Director 1 SPED Curriculum & Instruction

JOB SUMMARY

The Director 1 of Special Education Curriculum & Instruction (C&I) shall provide broad oversight of SPED professional development, curriculum contracts, as well as designated staff member supervision within the Office Special Education Services. Collaboration/Support with HISD campus administration, teachers, teacher assistants, multiple instructional departments, and community partnership agencies. 

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1.    Coordinate and Lead district/campus professional developments for administrators, teachers and teacher assistants, pertaining to special education. 
2.    Provide efficient oversight for IEP development and implementation in the classroom for all students with disabilities, to meet compliance in alignment to IDEA.
3.    Ensure Teachers are prepared annually, through training, specific to Specially Designed Instruction and IEP Implementation.

4    Communicate and support by problem solving, to ensure compliance for students with disabilities (communication alignment between campus admin, SPED Department, or any other department pertinent to instructional outcomes)

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

5.    Complete annual MOU's/Curriculum Contracts, and track and fulfill billing invoices between district and curriculum vendors

6.    Consistent data analysis to ensure curriculum is being effectively utilized for students with disabilities

7.    Consistent tracking of student data (BOY/MOYIEOY), to determine effectiveness of training, curriculum, and campus-based supports for students with disabilities.

EDUCATION

Master’s degree in special education, 
This job will require the employee to develop and provide professional development to staff members district wide, in addition to participation ln professional development as assigned by executive leadership of the special education department.

WORK EXPERIENCE

•    Experience required in IEP Development & Implementation 
•    3-5 Years of experience teaching in the area of special education

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

•    Valid Texas Special Education certification
•    Preferred: Principal Certification
•    Communication Skills: Employees must have the ability to manage meeting facilitation and communicate with colleagues, students and parents regarding IEP services and support.
•    Technology: Employee must utilize electronic system for creating IEPs.
•    Knowledgeable of federal, state, local laws and regulations 
•    Knowledge of assessment and programming of students with disabilities.
•    Knowledgeable of learning differences, interventions and behavior requirements of students with disabilities.
•    Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
•    Maintain emotional control under stress
•    Bilingual Skills: Preferred - Spanish

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Manages. Accomplishes the majority of work objectives through the management of direct reports. Provides day-to-day directions to staff; may become directly involved, as required, to meet schedules and resolve problems. Responsible for assigning work, meeting completion dates, interpreting and ensuring application of policies and procedures. Receives assignments in the form of objectives, with goals and the process by which to meet goals. Provides input for hiring, performance and budget.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Work is substantially complex, varied and regularly requires the selection and application of technical and detailed guidelines. Independent judgment is required to identify, select, and apply the most appropriate methods as well as interpret precedent. Position regularly makes recommendations to management on areas of significance to the department. Supervision received typically consists of providing direction on the more complex projects and new job duties and priorities

BUDGET AUTHORITY

Advises on budget development for department.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Decisions are made with greater freedom and discretion, including recommendations that are subject to approval on matters that may affect multiple departments across HISD. Job is frequently expected to recommend new solutions to problems, to improve existing methods/procedures/services and generate new ideas. May also review decisions made by other individuals on more routine matters.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Decisions have considerable impact to multiple divisions or the organization causing risks or improvements to relationships, significant efficiencies or delays in operations, and/or significant financial gains or expenses. Errors are serious and difficult to discover, normally involve decisions not subject to detailed review and will result in excessive costs and/or significant project delays.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Collaborate and solve problems - works with others to resolve problems, clarify, or interpret complex information/policies, and provide initial screening/negotiations without approval authority. Interactions are typically with customers, senior level professional staff, and managers.
Negotiate and influence - interprets department strategies and services, resolves conflicts, influences outcomes on matters of significance for the division, conducts final negotiations and coordinates approvals/decision making below the executive level. Interactions include schools, non-school departments, central office, senior, and executive management.    

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Regularly assesses and diffuses complex, and escalated customer issues. Takes personal responsibility and accountability for solving systemic customer service problems. Regularly explores alternative and creative solutions to meeting the needs of the customer within HISD's policies and guidelines.

Leads others in the resolution of highly sensitive and confidential issues on behalf of the department. Acts as a trusted advisor, and becomes involved in the customer's decision making process including presenting alternatives and information and applying persuasion and negotiation skills in the resolution of problems. Monitors customer service standards.    

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements. Ability to carry and/or lift less than 15 pounds.