HWMN0368466-1017
2026-07-01T00:00:00
2026-03-06T00:00:00
Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools, one of the leading school districts on Long Island, seeks an exceptional, experienced, visionary educational leader to serve as Assistant Director for Special Education- High SchoolThe Assistant Director of Special Education for High School leads the design, implementation, and oversight of special education services for students in grades 9–12 and transition-age students through age 22. The role ensures compliance with federal and New York State regulations while promoting academic achievement, graduation, and successful post-secondary transitions. Responsibilities include overseeing standards-based IEPs aligned to diploma pathways, transition planning, inclusive practices, and post-school readiness. In partnership with administrators, teachers, service providers, families, and community organizations, the Assistant Director supports students with disabilities in earning meaningful credentials, building independence, and achieving goals in education, employment, and community living. This is a full-time, 12-month position. Key ResponsibilitiesHigh School Special Education Program Development and LeadershipDesign, implement, and continuously improve comprehensive special education programs for grades 9–12 across disability classifications. Oversee the full continuum of services. Ensure access to rigorous, college- and career-ready instruction aligned to New York State Learning Standards.Lead development and oversight of multiple diploma pathways. Promote Universal Design for Learning, differentiated instruction, and evidence-based practices. Establish progress monitoring systems. Foster inclusive environments that ensure participation in advanced coursework, CTE, extracurricular activities, and high school life.Diploma Pathways and Graduation Requirements ManagementOversee planning and implementation of all diploma and credential pathways, including safety nets and appeals. Ensure students and families understand graduation requirements, Regents examinations, and credit expectations. Monitor credit accumulation and course-taking patterns; identify students at risk of delayed graduation; and implement targeted interventions and individualized graduation plans.Oversee Superintendents determination processes and documentation. Support district initiatives aligned to the Portrait of a Graduate and ensure equitable access to advanced coursework.IEP Development, Compliance, and Legal OversightEnsure development and implementation of legally compliant IEPs . Serve as LEA representative and chair CSE meetings, ensuring procedural compliance and meaningful student and family participation.Oversee evaluations, annual reviews, reevaluations, manifestation determinations. Maintain expertise in IDEA, Section 504, ADA, FERPA, and New York State regulations. Monitor implementation of accommodations and services, oversee testing accommodations, and ensure accurate reporting to NYSED. Review and finalize IEPs.Transition Services and Post-Secondary PlanningEnsure age-appropriate transition assessments and measurable post-secondary goals in education/training, employment, and independent living, with aligned annual goals and services.Coordinate work-based learning experiences, Pre-Employment Transition Services, and partnerships with ACCES-VR, OPWDD, OMH, NYSCB, and other adult service agencies in collaboration with the Transition coordinator. Collaborate with post-secondary institutions to support access to disability services and college readiness.Teacher Development and Staff Supervision for High School EducatorsRecruit, hire, supervise, and evaluate special education staff, including teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers. Provide professional development and coaching focused on areas of staff needs.Conduct regular classroom observations with targeted feedback. Train general education teachers on implementing IEP accommodations and modifications within rigorous academic contexts.Support psychologists in developing effective FBAs and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs). Lead department meetings, present at faculty meetings, and coordinate professional learning opportunities on superintendent conference days.Data Analysis and Outcomes ManagementEstablish and monitor key performance indicators including IEP goal attainment, Regents performance, graduation rates, dropout prevention, and post-school outcomes. Lead data reviews to inform instructional improvement, resource allocation, and program development.Analyze longitudinal and disaggregated data to identify opportunity gaps and implement corrective actions. Prepare reports on student outcomes, program effectiveness, assessment performance, graduation data, and post-school outcomes for school leadership, the Board of Education, and external stakeholders, including NYSED surveys. Coordinate participation in New York State assessments and NYSAA for eligible students.Content-Area Rigor and College ReadinessCollaborate with department directors and counselors to ensure students with disabilities access rigorous