2026/2027

DISTRICT OFFICE

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION – SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

7/1/2026 – 6/30/2027

Hiring range: $103,000-$133,771

Salary range: $103,000-$149,157

MASTER’S DEGREE IN EDUCATION, SPECIAL EDUCATION, OR EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP REQUIRED

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR LICENSE (PEL) WITH SPECIAL EDUCATION ENDORSEMENT (LBS1 OR RELATED SERVICE) REQUIRED

DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION ENDORSEMENT PREFERRED (OR ENROLLMENT IN PROGRAM)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Minimum of five (5) years of successful teaching, administrative, and/or supervisory experience in the area of special education and student services; Extensive knowledge of Federal and Illinois special education laws, regulations, and the continuum of services; Proven experience in managing IEP processes; Capacity to effectively and efficiently organize and prioritize information; Develop short and long range plans that are realistic and effective in meeting special program goals, and integrate planning efforts across special education areas; Excellent communication skills.

DESIRABLE SKILLS: Spanish speaking is a plus

See Attached Job Description

From PDF Description

WEST AURORA SCHOOL DISTRICT 129
JOB DESCRIPTION - ASST DIR of SPECIAL EDUCATION
Position: Assistant Director – Specialized Programs & Services
Reports To: Director of Special Education
Contract Length: 12 months
Primary Purpose
To provide leadership, coordination, and oversight for specialized programs, ensuring
individualized support for students in highly specialized settings (Transition, Connections,
Outplacement). Serves as the district administrator for assigned related service and coordinates
compliance and access in non-traditional placements.
Key Responsibilities
Program Oversight & Leadership
● Oversee programming at Transition and Connections.
● Liaison to Blackhawk leadership for site-based logistics and collaboration.
● Oversee processes and coordination for students in private placements
● Support specialized program trend analysis and program decisions.
● Oversee a related service dept, including staffing, development, and service delivery.
Compliance & Procedural Fidelity
● Direct responsibility for Medicaid Billing oversight, in collaboration with operational staff.
● Support procedural compliance, ISBE expectations, and monitoring outcomes.
● Monitor IEP timelines, development quality, and procedural safeguards for identified
programs
● Attend and support facilitation of IEP meetings, specific to private placement discussion,
significant parental concerns, or involvement of outside advocates/ legal counsel
Supervision and Staffing
● Support staffing and para allocations in district programs (Transition and Connections).
● Evaluate programs and makes recommendations for programming adjustments
● Evaluate assigned staff
● Provide crucial feedback and conduct meaningful conversations with staff to support
instructional and professional development
Collaboration and Instructional Alignment
● Coordinate with Director of SpEd on specialized staffing needs
● Collaborate with psychologist for outplacement in completion of evaluations and
facilitation of meetings

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● Supervise and collaborate with Transition Program coordinator regarding staffing,
materials and program design
● Develop and foster relationships with administrators of outplacement facilities
● Participate as a member of Senior Leadership, District Leadership and
Teaching/Learning, as deemed necessary by Director of Special Education
● Collaborate with the Director and Assistant Directors of Special Education; develop
collaborative relationships with district and building administrators, parents and the
public to coordinate activities and programs, resolve issues and conflicts and exchange
information
Last updated: 12/10/25

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