Director of Special Education and School Psychologist

Position Summary

The Palmyra-Eagle Area School District is seeking a student-centered and compliance-driven leader to serve as our Director of Special Education / School Psychologist. This dual-role administrative position offers a unique opportunity to shape systemic special education programming while directly impacting student outcomes through psychological services, diagnostic evaluations, and Multi-Level Systems of Supports (MLSS).

The ideal candidate will champion equity, foster collaborative partnerships with families and staff, manage fiscal resources responsibly, and ensure strict adherence to state and federal special education laws.

Key Responsibilities

Administrative & Special Education Leadership

• Compliance & Oversight: Ensure district-wide compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) regulations.
• IEP Management: Oversee the development, implementation, and review of all Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), ensuring that "IEP at a Glance" documents and confidential lists are securely and accurately communicated to instructional staff.
• Fiscal Responsibility: Manage the special education budget, including the optimization of IDEA Flow-Through funds, local coordination, and School-Based Services (Medicaid) reimbursement tracking in conjunction with the Business Manager.
• Staff Supervision: Recruit, supervise, and evaluate special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and pupil services staff (speech/language pathologists, occupational therapists, social workers).
• DPI Reporting: Accurately compile and submit all required state reports, procedural safeguards, and Indicator data to the DPI.

School Psychology & Student Support Services

• Comprehensive Evaluations: Conduct evaluations, interpret diagnostic results, and lead multi-disciplinary teams in determining special education eligibility.
• Behavioral Interventions: Provide leadership in creating, implementing, and monitoring Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and Evidence-Based Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
• Crisis Response: Serve as a core member of the District Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT) and mental health crisis teams, providing immediate support and psychological first aid when necessary.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Collaborate with building-level teams to analyze academic and behavioral data, strengthening Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions within the district's MLSS framework.

Qualifications & Licensure Requirements

Candidates must possess or be eligible to obtain the following certifications through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI):

Required Licensure:

• DPI License 80 (Director of Special Education and Pupil Services)
• DPI License 62 (School Psychologist)

Education: Master's degree, Specialist degree, or Doctorate in School Psychology, Educational Leadership, or a closely related field.

Experience: Preferred 1-3 years of successful experience in school psychology or special education teaching, with demonstrated leadership or administrative experience preferred.

Key Competencies: Deep knowledge of Wisconsin special education law, excellent conflict-resolution skills, experience with modern IEP software (e.g., SEEDS), and a proven commitment to culturally responsive practices.

The Palmyra-Eagle Area School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment against properly qualified and eligible

individuals by reason of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, political affiliation, citizenship, religion, sex, age, handicap,

disability, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability, membership in the

national guard, state defense force, or any other reserve component of the military forces of the United States or Wisconsin, arrest record,

conviction record not substantially related to a person''s job or activity in school, or the use of lawful products by individuals off

school premises during non-working hours, as required by Wisconsin Statute 118.12, 118.13 or any other basis prohibited by applicable

federal, state, or local law. This policy also prohibits discrimination as defined by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (sex), Title

VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (race and national origin), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (disability).

Notice to applicants: If you require accommodation(s) in the application and/or interview process, please inform us.