Job Description:
The Orchard Farm School District is seeking a Director of Special Education to join our team for the 2025-2026 school year!  The Director of Special Education will lead and support the district's special education programs while overseeing aspects of special education across the district ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.  The Director will support high-quality services for students with disabilities and provide strategic leadership to support the district mission.
 
The role requires a collaborative leader with expertise in special education, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to supporting students, families, and staff. The individual must also demonstrate the initiative, desire, and commitment to continuously improve special education programming throughout the district.
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the district’s special education programs, ensuring alignment with the district's mission and compliance with IDEA and other relevant legislation.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, handbooks, and standards to enhance service delivery and maintain compliance with state and federal guidelines.
• Collaborate with district and school administration to integrate special education within the broader educational framework.
• Participation and collaboration with other districts, agencies, and PLN.
• Supervise and evaluate staff in collaboration with the Executive Director of Student Services.
• Ensure compliance of the special education program 
• Conduct regular audits of special education documentation
• Provide support and assistance to teachers and principals in IEP meetings of high need students
• Work with the district’s special education attorney to prepare and represent the district in the event of Child Complaint, Due Process, and/or other legal actions.
• Maintain information on district resident students who are homeschooled
• Supervise services for home school and parentally placed private school students.
• Ensure the provision of instructional models that support students with disabilities, as well as other struggling students
• Work as a member of the Teaching and Learning PLT to help develop and implement multiple systems of support.
• Monitor the effectiveness of SDI through data analysis, classroom observations, and adjustments as needed to support student success.
• Analyze and review instructional resources used to carry out SDI. Provide training for staff as needed to ensure high quality SDI is continuously carried out.
• Serve as the LEA representative for manifestation determination meetings and finalize paperwork completed by case managers.
• Oversee scheduling of all related services (e.g., speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy)
• Provide guidance and support to service providers
• Conduct regular observations of service provider staff to maintain high standards of care and instruction.
• Work with the Director of Transportation to ensure specialized transportation as needed throughout the year.
• Design and implement professional development plans for paraprofessionals
• Facilitate or arrange training sessions on best practices and effective instructional strategies to enhance the learning environment.
• Engage in continuous observation and feedback with staff to encourage growth and effectiveness in the classroom.
• Receive and review contractual agreements for Private Separate Day Schools and related service providers. 
• Oversee the Bridge to Success program, ensuring its effectiveness in providing transitional support to students requiring additional assistance.

Qualifications

• Educational Specialist degree or higher in Special Education or Educational Administration.
• Valid Missouri teacher certification in Special Education.
• Certification in special educational administration
• At least five years of experience in special education, with demonstrated leadership experience preferred.
• Deep understanding of special education laws, guidelines, and best practices.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis for program evaluation.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously.
• Proficient in relevant technology applications, including student information systems and special education documentation software.

Employment
Term: 12 months
FLSA: Exempt
Salary: Starting $91,000. Commensurate with education and experience.