Special Education Department Chair
iasaeduPark Ridge, IL
$145,000 - $160,000
APPLY (opens in a new tab)Special Education Department Chair
iasaeduPark Ridge, ILManager L7
$145,000 - $160,000
Special Education Teachers, All OtherEducation Administrators, All OtherSpecial Education Teachers, Secondary School
APPLY NOW (opens in a new tab)Leads and/or participates in the Special Education Department, Professional Learning Teams (PLTs), Building Referral Team, Special Education District Leadership Team (SE DLT), Building and District Leadership Teams.
Leadership and Program Administration
Provide leadership in the design, implementation, and evaluation of high-quality special education programs aligned with district goals and state/federal mandates
Ensure compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504, and all state and federal statutes related to special education
Serve as the LEA representative in IEP annual reviews and reevaluations; ensure IEPs are developed, written, and implemented with fidelity
Oversee the evaluation, placement, and provision of services for students with disabilities across all service delivery models
Facilitate implementation of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and Behaviour Intervention Plans (BIP) and ensure staff training and compliance
Develop and implement department procedures for documentation, progress monitoring, and legal compliance
Collaborate with district leadership to ensure consistent application of special education policies and procedures across all schools
Instructional Leadership
Ensure fidelity of Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) across instructional, resource, and SEL classrooms
Promote inclusive practices that increase student participation in the general education environment
Lead the development, alignment, and evaluation of curriculum and instructional resources for special education courses and interventions
Oversee implementation of data-driven instructional practices that improve student achievement and growth
Support the development of course syllabi, grading practices, and progress reporting to ensure alignment with district standards
Participate in the course selection process, ensuring appropriate student placement and support
Supervision and Evaluation
Supervise and evaluate certified, non-certified, and support staff within the Special Education Department
Provide ongoing feedback, coaching, and professional development to promote instructional excellence and compliance
Develop and manage teacher and teaching assistant (TA) daily schedules, ensuring efficient service delivery
Coordinate substitute coverage and assist with personnel support within the department
Oversee the utilization and assignment of Teaching Assistant resources to align with student needs and IEP requirements
Student Services and Support
Facilitate collaborative problem-solving related to student services and supports, applying data-based decision-making to improve outcomes
Oversee implementation of evacuation and personal care plans for students requiring specialised assistance
Ensure high-quality service delivery from related service providers (speech-language, social work, psychology, OT/PT as applicable)
Monitor student progress, behaviour, and outcomes through data collection and analysis
Collaborate with building and district teams on referrals, interventions, and out-of-district placements when appropriate
Professional Learning and Collaboration
Lead Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) within the Special Education Department to promote collaboration, reflection, and continuous improvement
Facilitate department meetings, building referral discussions, and ongoing training related to compliance, instruction, and inclusion
Collaborate with the Special Education District Leadership Team (SE DLT) to ensure consistency in district-wide practices and compliance
Participate actively in Building and Leadership teams to align special education with broader school initiatives
Perform all other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Board of Education, Superintendent, and Designee
Qualifications:
General Administrative or Principal Endorsement, per the Illinois School Code (Section 21), and completion of the Illinois Performance Evaluation – Growth Through Learning training modules
Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with LBS1 endorsement required
Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field
Minimum of five (5) years of successful experience in special education
Demonstrated expertise in special education compliance, IEP facilitation, and instructional leadership
Strong organisational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills required
Salary/Benefits
EMPLOYMENT
This is a 10-month position with an annual base salary range of $145,000 - $160,000 (this amount does not reflect the Board-paid TRS) based on qualifications, training, and experience. The fringe benefits package is comprehensive and highly competitive with those offered by high school districts in the suburban area.
10-month administrative position
Approximate start date: August 2, 2027
Approximate end date: May 31, 2028
Additional Notes
The Special Education Department Chair provides instructional leadership, coordination, and supervision for all special education programmes and staff within the school. The Department Chair ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, promotes effective instructional practices, and supports inclusive programming that meets the diverse needs of students with disabilities. The position serves as the Local Education Agency (LEA) representative in IEP meetings, oversees service delivery and staff development, and ensures the highest standards of student growth, achievement, and access across the continuum of supports.
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Level
Manager L7
Salary
$145,000 - $160,000
Location
Park Ridge, IL
Occupation
Special Education Teachers, All Other
Industry
Elementary and Secondary Schools
Posted
yesterday