Director of Special Education Instruction and Effectiveness
Distinctive Schools of IL, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Overview
Distinctive Schools creates diverse, joyful, welcoming communities rooted in social justice and rigorous learning. We support all learners to be engaged, curious, and to achieve their full potential. Our students become confident advocates, creative problem-solvers, and collaborative leaders. Job Details
Job Title:
Director of Special Education Instruction and Effectiveness Location:
910 W. Van Buren St., Chicago, IL Reports To:
Executive Director of Academics Salary:
Starting at $110,000, commensurate with experience Employee Type:
Regular Full Time Start Date:
June 2026 Distinctive Schools creates diverse, joyful, welcoming communities rooted in social justice and rigorous learning. We support all learners to be engaged, curious, and to achieve their full potential. Our students become confident advocates, creative problem-solvers, and collaborative leaders. Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Compliance: Develop and oversee the execution of strategic plans that advance inclusive education and instructional equity for students with disabilities districtwide. Strategic Leadership and Compliance: Monitor special education compliance data and ensure instructional teams and schools support meeting legal and policy requirements under IDEA, ADA, and organizational policy. Strategic Leadership and Compliance: Lead data-driven accountability cycles to improve the quality of instruction, IEPs, service delivery, and student outcomes. Strategic Leadership and Compliance: Support and lead responses to audits, investigations, and improvement plans related to compliance and instruction. Instructional Excellence and Support: Champion high-quality, research-based special education instruction through professional development, modeling, coaching, and knowledge dissemination across the organization. Instructional Excellence and Support: Ensure instructional support staff effectively guide schools in implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL), differentiated instruction, and culturally responsive pedagogy. Instructional Excellence and Support: Promote and ensure fidelity in the implementation of IEPs and instructional interventions. Team Development: Directly lead and supervise special education instructional support staff across the network, ensuring consistency, quality, and equity in service delivery. Team Development: Manage the development of campus and network-based staff through clear goal-setting, high-impact professional development, and direct coaching cycles (including observations, co-planning, and modeling). Team Development: Embody expertise in leadership development, specifically coaching directors, managers, and school leaders toward excellence in special education oversight. Team Development: Provide strategic guidance to teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers to ensure a high standard of both instruction and compliance. Team Development: Partner with campus leaders to guide paraprofessional evaluations and ensure effective supervision structures are in place. Collaboration and Community Engagement: Align special education instructional efforts with broader network instructional and behavioral initiatives, ensuring cohesion and cross-departmental collaboration. Collaboration and Community Engagement: Build systems to promote authentic, culturally responsive engagement of families and communities in the special education process. Collaboration and Community Engagement: Partner with advocacy organizations and community stakeholders to foster inclusive, collaborative practices. Collaboration and Community Engagement: Collaborate with other departments to support systemic alignment and innovation. Collaboration and Community Engagement: Lead or participate in districtwide initiatives, pilot programs, and special projects that enhance support for students with disabilities. Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilize data and research to inform decision-making, identify trends, and proactively address challenges in special education instructional practices. Data-Driven Decision Making: Ability to define problems, analyze data, and outline valid conclusions and action plans (Program & Curriculum Development). Program & Curriculum Development: Design and oversee special education program implementation to ensure all students access rigorous, grade-level instruction and support. Program & Curriculum Development: Partner with the academics team to align curriculum, assessments, and instructional strategies to meet the diverse needs of learners. Program & Curriculum Development: Ensure the development of inclusive instructional practices, academic interventions, and accessible curricular materials for students with exceptionalities. Program & Curriculum Development: Stay current with research and developments in special education and related services to inform network practices and instructional improvements. Academic Team Member Support: Partner with Academic Team members to lead initiatives related to teacher leaders and teacher onboarding and development. Academic Team Member Support: Uphold and contribute to the implementation of the DS Model, strategic plan, campus growth plans, and network priorities. Academic Team Member Support: Provide strategic vision, support, and leadership in new school start-up or restart opportunities. Academic Team Member Support: Design, implement, monitor progress, and provide updates on key instructional coaching decisions with a focus on new teacher development. Academic Team Member Support: Partner with Academic and Student Services team members to ensure parity and cohesiveness in philosophy, pedagogy, systems, structures, and