Provides system-wide leadership to develop effective, appropriate special education programs, ensuring district practices are legal and ethical so every child can achieve at a high level and be prepared for post-secondary success. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
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Leadership & Team Management: Leads special education administrators and team members, creating a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and learning in the delivery of services aligned with district goals.
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Instructional & Programmatic Support: Supports equitable evidence-based practices for academic growth, social-emotional learning, and behavior management within a multi-tiered system of supports framework.
- A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Learner Thrives.
- Salary Range: $117,624 - $144,066/annually. Click here for more information on compensation for these roles.
- In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as; time off, health and wellness benefits, and PERA Retirement. For more information visit our New Employee Resources.
- Implements and maintains special education programs and services for students ages 3-21, ensuring that schools and the District follow all state and federal regulations
- Develops system procedures for identification, evaluation and placement of students with special education needs
- Provides leadership and system representation in matters relating to due process procedural safeguards
- Represents the school system in dealing with outside agencies and organizations concerned with special education
- Collaborates effectively with district staff, families, special education teachers and the community for the purpose of planning, developing, implementing, maintaining and evaluating educational services and/or programs
- Oversees operational functions, including the recruitment, hiring, supervision and evaluation of staff; professional development; budget management; compliance monitoring
- Facilitates meetings and processes for the purpose of implementing and maintaining district special education programs and services that achieve desired objectives
- Maintains a high level of knowledge regarding developing special education issues, changes in the laws and case law, and educational methods of educating students with disabilities for the purpose of managing an excellent special education program; incorporates policies and procedures in accordance with laws and regulations
- Master's Degree in Education, Special Education or related required
- Doctorate preferred
- Three or more years of management experience in the administration of special education programs to include two (2) or more years as a school leader or similar leadership role in education required
- Three (3) years of teaching experience in a public school special education setting required
- Three (3) years of management responsibility experience required
- Colorado Director of Special Education licensure required
- Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high quality education.
- Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.
- Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the physical demands of the position.
About Us
Skills Required
- Master's degree in Education, Special Education, or a related field
- Doctorate degree
- Three or more years of management experience administering special education programs
- Two or more years as a school leader or similar education leadership role
- Three years of teaching experience in a public school special education setting
- Three years of management responsibility experience
- Active or approved Colorado Director of Special Education license
- Commitment to racial and educational excellence, equity, and dismantling systems of oppression and inequity
- Permanent home address in Colorado while employed
- Ability to meet the physical demands of the position with or without accommodations
What We Do
The mission of Denver Public Schools is to provide all students the opportunity to achieve the knowledge and skills necessary to become contributing citizens in our diverse society. In DPS, we’re focused on building a system that’s designed to help every student thrive. We’re re-focusing our efforts where they matter most: on creating classrooms that are vibrant centers of learning, where caring teachers are engaging their students in rigorous, culturally responsive experiences in order to lift all students toward a bright horizon. In the last ten years, DPS has experienced unprecedented growth and an expansion of programs. Building on the strong progress we’ve made, we want to continue transforming DPS into a school district grounded in equity. This districtwide focus on equity will be embedded in everything we do, so that we can help break historical patterns and become a school district that is designed to inspire every student to dream big and make their own future. View all of our current career openings here: https://careers.dpsk12.org/
