Director of Special Education

Date Posted	June 05, 2026
Industry	K-12: Public Schools
Certification Needed
Job Status	Not Specified
Salary	Not Specified

Description:

General Job Function: The Executive Director shall have district-wide responsibility for development, direction, coordination and evaluation of all programs and services included in the student services department. Such programs and services include special education, Section 504 compliance, health services, guidance and counseling and social work services, psychological services, coordination of student hearings; homebound instruction, school safety plans, and advises policy revision and development in the areas pertaining to Student Services.

Education/Training/Experience:

Minimum: Master’s degree in Educational Administration with emphasis in administration, organization curriculum development, supervision leadership, and finance. Valid New Mexico Level lll Teacher’s License and a valid New Mexico Administrator’s License. Five (5) years of prior teaching experience and three-five (3-5) years of prior administrative experience.

Knowledge/Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of elementary and secondary best instructional practices. Knowledge of IDEA regulations and the educational process gained through directly related experience and education. Ability to form and maintain good working relationships with teachers and administrators throughout the district. Ability to make autonomous and independent decisions within a framework of broadly stated policy guidelines, precedents, specialized knowledge and prior research. Demonstrated organizational, communication, management and interpersonal skills required to achieve the goals of the positions.

Resources Used in Performing Job Include (but are not limited to):

Standard office equipment. Basic Office Computer program abilities. (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher)

Physical/Cognitive Requirements:

Regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; communicate verbally and electronically; reach with hands and arms; stand and move throughout the building and/or to other facilities, and drive. Occasionally required to lift and/or exert force of up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Environmental Conditions:

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Travel to facilities throughout the district is integral to the job.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Provides direction for and ensures compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 2009 (ADA), the Federal Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) as it relates to students. This includes assisting with policy development, establishing written procedures, supervising program compliance, maintaining related student records, and investigating and resolving complaints.
2. Develops, implements, and evaluates educational programs and student services offered in alliance with student services personnel, principals and teachers.
3. Supervises special education and student services staff in the administration of student eligibility services, placement, programming, dismissal, and follow-up in the areas of special education, alternative education, regular education accommodations, students at risk and English Language Learners.
4. Builds effective relationships among parents, school staff, other school districts, community service providers and state agencies in areas related to student services.
5. Serves as the district’s primary advocate for programs for students at risk of school failure.
6. Manages the placement process for enrolling students with disabilities or other special populations.
7. Develops, provides, and leads professional development for all teachers addressing best practice in teaching all children, state and federal laws, and district procedures.
8. Coordinates the provision of homebound instructional services to students, including the review and revision of policies and procedures.
9. Collaborates with building principals and ancillary staff to ensure the selection and placement of qualified student services staff.
10. Evaluates student services staff in the following areas: special education teachers and educational assistants, school nurses, health assistants, school psychologists, school social workers, and guidance counselors.
11. Oversees district guidance and counseling, psychological, health, nursing and social work
12. Coordinates student school safety plans and crisis management planning.
13. Acts as a resource to teachers, administrators, parents, etc. in brainstorming and offering solutions for problems.
14. Researches, creates, writes, and manages grant-funded projects (NM Pre-K and IDEA B)
15. Applies for and manages entitlement programs as assigned.
16. Develops, manages and evaluates the budget for student services, special education programs, and transfer of service claims.
17. Monitors the district’s effort to comply with federal requirements related to Maintenance of Effort and

Time and Effort.

18. Represents the school district in litigation or hearings involving special education.
19. Coordinates student hearings for the school district.
20. Assists schools with the development of safety plans and coordinates professional development and

training related to school safety.

21. Advises policy revision and development in the areas pertaining to Student Services.
22. Facilitates advisory committees as assigned.
23. Prepares routine and ad hoc reports as assigned.
24. Works with Human Resources in identifying staff and FTE need for specific students in special education
25. Monitors Educational Assistants in the District
26. Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or Deputy Superintendent.

Personal Accountability:

1. Demonstrates reliability as evidenced by attendance records and punctuality.
2. Properly notifies supervisor and/or designee of absences or tardiness.
3. Begins and completes work within the allotted time.
4. Consistently appears in attire appropriate to the work environment.
5. Demonstrates skill in the use of equipment including its capabilities, limitations and appropriate/special application,
6. Protects the District’s resources through appropriate and careful use of supplies and equipment.
7. Utilizes appropriate body mechanics to aid in the prevention of muscle strain/injury.

Apply

https://espanola.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=5654