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| Director I |
0287 |
Not Applicable |
| Director, Department of Special Education and Related Services |
P |
12 |
| Summary Description: Under the direction of the Chief, Student Support Officer, Division of Specialized Support Services, and the Associate Superintendent of Special Education, the Director of Special Education Related Services provides strategic leadership oversight, and coordination of districtwide related services within Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) to ensure students with disabilities in accessing a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). This role is responsible for the administration, program development, and compliance monitoring of Speech-Language Services; Physical Disabilities Services, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, and assistive technology; and Hearing and Vision Services. The director ensures that services are delivered in alignment with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), state regulations, and district policies while supporting high-quality, evidence-based practices that improve student outcomes.
The position leads multidisciplinary teams of specialists, develops service delivery models, and collaborates closely with school leaders, central services, and community partners to ensure that related services are integrated effectively within instructional programs. The director also leads staffing structures, professional learning, program evaluation, and resource allocation to ensure equitable access to services across the district. Through strategic planning, compliance oversight, and continuous improvement efforts, the director works to strengthen systems that support students with diverse communication, sensory, and physical needs while providing guidance to schools and families on the implementation of Individualized Education Program (IEP) services.
Directs fiscal management of related funds, provides strategic guidance to schools, special programs, Child Find, pre-school through age 21, transition services, and cross functional teams. The role also collaborates on and have knowledge of the Maryland Blueprint for Education and the Maryland Transforms initiative and their implications for program implementation, accountability, and continuous improvement within Montgomery County Public Schools and the alignment to special education services ensuring that student support and well-being are prioritized in all aspects of education. The director will also drive the alignment of these services with the district’s strategic goals.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: As required of the duties of the position.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to work a flexible schedule, including day or evening work such as occasional participation in evening, community meetings, Board of Education meetings, IEP sessions or professional learning events. Countywide travel may be required.
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Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Knowledge of federal and state special education laws and regulations and knowledge of or the ability to quickly learn and apply the MCPS policies and procedures governing the education of students with disabilities, including the continuum of service delivery models and requirements for providing a Free Appropriate Public Education FAPE and LRE. Knowledge of the MCPS K–12 curriculum and understanding of the Maryland Online Individualized Education Program (MOIEP) system, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Indicator Report Card, corrective action plans, school improvement planning processes, legislative developments, and fiscal considerations impacting special education services and programs.Expertise in evidence-based practices in specialized instruction, including curriculum development, interventions, remediation, assessment, behavioral supports, accommodations, supplementary aids and services, co-teaching models, and inclusive practices that expand opportunities for students with disabilities across educational settings.Ability to provide strategic leadership, supervision, and evaluation of supervisory and professional staff, while fostering collaboration, cultural competence, and strong partnership with MCPS leadership, school teams, community partners, and families. Highly proficient in organizational management, technology systems such as Canvas, Google Suite, MS Office Suite, Teams, and Zoom, and able to lead complex initiatives, allocate resources, and guide systemwide problem-solving efforts.Outstanding oral and written communication, with demonstrated ability to de-escalate complex situations, facilitate collaborative decision-making, and provide guidance to leadership teams on compliance, program implementation, and service delivery. Knowledge of or the ability to quickly learn and apply the six leadership standards established for MCAAP/MCBOA and understanding of the MCPS Teacher Professional Growth System and the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (PGS), including the supervision, evaluation, and professional development of staff. |
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Education Training Experience: Master’s degree from an accredited institution, with additional graduate coursework in special education, administration supervision, or a related service field (speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, audiology, deaf/visually impaired education, or a closely related field). Minimum of five years of special education teaching experience or a related service provider role; and three years of central or school-based administrative experience in related services/specialized instruction in school or early intervention settings. Success in providing leadership for the planning, development, and implementation of countywide policies, programs, budgets, and staffing, as well as experience working with a continuum of special education, social emotional and well-being services. Successful leadership in managing teams, working with parents and community groups, and leading compliance-related processes is essential. CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Meets Maryland Administrator I certification requirements. Certification in special education or related services provider required. Completion of Observing and Analyzing Teaching (OAT) I within one year of the position start date. Completion of OAT II within two years of position start date. |
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Examples of Duties and Responsibilities: (Incumbents may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification, but is intended to accurately reflect the principal job elements.)Provides strategic leadership for the continuum of special education services and supports for students with disabilities from birth through age 21, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.Leads the districtwide implementation of Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) through the planning, development, and evaluation of specialized education programs and supports.Leads the design, implementation, and evaluation of the special education continuum of services across MCPS, ensuring alignment with federal legislation, state requirements, and district priorities.Collaborates with central services, cross-functional teams, and school leadership to develop and evaluate instructional programs, curriculum, behavioral health supports, and student well-being initiatives for students with disabilities.Directs the allocation of resources, including staffing, budgets, and materials, to ensure equitable access to services and effective program implementation.Provides leadership for the development, implementation, and monitoring of grants supporting the Division of Specialized Support Services.Collaborates in the oversight of special education and student well-being data systems to support accountability, program evaluation, and continuous improvement.Prepares and presents budget proposals, program analyses, and reports to senior leadership, the Board of Education, and other governmental entities as requested.Establishes and maintains partnerships with families, community organizations, business partners, and governmental agencies to support student success.Collaborates with the Office of Shared Accountability to conduct research and program evaluations related to instructional programs and services.Represents the department at Board of Education, County Council, and community meetings, providing updates on program performance and initiatives.Maintains awareness of local, state, and national policy developments to anticipate and implement necessary operational changes.Supports the management and development of staff, including performance expectations, evaluations, and professional growth aligned with district standards.Guides cross-functional teams to align special education initiatives with district strategic priorities, ensuring services are inclusive, data-informed, and student-centered.Serves as an advisor to senior leadership on matters related to instructional equity, compliance, and innovative practices in special education.Ensures that students with disabilities receive equitable, inclusive, and supportive educational opportunities that address academic, behavioral, and well-being needs.Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position. |
