Careers

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Summary

The Assistant Director of Special Education provides leadership, coordination, and supports the Director of Special Education with oversight for special education programs and services to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, best practices in special education, and the school’s mission and vision. This position works closely with the Director of Special Education to provide guidance, professional development, and support to special education staff while ensuring the effective implementation of due process procedures, curriculum, and student services. The Assistant Director plays a key role in decision-making regarding discipline for students with disabilities, staffing, program evaluation, compliance, strategic planning, and family engagement.

Essential Functions

• Strategic Planning & Program Development: Assist in developing and implementing long-term strategic plans for special education services to align with district goals, improve student outcomes, and ensure sustainable programming.
• Discipline & Behavioral Support: Assist in making decisions regarding discipline for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in accordance with state and federal laws, including overseeing the implementation of positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS).
• Staff Supervision & Evaluation: Provide input into the evaluation of special education staff, including feedback and corrective action planning to ensure high-quality instruction and compliance.
• Personnel Management: Support recruitment, interviewing, hiring, and recommendations for employment or termination of special education personnel.
• Professional Development & Training: Oversee professional development for special education staff, providing targeted training opportunities to enhance instructional practices and compliance with regulations.
• Due Process Compliance: Oversee due process procedures to ensure compliance with federal and state laws governing special education, ensuring timely completion of evaluations, IEPs, progress monitoring, and procedural safeguards.
• IEP Meetings & Family Engagement: Attend IEP meetings as required to support staff, facilitate complex meetings, and foster strong relationships with families and community stakeholders.
• Curriculum & Instructional Leadership: Provide leadership in the development and implementation of curriculum and instructional strategies for students receiving special education services.
• Medical Assistance (MA) Billing Oversight: Oversee MA billing processes in coordination with third-party billing providers to maximize reimbursements while ensuring compliance with state and federal guidelines.
• Public & Community Relations: Foster positive public relations with staff, parents, students, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), and the general public to promote transparency and trust in special education programming.
• Staff Communication & Meetings: Conduct regular staff meetings to communicate updates, provide professional guidance, and ensure alignment with district policies and expectations.
• Restrictive Procedures Compliance: Serve as the special education administrator for quarterly restrictive procedures meetings, ensuring compliance with documentation, training, and state-mandated regulations.
• Placement & Student Services Coordination: Establish procedures for the placement, evaluation, assignment, and reassessment of students with special needs to ensure appropriate service delivery.
• Student Records & Data Management: Monitor the development and maintenance of complete and cumulative student records for all students receiving special education services.
• Budget & Financial Oversight: Assist in planning, managing, and monitoring special education budgets and expenditures to ensure cost-effective programming that meets student needs.
• Extended School Year (ESY) Services: Oversee the planning, implementation, and staffing of Extended School Year (ESY) services to ensure compliance and appropriate support for eligible students.
• MDE Monitoring & Compliance: Assist in preparation for and response to Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) due process monitoring and audits, ensuring full compliance and documentation.
• Collaboration with District Leadership: Work closely with district leadership, school administrators, and general education staff to promote inclusive practices, intervention strategies, and data-driven decision-making.
• Other Duties as Assigned: Perform additional duties as assigned to support school priorities and student success.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of:
  • Federal and state laws, regulations, and guidelines related to special education, including IDEA, Section 504, and FERPA.
  • Best practices in special education instruction, assessment, intervention, and accommodations.
  • Due process procedures, compliance monitoring, and legal requirements.
  • Special education budgeting, staffing, and strategic planning.
  • Conflict resolution, mediation, and positive behavior intervention strategies (PBIS, restorative practices).
  • Trauma-informed practices and social-emotional learning (SEL) for students with disabilities.
• Skills in:
  • Leadership, team management, and staff coaching/mentorship.
  • Decision-making and problem-solving in complex educational settings.
  • Verbal and written communication, including presenting information to diverse stakeholders.
  • Organization and time management to oversee multiple projects and priorities effectively.
  • Data analysis to monitor student progress, program effectiveness, and compliance metrics.
• Ability to:
  • Interpret and apply laws, regulations, and policies related to special education.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with staff, families, and community partners.
  • Provide constructive feedback and coaching to special education staff.
  • Handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
  • Maintain regular and prompt attendance as an essential function of the role.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• Valid Minnesota administrative license as a Director of Special Education (or ability to obtain).
• Minimum of five years of experience in special education, including leadership or supervisory roles.
• Experience in due process compliance, staff development, and program oversight.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a district- or regional-level special education leadership role.
• Experience handling MDE due process monitoring and audits.
• Experience with crisis intervention strategies and restorative discipline approaches.

Working Conditions

Requires occasional evening or weekend work for meetings, training, or emergencies.

Work is performed in an office, school site, and meeting environments.

Send resume, cover letter, three letters of reference to: mailto:[email protected]

New Century Academy is seeking a paraprofessional educator for the 2025-2026 school year. New Century Academy is a public charter school serving approximately 110 students in grades 6-12 in Hutchinson and surrounding communities. The goal of this position would be to support middle school and high school students in the general education and special education classrooms. Candidates will also have coaching opportunities in athletic, academic, and fine art activities.

Qualifications:
High School Diploma Required;
1) post secondary degree preferred but not required
2) Certifications in any field preferred but not required

Send resume, cover letter, three letters of reference to: mailto:[email protected] subject line: Math Teacher.

New Century Academy is seeking a Full-time Mathematics instructor for the 2025-2026 school year and beyond. The goal of this position is to offer required and elective credits in Mathematics based courses as well as the ability to potentially satisfy graduation standards in other content areas. Candidates will also have coaching opportunities in athletic, academic, and fine art activities. 

Qualifications: Current Minnesota Teaching License in Mathematics or the ability to apply for and receive a Tier 1 or Tier 2 license with the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) in MN.

This position may be eligible for a hiring incentive payment of up to $2,000 during the first year of employment, a retention incentive payment of up to $2,000 during the third year of employment, and a retention incentive payment of up to $2,000 during the fifth year of employment. Send resume, cover letter, three letters of reference to: mailto:[email protected] subject line: Math Teacher.

New Century Academy is seeking a Full-time Special Education Instructor for the 2025-2026 school year and beyond. Candidates must be willing to work with students of all disabilities in small groups and/or co-teaching environments. Candidates must be willing to follow all due process requirements, IEP documentation, and progress monitoring. 

Qualifications: Current Minnesota Teaching License in Special Education or the ability to qualify for a Tier 1 or Tier 2 license. Send resume, cover letter, three letters of reference to: mailto:[email protected] subject line: Special Education Teacher.