Director Of Special Education

POSITION: Director of Special Education

Our ideal candidate will have the following essential core characteristics:

The Director of Special Education will serve under the direction of their Assistant Superintendent of Exceptional Education and Student Services as a member of the leadership team to foster and facilitate a culturally responsive and inclusive community that empowers all students to develop their unique potential and thrive as learners, citizens, and leaders in a diverse global community. Applicants must demonstrate an asset-based perspective, a track record of successful teaching, an orientation towards teamwork, and hold high expectations of students and colleagues. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with strong verbal and written communication skills and a personal accountability mindset. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

Our ideal candidate must have the following qualifications:

1. A minimum of five (5) years of successful experience in education, including teaching, supervision, and/or administration.
2. A valid New York State Certificate as a School Administrator and Supervisor (SAS), School District Administrator (SDA), or School District Leader (SDL).
3. Knowledge of Part 200 Regulation, Implementation of IDEA, ADA, and Section 504, and ESSA

The successful candidate can expect the following responsibilities:

Management:

1.  Provides leadership in the development, direction, coordination, and evaluation of special education programs, including services for: Instructional leadership of K-12 Special Education curriculum, Speech and Hearing, Physical and Occupational Therapy, Section 504, and Home Instruction of exceptional students.
2. Supervises the assessment and annual review process for students with special needs by serving as the Chairperson of the Committee on Special Education and an alternate for the Preschool Committee on Special Education.
3. Facilitates Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team decisions regarding appropriate services and student placement within or outside the district; ensures availability of staff and materials resources to meet identified student needs.
4. Maintain all appropriate correspondence and ensure adherence to legal mandates as related to the Committees on Special Education and Preschool Special Education.
5. Assume responsibility for the implementation of special education programs and related services in accordance with law and develop Individualized Education Plans.
6. Provide oversight, coordinate referrals, and monitor placement of students in District self-contained classes and/or out-of-District programs.
7. Assist in the coordination of transportation, summer programming, transition services, and assistive technology for students with disabilities.
8. Provide oversight and assume responsibility for services to non-public schools within the
9. Assists in the implementation of ADA and Section 504
10. Assists in the interpretation and application of district policy

Reporting: 

1. Provide oversight and assume responsibility for Medicaid
2. Prepare and/or assist in the preparation of documents and reports related to special education as required by local, state, and federal agencies.
3. Collects and analyzes data to determine if students may benefit from additional social, emotional, and physical support.
4. Attends District leadership and other meetings related to District and building matters to gain awareness and contribute effectively to the development of school programming.

Supporting schools:

1. Meets and communicates with special education staff (teachers, speech language pathologists, OT, PT, COTA) on a regular and planned basis to assure K-12 program articulation and continuity.
2. Establishes a collaborative culture with staff, parents/guardians, and students focused on student achievement to determine appropriate programs and services for students.
3. Fields inquiries, complaints, and concerns from parents/guardians, district personnel, and the Board
4. Works cooperatively and collectively with administrators and other instructional personnel (as appropriate) to monitor student progress and works collaboratively to implement special education programs, monitor the Response-to-Intervention (RTI) process, develop coordinated special education services, and conduct program reviews.
5. Collaborates with Administrators to recruit, hire, and train special education
6. Seeks out potential partnerships with groups and organizations to address student/program
7. Participate in the supervision and professional appraisal of K-12 special education staff, related service providers, and/or student services personnel as assigned.

Professional Learning:

1. Meets and communicates on a regular and planned basis with District special education staff to ensure effective implementation of programs and initiatives and to assure program articulation and
2. Develops and presents appropriate professional learning for special education staff members referencing the goals of the Strategic Plan, Board of Education, and the District Professional Learning Plan.
3. Assists in the planning and implementation of the District's professional learning opportunities for special education staff and models the personal and professional expectations held by District personnel by demonstrating a commitment to growth and renewal.
4. Provide oversight and assume responsibility for training, administration, implementation and submission of New York State Alternative Assessment (NYSAA).
5. Supports new teachers as they learn about programs and available District
6. Performs such other tasks and assumes such other responsibilities as directed by the Assistant Superintendent for Exceptional Education & Student Services.

REPORTS TO:  Assistant Superintendent of Student Services and Special Education

SALARY:  $106,000 - $140,000

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday, April 6, 2026

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: 

Internal: District employees may apply by submitting a letter of interest, proof of certification, and a current resume to Human Resources by Monday, April 6, 2026.  Letters of interest may also be submitted via email to lmclark2@williamsvillek12.org.

External: Fill out an online application at www.williamsvillek12.org or williamsville.schoolspring.com and then apply to the appropriate posting.   It is required that external candidates attach proof of certification, a current resume, a cover letter, and three current professional references to their application.

If you have any questions, you may contact Human Resources at lmclark2@williamsvillek12.org

APPLICATION REQUIREMENT:

• It is required that all candidates attach a PDF or JPG of their scanned certifications or a screenshot of their TEACH account to their application or letter of interest.
• It is required that external candidates attach a current resume and cover letter.
• It is required that external candidates attach three current professional letters of reference.

This posting in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. The employee will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent for Exceptional Education & Student Services. Williamsville Central School District reserves the right to update, revise or change this recruitment bulletin and related duties at any time without prior notice.

The Williamsville Central School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It does not discriminate against any person based on age, race, color, creed, national origin, marital status, religion, gender, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, or disability. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.