Director of Special Education

DuBois Integrity Academy (DIA) is hiring a (K-8) Director of Special Education for the 2026-2027 school year. DuBois Integrity STEM Academy’s academic program has two pillars that support substantial improvement in achievement: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) combined with Blended Learning. We use theme-based, interdisciplinary, integrated curricula to facilitate instruction and learning. A combination of tightly controlled behavioral studies and groundbreaking neurological research supports theme-based education as a means to improve opportunities for success for all learners.

Position Summary

The Special Education Director oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of special education programs within the district. This role includes providing leadership, guidance, and coaching to special education teachers and the Special Education Coach to ensure high-quality instruction and support for students with diverse learning needs. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in special education, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment.

The Special Education Director will build relationships, foster collaboration, empower people to take ownership of their actions, and provide support and guidance for the district personnel so that educational programs for students with disabilities are implemented in compliance with IDEA and related federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.

The Special Education Director will assess training needs and set up and implement systems for training, coaching, support, and monitoring to ensure that students with disabilities receive research-based, specially designed instruction that meets their unique needs across the district.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development: Lead the design and implementation of special education programs that align with district goals and state/federal regulations.
Staff Development: Provide ongoing coaching and professional development for special education teachers and the Special Education Coach to enhance instructional practices and improve student outcomes.
Coaching Cycle (RELAY: Get Better Faster): Engage teachers in three main types of meetings:
- Planning Meetings: Ensure teacher readiness to provide high-quality instruction through collaborative planning sessions.
- Data Analysis Meetings: Analyze student performance data to inform and refine targeted intervention strategies that enhance teacher practice.
- Observation Feedback Meetings: Conduct routine post-observation discussions to facilitate teacher reflection and provide bite-sized action steps for immediate implementation, supporting continuous improvement.
Collaboration: Work collaboratively with general education staff, administrators, and related service providers to promote inclusive practices and support student success.
Assessment and Evaluation: Oversee the assessment processes for students with disabilities, ensuring compliance with IDEA and other relevant laws, and utilize data to inform program improvements.
Resource Management: Manage the budget and resources allocated to special education services to ensure efficient use of funds and materials.
Family Engagement: Foster strong relationships with students with disabilities' families, providing support and resources to encourage their involvement in the educational process. To include parent conferences when necessary.

Essential Functions

The following duties are representative of this position. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is related or a logical assignment for this classification. Tasks and responsibilities will be in accordance with implementing the school-wide plan. Other duties may be required and assigned by the Deputy Superintendent and/or the Executive Director.

Provides leadership and support to Principals, Assistant Principals, Instructional Coaches, the MTSS Coordinator, and others on Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) rules and regulations related to Individualized Education Programs (IEP), due process, discipline, and confidentiality.
Participates in mediation sessions, due process hearings, and litigation; serves on various district-wide committees.
Provides appropriate professional development opportunities for administrators and teachers on all aspects of special education services and IDEA.
Collaborates with parents, administrators, and district staff to address issues affecting students with disabilities.
Responsible for preparing state and federal reports in compliance with federal, state, and local mandates. Monitors implementation of the District Strategic Plan and the Consolidated LEA Improvement Plan (CLIP).
Submits all required reports to the Georgia Department of Education and other agencies accurately and in compliance with all relevant agency expectations.
Directs the resolution of complaints filed with the Georgia Department of Education through due process hearings and mediations.
Corresponds with private school systems, parent advocacy groups, and private evaluators regarding student issues.
Partners with district personnel to assist in the appropriate planning and implementation of district initiatives so that school and district personnel are equipped to provide successful educational programs for students with disabilities.
Partners with the Principals, Assistant Principals, MTSS Coordinator, etc., to assist students with disabilities in accessing the state-approved general curriculum.
Partners with the Principals, Assistant Principals, MTSS Coordinator, etc., with guidance from the Deputy Superintendent and Executive Director, to plan and develop appropriate curriculum and instructional support for students with disabilities, ensuring that students with disabilities are fully considered and involved in appropriate school improvement initiatives.
Works to ensure that, to the maximum extent appropriate, students with disabilities are educated alongside their non-disabled peers.
Provides training, guidance, support, monitoring, and direct supervision, as appropriate, to district personnel to assist the school in implementing research-based, specially designed instruction for students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment, special education, and related services in compliance with the IDEA and related federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.
Implement systems of training, support, and monitoring to ensure that students with disabilities are appropriately included in state-mandated assessments.
Develops and monitors compliant, effective budgets to support students with disabilities.
Provides leadership for the development of the department’s budget, ensuring that budget decisions provide optimal support for school-based needs, and assists with the development and review of proposals for outside funding for special projects.
Performs other duties as assigned by the appropriate administrator.

All employees are required to complete a criminal background check. DuBois Integrity Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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