Director of Exceptional Scholar Services

Director of Exceptional Scholar Services

Tucson, AZ

OUR MISSION:

• Leman Academy of Excellence offers a rigorous, classical education based on the traditions of Western culture where all disciplines are interrelated allowing scholars the ability to think independently and critically. We purpose to partner with supportive parents, pursue excellence, provide a safe and challenging environment, and instill morals and values in order to produce tomorrow’s leaders today.

CORE VALUES:

Core Values are the key to defining our culture. They drive our decisions and shape our behavior. Below are the Core Values for Leman Academy of Excellence:

• CARE: Every precaution is taken to ensure a safe and secure environment for every scholar, staff and guests.
• CIVILITY: Every scholar, family and employee is treated with respect and as a valued individual.
• COMMUNITY: We strive to build a community where all stakeholders are motivated to be involved and feel connected and valued.
• CLASSICAL EDUCATION: Oversight and training is in place to ensure we are offering a rigorous, scholar-centered, classical education program including high expectations, values and virtues and providing scholars an environment of engaged learning.

SUMMARY:

• The Director of Exceptional Scholar Services is directly responsible for implementing and maintaining K-8 ESS (SPED), 504, ESS and Intervention programs and services in conformance to Leman Academy of Excellence, State and Federal objectives; providing written support and/or conveying information; serving as a resource to scholars, Leman Academy of Excellence families, school personnel and the Board; and maintaining adequate staffing to ensure objectives of programs and services are achieved within budget. This is an Executive Leadership position that reports directly to the CEO.

QUALIFICATIONS/MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A. Required:

• Minimum of a Master’s Degree.
• Valid Arizona Special Education Certification OR related services certification/licensure.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in managing/overseeing a special education program.
• Thorough working knowledge of the various laws, compliance, regulations, theories, teaching/therapy strategies, and techniques applicable to special education and related services.
• Knowledge of materials available or needed for the educational progress of special education students.
• Knowledge of Federal and State Special Education laws and requirements.
• A history of ability to work cooperatively with Administration, District staff, development personnel and teachers.
• Valid AZ Driver’s License.
• AZ IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card / Background and Criminal History Clearance.
• First Aid and CPR Certification.

B. Desired:

• Five (5) years of experience in special education programs or related field.
• Evidence of continued professional growth in special education or related area.

SKILLS, FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborates with Leman Academy of Excellence (LAE) Principals and school ESS teachers for the purpose of implementing and maintaining services and/or programs.
• Sets staffing levels for school Exceptional Scholar Services (ESS) for the purpose of providing services with fiscal efficiency.
• Directs personnel, for the purpose of delivering services which conform to established guidelines.
• Ability to model and articulate the terms, concepts, and requirements, both federal and state, related to the provision of Special Education Services, with others to ensure the provision of FAPE.
• Collaborates alongside the CEO/CFO to Develop proposals, new programs, budgets, and grants for the purpose of meeting LAE goals.
• Evaluates LAE and school ESS programs and monitors the implementation of ESS and compliance with regulations in each location, for the purpose of carrying out and achieving objectives within the area of responsibility.
• Facilitates meetings and processes, for the purpose of implementing and maintaining ESS programs and services of LAE which achieve desired objectives.
• Implements assigned programs and/or projects for the purpose of conforming to LAE and state curriculum and/or instructional objectives.
• Prepares documentation and reports data to the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) for the purpose of providing written support, conveying information, and complying with Federal and State regulations.
• Communicates information on programs, services, and regulations to school personnel, parents, the Board, and all LAE campuses for the purpose of understanding of the programs.
• Recruits, hires, supervises, and evaluates LAE-level ESS staff including Speech Pathologists and assistants, School Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and providers of Early Intervention and Early Childhood ESS, for the purpose of carrying out objectives within areas of responsibility.
• Serves as the LAE Representative for IEP meetings when resources beyond school budgets may be considered for the purpose of efficiently managing fiscal resources while meeting ESS regulations.
• Serves as the LAE liaison to the Arizona Department of Education for coordination of ESS services; and manages ESS complaints, for the purpose of providing required services.
• Coordinates with outside agencies to provide services to Scholars and staff, and ensures the offering of appropriate services.
• Supervises the training of ESS instructional assistants.
• Writes LAE Policy for ESS as is needed or required in order to assure program consistency and compliance with state and federal rules in all locations (aids in policy creation for Colorado but is not explicitly supervising).
• Maintains a high level of knowledge regarding developing ESS issues, changes in the laws and case law, and educational methods of educating Scholars with disabilities, for the purpose of managing an excellent ESS program.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relations and communication with co-workers, vendors, students, parents, the general public and others having business with the school district.

WORK HABITS AND ATTITUDES:

• Be a self-starter with an ownership attitude.
• Demonstrates a strong sense of drive to meet goals.
• Shows initiative and resourcefulness.
• Performs accurate work in a timely manner.
• Meets deadlines and sets priorities.
• Demonstrates flexibility, adaptability, and punctuality.
• Works well with minimum supervision.
• Is dependable and accepts responsibility.
• Shows sensitivity and tact in dealing with others.
• Accepts direction and constructive criticism.
• Cooperates with fellow workers and other departments.
• Follows school policies and safety rules.
• Demonstrates a professional appearance on a daily basis.
• Demonstrates a willingness to work as a team player.
• Embraces collaboration with other professionals.
• Excellent organization, time management and follow-up skills.
• Maintains a professional environment at all times.
• Skills to manage personnel and programs, communicate effectively, problem solve. Knowledge of ESS curriculum and programming, Arizona and Federal education law and regulation, LAE policies.
• Abilities to sit for prolonged periods, provide direction to others and make independent judgments, keep and maintain accurate records, meet deadlines, communicate with individuals of varied cultural and educational backgrounds, communicate in oral and written form.
• Significant physical abilities include reaching/handling/fingering, talking/hearing conversations and other sounds, visual acuity/depth perception/visual accommodation.
• Other duties as assigned.

*Essential functions, as defined under the American with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is illustrative only and is not a complete listing of all functions and tasks performed.

Position Type: Full-time

Campus: District, position will include travel to Leman Arizona locations

Compensation: Leman Academy offers a very competitive benefits package and overall compensation will be commensurate with talent, experience, and education.

Leman Academy of Excellence is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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