Director of Special Education - 1.0 FTE - Special Education

Posting Timeline

PPS strongly encourages and recommends everyone who is able, to be vaccinated and remain current on the COVID-19 vaccine.

This job is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received. Portland Public Schools reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any point during the posting period.

First review of applications will begin June 3, 2024.

Position Details

Portland Public Schools (PPS) is seeking talented people from diverse backgrounds and experiences to lead change and inspire PPS students.

At PPS, every employee, despite having different roles, is an educator. We hope to attract talented educators who model the core PPS Educator Essentials.

With the District’s focus on eliminating systemic racism and its adverse impact on student learning, we seek to hire individuals who bring to our district a deep commitment to racial equity and social justice.

To learn more about Portland Public Schools, please visit the District website : .

BASIC FUNCTION :

• Under administrative direction, provide leadership to a centralized academic service and / or support program; develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate operational and / or instructional vision and focused plans for assigned programs;
• supervise and support professional educators and administrators in program activities; manage operational support activities, staff and budgets;

implement the District’s Racial Equity Policy ensuring a culture of high expectation which provides every student with equitable access to high quality and culturally relevant instruction.

PROGRAM SPECIFIC DUTIES :

See Classification Specification, Academic Director for classification requirements.

INCLUSIVE PRACTICES LEADERSHIP E

• Lead, plan, develop, and establish district-wide systems and structures in support of inclusive practices.
• Plan, oversee, and coordinate staff development offerings for district staff, curriculum planning, textbook and materials selection and adoption, and instruction in collaboration with the Office of Teaching and Learning and general education administration.
• Participate in the development and implementation of department budgets; manage and / or oversee assigned budget allocations to ensure appropriate use of resources.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for the identification, placement, and provision of services to students with a broad range of disabilities.
• Direct and coordinate the implementation of state and federal legislation related to Special Education and / or 504 programs.
• Facilitate support for school teams through legal and compliance-related processes.

INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP E

• Demonstrate knowledge of innovative and evidence-based practices used to instruct students with disabilities.
• Develop and evaluate integrated special education programs based on identified student instructional and behavioral data.
• Participate on cross-functional teams, collaboratives, and committees to advocate for students with disabilities.
• Lead and deploy assigned program improvement plans focused on integrated special education services and supports.
• Develop and lead the evaluation and improvement of PPS Special Education programs which provide access and support of students with disabilities to high-quality instructional practices using high-quality instructional materials.
• Review baseline and progression data to identify and implement strategies for improvement; confer with a variety of stakeholders to identify implementation activities and regularly review progress;

regularly assess and refine strategies to meet program goals.

• Work with department staff, district, and school leaders to align expectations and goals with PPS Milestones and / or the PPS Equity Goals.
• Develop, maintain, and use information systems to track progress on program performance objectives and activity excellence indicators with a focus on student achievement.

COMMUNICATION AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT E

• Articulate and solicit support in accomplishing the PPS Special Education program mission, vision, and core values.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with buildings administrators, central office, and various employee groups throughout the district in support of the PPS Special Education mission and vision.
• Develop and maintain positive, responsive relationships with parents, advocates, and community members in support of the PPS Special Education mission and vision.
• Participate on cross-functional teams, collaboratives, committees, and similar partnerships to advocate for PPS students with disabilities.
• Represent the district and assigned schools in meetings, workshops, conferences, and professional activities.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing through various communication channels to a variety of stakeholders.

PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP & TEAM GROWTH E

• Support district and school site administrators and staff by developing and deploying policies, procedures, and professional development related to assigned programs
• Supervise the performance of assigned personnel including special education administrative, licensed, and non-licensed staff;

interview and select employees and recommend transfers, reassignment, termination, and disciplinary actions.

• Participate in building and leading a program team which reflect diverse perspectives
• Coach, counsel, and mentor department staff in the effective delivery of program objectives and services.
• Develop, recommend, approve, and implement department budgets; manage budget allocations to ensure appropriate use of resources.
• Direct, lead, and oversee the development, writing, and submission of grant proposals; establish and maintain personal contact and relationships with grant contacts, conduct research on prospective grants, and maintain a calendar of submissions and other deadlines.
• Learn and use District IT systems to perform routine tasks, such as performance management assessments; accessing financial reports, and managing staffing allocations and budget information.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Note : At the end of some of the duty statements there is an italicized E , which identifies essential duties required of the classification.

This is strictly for use in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS :

Knowledge of :

• Federal, state, K-12 education public schools’ laws, policies and guidelines related to administration, curriculum and leadership.
• Special Education laws and policies
• District labor organizations and collective bargaining agreements.
• Educational business management skills.
• Research-based instructional strategies and models for improving instructional practices for all students.
• Effective leadership and management strategies and techniques.
• Budget development and monitoring skills.
• Grant writing and application processes.
• Collection of and data use methods.
• Academic programs achievement standards which align to district goals.
• District organization, operations, policies and objectives.
• Existing and emerging technologies, including education, business and internet software applications.
• High leverage practices for Special Educators.
• Effective leadership and management strategies and techniques.

Ability to :

• Manage systemic change and successfully implement reform initiatives that produce significant gains in closing the achievement gap.
• Monitor and evaluate program’s progress and modify plans to meet intended outcomes.
• Build a culture of equity that is student-centered.
• Direct, supervise and evaluate programs and staff.
• Build and sustain productive relationships
• Advocate, model and implement Portland Public Schools Racial Equity Initiative and board policies.
• Plan and pursue professional development for self and staff members.
• Learn and implement the PPS Equity in Public Purchasing and Contracting board policy.
• Focus on narrowing disparities between the highest and lowest performing students.
• Welcome and empower students and families, including underrepresented families of color and those whose first language may not be English, as essential partners in student education, school planning and District decision-making.
• Operate a variety of computer technologies and related hardware and software.

Education and Training :

A State of Oregon issued Administrative License is required at the time of appointment.

Experience :

• A minimum of three (3) years as a licensed school professional including a minimum of three (3) years of experience as a PK-12 district-level or school-based, administrator with demonstrated results in improving the academic performance of students is required.
• Experience working in a richly diverse school community and environment is highly desirable.

Special Requirements :

• Positions in this classification may require the use of a personal automobile and possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Work hours will routinely include evening and weekend activities and meetings and district, school and student functions.
• Some positions in this classification may require the ability to read, write and speak in a language other than English.

WORKING CONDITIONS :

The working conditions are outlined in the job classification for the position and are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Persons with certain disabilities may be capable of performing the essential duties of this class with or without reasonable accommodation, depending on the nature of the disability.

CLASSIFICATION AND SALARY :

This position is classified as a Director - Academic Programs on the Licensed (Certified) Administrator Salary Schedule.

The Salary Schedule can be found : The full Director - Academic Programs classification specification can be found .

SALARY : $155,851 - $167,835

FTE : 1.0

WORK YEAR : 260 days

STATUS / FSLA : Exempt

Benefits Information

Portland Public Schools (PPS) offers several competitive and comprehensive benefit packages to employees. Fringe benefits include medical, dental, vision, prescription, life and disability insurance, employee assistance program, 403(b) retirement savings plan and various leave and professional development programs.

Depending on the insurance option selected by the employee, there may be an employee contribution toward insurance.

Portland Public Schools is a public employer and participates in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS / OPSRP). Eligible employees are required by statute to contribute 6% of salary on a pre-tax basis to OPSRP / IAP, after serving six months under a PERS employer.