NENN0365922-1017
2026-07-01T00:00:00
2026-02-05T00:00:00
The Secondary Director of Special Education provides visible, professional leadership to guide and oversee the District’s comprehensive secondary Special Education programs. This role calls for an exceptional educational leader who models professionalism and drives continuous improvement while supporting high academic achievement and student well-being. The Director leads the planning, coordination, supervision, and evaluation of all program functions and staff at the secondary level, cultivating a school culture deeply committed to inclusive practices, social-emotional learning, and positive mental health. By aligning programs with student needs and the Northport–East Northport Portrait of a Graduate, the Director ensures that every student develops the core competencies necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world.Primary Duties and Responsibilities:Provide leadership and oversight of all District secondary Special Education programs, ensuring alignment with student needs, district priorities, and regulatory requirementsEnsure full compliance with New York State and federal special education laws and regulations, including interpretation of new legislation and provision of guidance and recommendations to District leadershipOversee all Committee on Special Education (CSE) placement recommendations at the secondary level, including in-District programs, resource room services, self-contained classes, BOCES placements, and approved private school placementsCoordinate and supervise out-of-district special education placements, including vocational and post-graduate programs, and conduct required program visitations Implement, monitor, and evaluate the District’s strategic plan as it relates to Special Education and Student Support ServicesAnalyze program effectiveness and staffing needs to ensure appropriate allocation of resources and alignment with student needsEngage in research and data analysis to inform program development and continuous improvementSupervise and evaluate special education teachers, teaching assistants, psychologists, speech-language therapists, social workers, and related service providersRecruit, hire, and ensure the placement of certified and non-certified staff for secondary special education programsConduct secondary-level special education staff meetings and facilitate collaboration among stakeholdersProvide leadership in the development, implementation, and monitoring of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)Chair secondary CSE meetings, manifestation determination meetings, and related planning meetings as requiredParticipate in impartial hearings, resolution meetings, and other litigious matters, and prepare materials for New York State audits and accountability reviews, including Indicator reportingSupport districtwide Learning Support Team (LST) processes and proceduresCollaborate with the District’s transition coordinator and counseling department to ensure students with disabilities meet graduation and postsecondary transition requirementsSupport the administration and scoring of the New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA)Coordinate extended-day programs, Extended School Year (ESY) services, and related transportationAssist in the coordination of home instruction and homeschooling for students with disabilitiesDevelop middle school and high school special education master schedules and coordinate Regents examinations and common assessments for students requiring testing accommodationsBuild and maintain strong partnerships with faculty, administrators, students, families, and parent organizations, including SEPTA. Attend SEPTA meetings, district committees, Board of Education meetings, and other community forums as required. Serve as a member of the Administrative Council and interpret Special Education programs and services to district leadership and the communityFacilitate and oversee special transportation services for students in Special Education programs, including BOCES placementsAdditional Roles and Responsibilities:Support assessment coordination, including NYSAA administration and scheduling of Regents and secondary assessments with accommodationsAssist teachers with instructional materials, methodologies, and evidence-based practices for students with disabilitiesDevelop and implement plans for staff professional learning to improve instructional practicesServe as a mentor to teacher leaders, administrative interns, and coordinate student teacher and observer placementMinimum Training and Experience:Extensive knowledge of and experience supporting Students with DisabilitiesEvidence of educational leadership, including leading teams, initiatives, or programs with proven effectivenessEvidence of successful secondary-level classroom teaching or related service provider experienceDemonstrated effectiveness as both a teacher and educational leaderExtensive knowledge of New York State learning standards and instructional best practicesExperience using academic, behavioral, and compliance data to inform decision-makingQualifications and Requirements:Master’s degree required; doctorate preferredDemonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and high-quality outcomes for students with disabilitiesExtensive knowledge of New York State and federal special education law, instructional technology, and data-driven leadershipValid New York State School District Leader (SDL) or School District Administrator (SDA) certificationExperience as building principal preferredKnowledge, Skills and Abilities:Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skillsDemonstrated ability to build and sustain productive relationships across varied roles and constituenciesEmbraces innovationAbility to work effectively as a member of a teamExperience supervising and evaluating staff effectivelyProficiency with instructional technology and data systemsAbility to develop, implement, and monitor strategic plansExperience leading instructional initiatives and supporting high-quality teaching practicesStrong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skillsReports To:The Assistant Superintendent for Special Education and Student Support ServicesSupervises:Secondary special education teachers, teaching assistants, psychologists, speech therapists, social workers, and administrative internsLength of Year:Full time (12 months)Salary:Commensurate with the Northport Association of School Administrators (NASA) contractApplication Procedure:Address all letters of interest and resumes to the attention of Anthony J. Davidson, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.In addition to applying on OLAS, you must also apply on our website at:https://northport.k12.ny.us/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=587494&type=d&termREC_ID=&pREC_ID=1147535
School Leader
Northport-East Northport UFSD
Long Island
Contract