Director of Special Education

Position Type:

Administration/Director

Date Posted:

5/22/2025

Location:

Portland Central Office

Closing Date:

06/13/2025

POSITION: Director of Special Education

LOCATION: Portland Public Schools

DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN

Portland Public Schools is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as the Director of Special Education. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and passionate educator who is committed to advancing equitable, inclusive, and innovative special education services within a district that values collaboration, empowers leadership, and encourages the thoughtful development of responsive programs.

We are looking for a leader who is ready to build upon a strong foundation of special education support while identifying and implementing new pathways to meet the diverse and evolving needs of students with disabilities. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of special education law, instructional best practices, compliance, and program development, as well as the strategic thinking, creativity, and integrity needed to lead transformational change.

Portland Public Schools offers a supportive, student-centered environment where forward-thinking leadership is not only encouraged but essential to our mission of providing high-quality education for all learners.

Eligible candidates must meet the following qualifications:

Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with Special Education Endorsement

Michigan Administrative Certification and/or Approval (or eligibility for temporary approval) by the Department of Education as a Supervisor or Director of Special Education

Minimum of five years of successful Special Education teaching and/or administrative experience

Strong understanding of Federal and State Special Education rules and regulations

Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills

The desired candidate would possess the following experiences and dispositions:

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with parents, staff, and administrative team

Skills in meeting facilitation and problem solving

Ability to interpret, comprehend, and follow oral and written instructions in order to perform duties described above.

Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently

High level of discretion and integrity

Strong systems thinking: able to design, implement, and refine processes that align with strategic goals and support sustainable change

Proven ability to lead innovation and bring ideas from concept to implementation

Demonstrated success in cultivating staff leadership and professional growth

Proven ability to build strong, trusting relationships with students, families, staff, and community members

Familiarity with Capturing Kids’ Hearts or similar frameworks that promote relational capacity, connected classrooms, and positive school culture

Comfortable working in a dynamic environment where initiative, problem-solving, and adaptability are essential

A clear understanding of MTSS and PBIS as it relates to special education services

A growth mindset, openness to risk-taking, and commitment to continuous learning

Essential duties and responsibilities of the position:

Provide leadership and oversight for district-operated special education programs and services, ensuring compliance with IDEA, MARSE, and all state/federal mandates.

Collaborate with IEP teams, building principals, and the ISD to ensure students with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).

Champion the integration of the district’s Portrait of a Learner by aligning special education services with the district’s vision for student growth and success. Ensure that students with disabilities are fully supported in developing key learner skills and dispositions through inclusive, individualized, and strengths-based approaches.

Support the implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) by aligning interventions, data practices, and staff collaboration to meet the diverse academic and behavioral needs of students with disabilities.

Supervise and support special education staff in collaboration with building principals, including evaluations and staffing recommendations.

Coordinate the development and implementation of IEPs, student evaluations, and state assessments for students with disabilities.

Manage enrollment processes for students with IEPs who transfer into the district and oversee evaluation requests.

Monitor program quality and ensure effective delivery of inclusive supports aligned with district instructional goals.

Identify professional learning needs and coordinate relevant training for special education staff.

Serve as the district liaison for all special education compliance activities, including data analysis, corrective action plans, and state complaint procedures.

Prepare and present reports to the Superintendent and Board of Education on special education programs, services, and policy matters.

Assist in developing and monitoring the special education budget, grants, and staffing levels.

Represent the district in county, regional, and state-level meetings and professional networks.

Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or Board of Education.

Terms of Employment:

Contract: 215-day administrative contract (non-tenure, two-year term)

Salary: $85,000–$110,000, commensurate with experience and certification, with full benefits as per the employment agreement.

Application Process:

Applicants for the position should email letter of application, resume, copies of credentials to or apply online at: by Friday, June 13, 2025

William Heath, Superintendent

Portland Public Schools

1100 Ionia Road

Portland, MI 48875

Questions about the position or the district can be sent to William Heath, Superintendent, Portland Public Schools at or

No person applying for employment at Portland Public Schools shall, on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, (including sexual orientation and transgender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. We are an equal opportunity employer.