coursework, advanced classes, CTE, and dual enrollment opportunities. Support curriculum adaptation while maintaining college- and career-readiness standards.Oversee implementation of research-based academic and executive function interventions and monitor progress across content areas. Ensure special education teachers possess strong content knowledge. Monitor student progress across academics, electives, CTE, arts, physical education, and world languages, ensuring consistent implementation of accommodations.Related Services and Therapeutic Support CoordinationOversee delivery of related services and integration of therapeutic goals. Collaborate with health and mental health professionals to address social-emotional needs, crisis situations, and re-entry planning.Develop partnerships with community agencies and ensure implementation of MTSS, PBIS, and restorative approaches to support positive school climate.Post-Secondary Education and Employment CoordinationDevelop partnerships with colleges, training programs, and employers to expand post-secondary and employment opportunities. Oversee supported employment services, job coaching, and connections to adult and continuing education programs.Guide students and families in understanding options for continued services through age 22. Facilitate connections to GED preparation and alternative pathways for students who do not pursue a traditional diploma.Student Independence and Self-Determination DevelopmentImplement student-led IEP meetings and structured self-advocacy instruction. Promote independent living, organizational, executive functioning, and assistive technology skills. Behavioral and Mental Health SupportImplement school-wide and individualized behavior supports responsive to adolescent and transition-age needs. Coordinate mental health services, restorative practices, and alternatives to exclusionary discipline.Monitor disciplinary data for disproportionality and ensure compliance with manifestation determination requirements. Ensure students continue to receive educational services during disciplinary removals in collaboration with building administration.Family Partnership and Adult Transition SupportBuild collaborative partnerships with families. Provide education on diploma options, adult services, benefits, and post-secondary planning. Ensure timely responses to family concerns.Facilitate respectful, student-centered, CSE meetings focused on post-secondary goals. Provide parent workshops on transition planning, diploma pathways, adult services systems, guardianship, benefits planning, and college preparation. Collaborate with SEPTA.Strategic Planning and School-Wide LeadershipServe as a member of the high school leadership team, contributing budgeting, equity initiatives, enrollment projections, and school improvement. Contribute to school safety planning, emergency preparedness, crisis response, and threat assessment protocols with attention to behavioral and mental health needs. Compliance Monitoring and Quality AssuranceMaintain accurate records, coordinate monitoring activities, and implement corrective action plans as necessary. Ensure accurate documentation of testing accommodations, services, and graduation eligibility. Monitor adherence to federal/state regulations and district policies.Age-Appropriate Programming and Adult PreparationOversee inclusive scheduling and age-appropriate programming for transition-age students. Coordinate with athletics, student activities, and club advisors to ensure students with disabilities have access to extracurricular programs, prom, graduation ceremonies, and all high school life.QualificationsRequiredMaster’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, School Administration, or related field Valid NYS certification in Students with Disabilities (7–12) or SBL/SAS Minimum five years teaching experience with high school students with disabilities Minimum three years special education leadership experience Expertise in IDEA, NYS diploma requirements, transition services, and compliance Experience supervising staff, analyzing data, and improving post-school outcomes Strong communication, collaboration, and technology skillsPreferredDoctoral degree or advanced leadership certification Content-area certification (7–12) Experience with special education law, dispute resolution, and secondary transition initiatives Knowledge of adult service systems including OPWDD, ACCES-VR, OMH, SSI/SSDI, Medicaid, and community-based servicesCore CompetenciesTransition and post-secondary planning expertise Diploma pathways and graduation requirements mastery Legal and regulatory knowledge Data-driven instructional leadership Collaborative partnership building Student-centered, equity-focused practice Systems thinking and program development Crisis management and problem-solving Professional integrity and advocacy**Perform additional duties as assigned by the Superintendent to meet district priorities and operational needs.**Attend Monthly Board of Education (BOE) meetings and provide support, information, and follow-up actions as needed.
School Leader
Hewlett-Woodmere UFSD
Long Island
Annual wage
Range per contract