Director of Special Education

Position Type:

Administration/Director

Date Posted:

3/12/2026

Location:

District Administration Center - Glendale, AZ

Date Available:

07/01/2026

 Additional Information:
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Position Title:

Director of Special Education

Department:
Academic Services

Supervisor:
Executive Director of Exceptional Student Services

Term of Employment:12 Months

Salary Classification:
Administrative Salary

Job Summary:

The Director of Special Education provides strategic leadership, oversight, and evaluation of all district special education programs, services, and staff. The role ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, manages program budgets, coordinates staffing, and collaborates with district and school administrators to ensure equitable, high-quality services for students with disabilities.

Essential Functions:

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include, but are not limited to, the following tasks, duties, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents in this class.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES generally include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

* Directs and evaluates special education services and programs.

* Supervises and evaluates special education staff.

* Recommends policies and programs that best utilize the District's human and financial resources.

* Keeps abreast of all legal requirements concerning the delivery of special education services.

* Provides leadership in the development and implementation of new and/or restructured programs and services.

* Assumes responsibility for compiling, maintaining and filing all necessary reports, records, and other documents legally required.

* Assists with the recruiting and hiring of special education staff.

* Assists in coordinating transportation for special education students.

* Prepares an annual budget, including staffing, and maintains all financial records relative to special education.

* Is available for consultation with parents, principals, and classroom teachers of students receiving special education services.

* Oversees and ensures compliance with the Section 504 process in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

* Works cooperatively with other administrative departments to integrate and coordinate the education and servicing of students with an IEP or 504 plan.

* Provides appropriate training opportunities for special education staff.

* Performs other duties as assigned or required.

KNOWLEDGE AND

SKILLS:

* Knowledge of applicable Federal, state, county and city statutes, rules, policies and procedures.

* Knowledge of applicable Peoria Unified School District and departmental policies and procedures.

* A thorough understanding of special education law, including but not limited to IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

* An understanding of educational research and statistics.

* The ability to assess, design, and implement staff development activities.

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

* The ability to apply planning strategies for all aspects of special education services.

* Strong interpersonal skills.

* Unquestionable personal integrity.

* Commitment to excellence in the advancement of learning.

* Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

* Skill in managing and directing a workforce

* Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relations with co-workers, vendors, students, parents, the general public and others having business with the school district.

* Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

* Degree in Special Education

* Three years of teaching experience

* Must possess current Arizona teaching certificate

* Must possess Standard Professional Cross categorical Special Education, K-12 Certificate

* Two years' experience in administration at a District level preferred OR an equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities has been achieved.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

* Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

* Must be able to pass a background check

* May be required to work outside normal working hours

* Must have at the time of application and must maintain a valid Arizona driver's license

* May be required to travel to perform job functions

Attachment(s):

* Salary Schedule 2026