leadership Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is a drug-free workplace. Salary is competitive and is commensurate with experience. WLA provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and a retirement plan.

Washington Leadership Academy reserves the right to amend this job description at any time prior to or during employment.