protocols among all initiatives and content areas. Academic Team Member Support: Establish tasks and timelines and develop strategies to support projects through from beginning to end. Academic Team Member Support: Plan, design, and implement network initiatives and participate in regularly scheduled network and campus meetings and professional learning. Academic Team Member Support: Maintain a current and detailed understanding of all local and state requirements for onboarding and teacher development. Academic Team Member Support: Participate in ongoing professional learning opportunities to better support network growth and ensure that instructional coaching practices reflect current research. Academic Team Member Support: Contribute to grant applications and other professional writing. Academic Team Member Support: Check-in regularly with the Executive Director of Academics to collaborate, set and refine goals, review project progress, share feedback and support, and build rapport. Academic Team Member Support: Participate in formal and informal coaching observations and personal goal-setting with the Executive Director of Academics. Leadership practices will be measured and developed using a universal framework. Academic Team Member Support: Perform the assigned responsibilities of an Academic Team member and other duties as assigned. Requirements (minimum)
Education: Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field is required. Qualifications: Relevant state Professional Educator License (PEL) with Special Education endorsement (or equivalent) is required. Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in special education, including at least three (3) years in a senior leadership, supervisory, or district-level support role. Demonstrated experience managing teams and leading complex, cross-functional initiatives. Proven track record of improving special education instructional practices and student outcomes at the school or district level. Proficient in cloud based solutions - GoogleSuite Demonstrated understanding of AI principles and potential in education Travel to campuses daily basis Physical Demands
Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 30% sitting, 50% walking, and 20% standing. 25+ Paid holidays & reasonable (no limit) PTO 12 weeks family paid leave Comprehensive Healthcare (Medical, Dental, Vision) 403b match
Fully match up to 3% 50% match up to 5% Professional development including tuition reimbursement
Gym and wellness discounts And more Legal and Accessibility
Job Description Disclaimer:
Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility. EEO:
Distinctive Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other personal characteristic protected by applicable law. Distinctive Schools is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Distinctive Schools will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact talent@distinctiveschools.org or call 773.828.4191
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Distinctive Schools creates diverse, joyful, welcoming communities rooted in social justice and rigorous learning. We support all learners to be engaged, curious, and to achieve their full potential. Our students become confident advocates, creative problem-solvers, and collaborative leaders. Job Details
Job Title:
Director of Special Education Instruction and Effectiveness Location:
910 W. Van Buren St., Chicago, IL Reports To:
Executive Director of Academics Salary:
Starting at $110,000, commensurate with experience Employee Type:
Regular Full Time Start Date:
June 2026 Distinctive Schools creates diverse, joyful, welcoming communities rooted in social justice and rigorous learning. We support all learners to be engaged, curious, and to achieve their full potential. Our students become confident advocates, creative problem-solvers, and collaborative leaders. Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Compliance: Develop and oversee the execution of strategic plans that advance inclusive education and instructional equity for students with disabilities districtwide. Strategic Leadership and Compliance: Monitor special education compliance data and ensure instructional teams and schools support meeting legal and policy requirements under IDEA, ADA, and organizational policy. Strategic Leadership and Compliance: Lead data-driven accountability cycles to improve the quality of instruction, IEPs, service delivery, and student outcomes. Strategic Leadership and Compliance: Support and lead responses to audits, investigations, and improvement plans related to compliance and instruction. Instructional Excellence and Support: Champion high-quality, research-based special education instruction through professional development, modeling, coaching, and knowledge dissemination across the organization. Instructional Excellence and Support: Ensure instructional support staff effectively guide schools in implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL), differentiated instruction, and culturally responsive pedagogy. Instructional Excellence and Support: Promote and ensure fidelity in the implementation of IEPs and instructional interventions. Team Development: Directly lead and supervise special education instructional support staff across the network, ensuring consistency, quality, and equity in service delivery. Team Development: Manage the development of campus and network-based staff through clear goal-setting, high-impact professional development, and direct coaching cycles (including observations, co-planning, and modeling). Team Development: Embody expertise in leadership development, specifically coaching directors, managers, and school leaders toward excellence in special education oversight. Team Development: Provide strategic guidance to teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers to ensure a high standard of both instruction and compliance. Team Development: Partner with campus leaders to guide paraprofessional evaluations and ensure effective supervision structures are in place. Collaboration and Community Engagement: Align special education instructional efforts with broader network instructional and behavioral initiatives, ensuring cohesion and cross-departmental collaboration. Collaboration and Community Engagement: Build systems to promote authentic, culturally responsive engagement of families and communities in the special education process. Collaboration and Community Engagement: Partner with advocacy organizations and community stakeholders to foster inclusive, collaborative practices. Collaboration and Community Engagement: Collaborate with other departments to support systemic alignment and innovation. Collaboration and Community Engagement: Lead or participate in districtwide initiatives, pilot programs, and special projects that enhance support for students with disabilities. Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilize data and research to inform decision-making, identify trends, and proactively address challenges in special education instructional practices. Data-Driven Decision Making: Ability to define problems, analyze data, and outline valid conclusions and action plans (Program & Curriculum Development). Program & Curriculum Development: Design and oversee special education program implementation to ensure all students access rigorous, grade-level instruction and support. Program & Curriculum Development: Partner with the academics team to align curriculum, assessments, and instructional strategies to meet the diverse needs of learners. Program & Curriculum Development: Ensure the development of inclusive instructional practices, academic interventions, and accessible curricular materials for students with exceptionalities. Program & Curriculum Development: Stay current with research and developments in special education and related services to inform network practices and instructional improvements. Academic Team Member Support: Partner with Academic Team members to lead initiatives related to teacher leaders and teacher onboarding and development. Academic Team Member Support: Uphold and contribute to the implementation of the DS Model, strategic plan, campus growth plans, and network priorities. Academic Team Member Support: Provide strategic vision, support, and leadership in new school start-up or restart opportunities. Academic Team Member Support: Design, implement, monitor progress, and provide updates on key instructional coaching decisions with a focus on new teacher development. Academic Team Member Support: Partner with Academic and Student Services team members to ensure parity and cohesiveness in philosophy, pedagogy, systems, structures, and protocols among all initiatives and content areas. Academic Team Member Support: Establish tasks and timelines and develop strategies to support projects through from beginning to end. Academic Team Member Support: Plan, design, and implement network initiatives and participate in regularly scheduled network and campus meetings and professional learning. Academic Team Member Support: Maintain a current and detailed understanding of all local and state requirements for onboarding and teacher development. Academic Team Member Support: Participate in ongoing professional learning opportunities to better support network growth and ensure that instructional coaching practices reflect current research. Academic Team Member Support: Contribute to grant applications and other professional writing. Academic Team Member Support: Check-in regularly with the Executive Director of Academics to collaborate, set and refine goals, review project progress, share feedback and support, and build rapport. Academic Team Member Support: Participate in formal and informal coaching observations and personal goal-setting with the Executive Director of Academics. Leadership practices will be measured and developed using a universal framework. Academic Team Member Support: Perform the assigned responsibilities of an Academic Team member and other duties as assigned. Requirements (minimum)
Education: Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field is required. Qualifications: Relevant state Professional Educator License (PEL) with Special Education endorsement (or equivalent) is required. Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in special education, including at least three (3) years in a senior leadership, supervisory, or district-level support role. Demonstrated experience managing teams and leading complex, cross-functional initiatives. Proven track record of improving special education instructional practices and student outcomes at the school or district level. Proficient in cloud based solutions - GoogleSuite Demonstrated understanding of AI principles and potential in education Travel to campuses daily basis Physical Demands
Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 30% sitting, 50% walking, and 20% standing. 25+ Paid holidays & reasonable (no limit) PTO 12 weeks family paid leave Comprehensive Healthcare (Medical, Dental, Vision) 403b match
Fully match up to 3% 50% match up to 5% Professional development including tuition reimbursement
Gym and wellness discounts And more Legal and Accessibility
Job Description Disclaimer:
Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility. EEO:
Distinctive Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other personal characteristic protected by applicable law. Distinctive Schools is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Distinctive Schools will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact talent@distinctiveschools.org or call 773.828.4191
#J-18808-Ljbffr