Behavioral Intervention, Coaching, Communication Skills, Cross-Functional, Disability Accommodations, Documentation, Functional Analysis, Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Operations Management, Organizational Skills, People Management, Procedure Development, Procedure Implementation, Progress Reports, School Psychology, Social Work, Special Education, State Laws and Regulations, Student Conduct, Training/Teaching
Job Description:
Position Overview
The Special Education Assistant Principal supports the Principal and Director of Special Education in leading high-quality, legally compliant special education services and inclusive practices for students with disabilities. The role combines instructional leadership, staff supervision, and day-to-day operational management to ensure that students receive appropriate services in the least restrictive environment.
Required Certifications & Qualifications
- Current State of Connecticut Intermediate Administrator Certification #092
- Current State of Connecticut Special Education or Related Service Provider Certificate #065, #165 or #265, or #070, #070, #061, #068
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience in a teacher-leader, department chair, coordinator, or administrative role in special education.
Experience working with families in complex or contentious situations.
Demonstrated knowledge of:
IDEA, Section 504, and Connecticut special education regulations
IEP development, implementation, and progress monitoring
Evidence-based instructional and behavioral practices for students with disabilities
Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams (teachers, related service providers, school psychologists, social workers, BCBA, etc.).
Strong communication, problemsolving, and organizational skills.
Key Responsibilities
Instructional leadership and student support
- Promote high expectations and rigorous, standards-aligned instruction for students with disabilities in both general and special education settings.
- Collaborate with teachers and related service providers to support effective instructional strategies, differentiation, accommodations, and modifications.
- Monitor student academic, behavioral, and social-emotional data to guide interventions, progress monitoring, and placement decisions.
- Support the implementation of MTSS/RTI frameworks and behavior intervention systems as they relate to students with IEPs and 504 plans
Special education program oversight
- Assist in ensuring that special education services are implemented in accordance with IDEA, Section 504, state regulations, and district policies.
- Participate in or chair PPT/IEP meetings as assigned, ensuring appropriate team participation, high-quality IEPs, and clear documentation.
- Support scheduling and coordination of special education services, related services, and paraprofessional assignments.
- Help monitor compliance with timelines for evaluations, annual reviews, triennials, and progress reporting.
Staff supervision and development
- Supervise and evaluate special education teachers, related service providers, and paraprofessionals in accordance with district evaluation systems.
- Provide instructional coaching, feedback, and professional learning aligned to district priorities and the needs of students with disabilities.
- Address staff performance concerns in collaboration with the principal, Director of Special Education, and Human Resources.
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive culture among general education and special education staff.
Family and community collaboration
- Build and maintain positive, respectful relationships with families of students with disabilities, including during challenging or high-conflict situations.
- Communicate clearly with parents/guardians about services, progress, behavior plans, and school expectations.
- Partner with community agencies and outside providers as needed to coordinate services and supports.
School operations, climate, and safety
- Assist with school-wide student management systems, including discipline, restorative practices, and behavior supports, ensuring appropriate application for students with disabilities.
- Participate in crisis response, safety planning, and functional behavior assessments/behavior intervention plans as appropriate.
- Support the principal in implementing building procedures, schedules, and supervision duties, with attention to accessibility and inclusion.