Special Education Director, Specialized Programs
Under the direction of the Executive Director of Special Education, the Director for Special Education, Specialized Programs, provides leadership for the district vision, programming, and implementation of specialized programs for students in HCPSS special education program classrooms. This position serves as a member of the Department of Special Education Executive Leadership Team and provides direct oversight and supervision to district Board Certified Behavior Supervisors and other district-level special education behavioral and program support staff.
The Director will collaborate with the other special education directors, school and central office leaders, behavioral staff, teachers, related service providers, and families to design, implement, and monitor effective evidence-based special education specialized programming matched to the needs of the students in the HCPSS community and aligned with the HCPSS mission to expand opportunities, remove barriers, and foster inclusive learning environments.
Minimum Qualifications :
- Master's degree from an accredited college or university.
- Hold a current Maryland State Department of Education Professional Certificate or License in an MSDE licensure area at the time of application with any of the additional endorsements below :
- Administrator I or II
- Supervisor of Instruction, Assistant Principal, and Principal
- Applicants who do not already possess the required licensure above may be considered if you are eligible through one of the following pathways :
- Hold a current MSDE Professional Certificate or License and complete all MSDE requirements for the Supervisor of Instruction, Assistant Principal, and Principal endorsement by the position effective date.
- Hold a current out-of-state or out-of-country educator certificate or license and possess five years of experience as an administrator in a PreK-12 setting.
- Hold a current out-of-state educator certificate or license and have completed both of the following :
- An out-of-state program leading to administrator licensure
- Earned a passing score on the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (Praxis 6990)
- Five years of experience designing, implementing, and monitoring specialized programs in a special education PreK-12 setting, including experience providing professional development to educators on implementing a Multi-tiered System of Support framework in comprehensive and special education program classrooms.
- Experience supervising positions providing special education services to students in a PreK-12 setting.
Preferred Qualifications :
Graduate degree or post-graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis, School Psychology, or a related field focused on specialized or behavioral education programming.Experience designing, implementing, and monitoring specialized programs to meet the needs of neurodivergent learners and learners with related communication or sensory needs.Experience managing operating and / or grant budgets within a complex organization, such as a public-school system, or comparably structured organization.Experience achieving measurable organizational change that includes :Leading and managing cross-departmental projects or initiatives that advance specialized programs and departmental priorities.Engaging and collaborating with a variety of stakeholders including community groups and Board of Education members to support implementation efforts and communicate program outcomes.Essential Position Responsibilities :
Provides leadership for the evaluation of existing programs, as well as the design, implementation, and monitoring of district specialized programs.Provides oversight to the district central IEP process for evaluating student LRE placements as well as nonpublic placements.Supervises and evaluates district BCBSs and other district behavioral and specialized program support staff, ensuring high-quality services and compliance with professional standards.Collaborates with school leaders to address student needs in both comprehensive and special education program classrooms.Reviews and analyzes student nonpublic placement data at the district level to inform decision-making, identify trends, and recommend program adjustments.Ensures compliance with IDEA, COMAR, and HCPSS policies related to access to special education specialized programs.Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :
Knowledge :
Extensive knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and best practices, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).Deep understanding of evidence-based instructional strategies and specialized programming for students with a wide range of disabilities.Comprehensive knowledge of behavioral principles and interventions, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and experience with Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).Familiarity with current trends and research in special education, curriculum development, and inclusive practices.Knowledge of school district operations, including budget management, resource allocation, and organizational structure.Skills :
Leadership and supervisory skills to effectively guide and manage a team of special education professionals, including Board Certified Behavior Supervisors, in achieving the district's vision for specialized programs.Program design and implementation skills to create, launch, and oversee specialized programs that meet the specific needs of students.Strong use of collaboration models and communication strategies to build and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholder groups.Analytical and problem-solving skills to assess program effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and develop data-driven solutions.Effective conflict resolution skills to address challenges and navigate complex interpersonal dynamics.Project management skills to oversee multiple initiatives and ensure timely and successful completion.Fiscal management skills to manage program budgets and ensure resources are used efficiently.Abilities :
Ability to develop and monitor the effectiveness of evidence-based special education programming that is matched to student needs.Ability to manage and supervise a team of professionals, providing mentorship, feedback, and professional development opportunities.Ability to foster and promote a culture of inclusion, equity, and continuous improvement within the special education department and the broader school district.Ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively to a variety of audiences, both verbally and in writing.Ability to work effectively as a key member of a leadership team, contributing to strategic planning and decision-making for the Department of Special Education.Additional Requirements :
This position will require occasional evening hours.
Application Requirements :
Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. A current resume is required. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Supplemental Application Questions :
Please describe your experience designing, implementing, and monitoring specialized programs in a special education PreK-12 setting. In your response, include : the programs with which you have experience, including any specific to neurodivergent learners and learners with related communication or sensory needs. The position(s) in which you gained this experience. Your role in each of the phases (i.e. : design, implementation, monitoring).Please describe one to two examples that highlight your experience providing professional development to educators on implementing a MTSS framework in comprehensive and special education program classrooms. In your response, identify the audience and size, method of delivery, and any measurable outcomes achieved.Please describe your experience supervising positions providing special education services to students in a PreK-12 setting. In your response, include your position title(s), number of direct reports, and position types supervised.Please describe any experience you possess managing operating and / or grant budgets. In your response, include the type(s) of budgets and total funds managed and position(s) in which you gained each experience.Please describe one to two examples that highlight your experience achieving measurable organizational change including : Leading and managing cross-departmental projects or initiatives that advance specialized programs and departmental priorities. Engaging and collaborating with a variety of stakeholders including community groups and Board of Education members to support implementation efforts and communicate program outcomes.Selection Criteria :
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.
Employment Information :
Compensation : This is a 12-month per year position in the Howard County Association of Supervisors and Administrators-Administrators (HCASA). The current salary range for this position is in the Director lane on the Central Office Administrators Scale. Actual placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the HCASA Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is exempt from overtime.
Telework Program :