Director - Joplin Schools
Position: Director
Subject Area: (none)
Job Title: Assistant Director of Special Education
Job Location: Joplin Schools
Beginning: May 28, 2026
Deadline: Jun 30, 2026**
District: Joplin Schools
Joplin, MO 64801
Telephone: 417-625-5200 EXT 2023
Email:
mikellwarren@joplinschools.org
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Job Description:
Position:                   Assistant Director of Special Education  
Term:                        12 Months 
Classification:           Certified / Exempt
Location:                   Administration
Qualifications:      
 
  • Master’s degree in Administration required; 
  • Valid MO Administrator Certification required; 
  • Special Education Director Certification, required (or ability to obtain); 
  • 5 years of experience teaching Special Education required; 
  • Building level principalship experience, preferred;
  • Prior experience and knowledge with Early Childhood Special Education, preferred;
  • Proven leadership in district-level committee work;
  • Knowledge of federal and state legislation and its impact on local policy and practice
Supervisory:               Yes 
Reports to:                 Director of Special Education
 
General Expectations:
  • Supports the mission of Joplin Schools.
  • Supports the value of education.
  • Become familiar with, enforce, and follow all applicable Board policies and regulations, administrative procedures, other directions given by district administrators and supervisors, and state and federal laws.
  • Properly supervise students at all times, if applicable to essential job functions.
  • Obey all safety rules, including rules protecting the safety and welfare of students.
  • Care for, properly use, and protect school property.
  • Maintain courteous and professional relationships with students, parents/guardians, other district employees and the public.
  • Communicate effectively with supervisors, department staff, all members of the school district, and community as required. 
  • Complies with privacy rights and safeguards confidential and/or sensitive information pertaining to staff and students.
 
Essential Functions:
  • Collaborate with the Director of Special Education and Director of Early Childhood to assure that curriculum and instructional practice provide both equity and excellence for all students, including those with disabilities.
  • Assist in developing, monitoring, approving, and in the disbursement of the annual budget for Early Childhood Special Education.
  • Annually evaluate the effectiveness of early childhood third-party contracts and assist the Director of Special Education in modifying contracts as needed, while bringing recommendations to the Board of Education for consideration.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Early Childhood to coordinate and approve the purchasing of supplies, materials, and equipment for all Early Childhood Special Education areas. 
  • Assist the Director of Special Education with the supervision and coordination of effective and efficient departmental operations and directly supervise and evaluate the related services staff (SLPs, OT, COTAs, PTs, PTAs, TVI, and TDHH), and other non-certified staff as assigned.
  • Oversee and evaluate the work of early childhood special education process coordinators.
  • Assist in the coordination of all Early Childhood Special Education Programs, and collaborate in their development and continuous improvement planning processes to ensure vertical alignment of the PK-12 experience. 
  • Assist in the recruitment and hiring of staff for school-year and summer program positions. These positions include Special Education Teachers, licensed support staff, pupil support assistants, and related service providers.
  • Monitor compliance with Special Education due process requirements, staff caseloads, and continuum of services within the District.
  • Oversee and coordinate the effective and efficient operation of District Early Childhood CBSS programming.
  • Oversee the early childhood special education Extended School Year (ESY) program.
  • Assist in the arrangement of in-service and professional development opportunities for special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers.
  • Respond to district level Special Education concerns from parents, patrons, and community members. Mediate situations as necessary.
  • Carry out all other duties as assigned.




 

** District reserves the right to close any Job Posting when a suitable applicant has been found before the deadline date.