Description
The Appleton Area School District has a position available for a 1.0 FTE (100%) Associate Director of Special Education at the Scullen Leadership Center beginning on 7/1/2026.
We are seeking a dynamic, student-centered leader to become the next Associate Director of Special Education. This position promotes the success of all students by facilitating the development, articulation, and implementation of a vision of Special Education programming that supports the District's mission and vision.
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Certification Required: Director of Special Education/Pupil Services (5080) and a Special Education teaching license
For more information about this position, please contact: Amy Steiner, Executive Director of Special Education at steineramy@aasd.k12.wi.us
Candidates who apply prior to the posting deadline will receive first consideration.
- An Equal Opportunity Employer -
Requirements
Job Title: Associate Director of Special Education
Classification/Contract Days: Administrator / 260 Days
FLSA Status: Exempt
Relationships: Direct Supervisor - Executive Director of Special Education
Works with - Administrators, All Staff and Parents
Supervises - Special Education Staff, Program Support Teachers
Essential Function: The Associate Director of Special Education will work collaboratively to increase the
capacity of building administration, program support teachers, and program leaders to provide excellent
services to students. In addition, the role facilitates and monitors compliance of federal and state
requirements and department and district priorities to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
Responsibilities, Tasks & Duties:
Use data to make fiscally responsible decisions around resources to include:
Enrollments
Budgets
Supplementary materials
Staffing
Utilize coaching practices to increase capacity of district administration, program support teachers and
program leaders
Engage in the work of district level committees advocating for students with disabilities
Collaborate with district leadership to ensure best practices of instructional strategies to promote
inclusive education
Monitor compliance of IDEA and complete required paperwork in a timely manner:
Review of Individual Education Plans
Review of 3 Year Re-evaluation waivers
Serve as a member of the Procedural Compliance Self-Assessment District Team
Hiring and supervision (Including evaluations) of special education staff, student service staff,
administrative assistant staff and program support teachers
Support staff in debriefing sessions and through proactive problem solving strategies.
Monitors discipline practices (and promotes safety of staff and students)
Engage with building administrators around special education staffing / allocations
Assess staffing needs annually and prepare a recommended staffing plan. Facilitate IEP team meetings
while being the Local Educational Agency (LEA) representative
Assist in the coordination of staffing when vacancies or leaves occur throughout the year.
Serve as Continuous School Improvement Plan partner with school sites
Collaborate with Associate Directors of Early Childhood and Elementary to create district
communications and offer staff development opportunities for best practices in special education
Collaborate with Associate Directors of Early Childhood and Elementary to oversee Extended School
Year Services
Conduct manifestation determination meetings due to disciplinary action
Lead monthly department meetings to increase staff capacity in compliance with federal and state
requirements and best practices in instruction and service delivery
Plan, lead and facilitate professional development for staff including paraprofessionals as planned by
the department (including orientation).
Collaborate with the Special Education Administrative team regularly to ensure coherence of
programming and staff support.
Oversee special education alternative programming for the secondary level at school and community
sites
Beliefs and Absolutes:
Using data to make student centered decisions that align with access to least restrictive environment
Collaboration and communication to promote implementation of best practices for supporting students
with special education needs
Solid compliance practices protect student’s rights
Capacity building of colleagues and staff and improving services to students
Financial decisions must be fiscally responsible given the diverse needs of the District
Qualifications:
Wisconsin DPI Director of Special Education Administrator license or currently enrolled in a program.
Minimum of five (5) years successful experience related to special education.
Candidates who apply prior to the deadline will receive first consideration.
The Appleton Area School District is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate against
applicants or employees based on race; age; sex or sexual orientation; gender or gender identity; creed or
religion; color; handicap or disability; marital, citizenship, or veteran status; membership in the National Guard,
state defense force, or reserves; national origin or ancestry; arrest or conviction record; use or non-use of
lawful products off the District's premises during non-working hours; or any other characteristic protected by
law. The District encourages applications from all segments of the population.
- An Equal Opportunity Employer-
