EdPost

Start Your Online Application Now The Austin Public School District is seeking to hire an Assistant Director of Special Education effective for the 2026-2027 school year. APS is a world-class public school system located in Austin, MN. We employ over 800 full- and part-time employees and serve over 5000 students from diverse backgrounds. The Assistant Director of Special Education provides districtwide leadership and day-to-day administrative oversight of special education services to ensure high-quality instruction, equitable access, and full compliance with federal and state requirements. This role supervises and evaluates licensed special education staff; serves as the District Representative at IEP meetings with authority to commit district resources; leads due process systems, program improvement, and interagency coordination (including Extended School Year services, transitions, and specialized transportation); and partners closely with Teaching & Learning to advance inclusive practices and alignment with general education systems. Scope of Practice The Assistant Director operates as a district-level administrator with authority and responsibility across the following areas: Districtwide Program Leadership & Strategic Management Due Process, Compliance & District Representation Instructional Leadership & Inclusive Practices Talent Management, Supervision & Evaluation Operations, Transportation, Data Systems & Reporting Family, Community & Interagency Engagement Professional Learning & Organizational Culture Key Responsibilities Provide daily leadership and administrative oversight of district special education programs and services Ensure compliance with IDEA, Section 504, Minnesota Rule 3525, and district policy; lead due process systems, audits, and corrective actions Serve as District Representative at IEP meetings with authority to make decisions and allocate district resources Lead program planning, support budget development, and analyze data to improve student outcomes, service delivery, and LRE practices Coordinate Extended School Year (ESY), transition services, homebound instruction, and specialized transportation Partner with Teaching & Learning to advance inclusive instructional models, aligned curriculum, and MTSS/UDL practices Recruit, supervise, evaluate, and support licensed special education staff in collaboration with building principals Design and deliver job-embedded professional learning for licensed and non-licensed staff Oversee special education data systems, reporting, and required state and federal submissions Facilitate collaboration with families, community partners, and interagency stakeholders, including the Special Education Advisory Council Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, accountability, and continuous improvement Qualifications: Required Qualifications Minnesota Director of Special Education administrative license (or eligibility) Master''s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field Minnesota Special Education teaching license Experience & Expertise Minimum of five (5) years of successful experience in special education; district-level leadership experience preferred Demonstrated expertise in special education law, finance, and due process Experience supervising and evaluating licensed staff Strong skills in conflict resolution, data analysis, communication, and technology systems Contract Days: 260 Full job description available upon request. Applications will be accepted, and highly qualified candidates will be interviewed now until the position is filled. Salary/Benefits: Annual Salary Range is according to education and experience. Also includes a competitive benefits package of paid time off, health insurance, life insurance, etc. Commitment to Equity: Austin Public Schools is committed to diversifying its workforce to better reflect the community we serve. We believe the practices used in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, supporting, and promoting staff must include and honor, at every level, those who represent the diverse identities of our schools and community. Common and Shared Accountabilities for All Positions Employees of Austin Public Schools are expected to support the strategic plan. Our mission at Austin Public Schools is to Inspire, Empower, and Accelerate . Our vision is to prepare all learners to make a difference in the world . All employees are to model and promote an environment that is respectful for all, and work collaboratively with other staff to focus on the needs of the learner. A quality, customer focus that conveys a welcome attitude, an adaptability to change, and a desire for continuous improvement is also expected of all employees. In addition, staff are to respect confidential matters, encourage a safe and secure environment throughout the schools, and be dependable and accountable employees. The strategic plan can be found on our website. https://www.austin.k12.mn.us/district-offices/school-board/strategic-plan . District Information: To learn more about Austin Public Schools, visit https://www.austin.k12.mn.us/ Application Procedure: Apply online at Employment - Austin Public Schools | Inspire. Empower. Accelerate. As Equal Opportunity Employer, Austin Public Schools is committed to creating an inclusive environment that values the diversity of its employees and does not discriminate against any employee or candidate based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, age, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, familial status or membership or activity in a local commission. The school district strongly encourages anyone interested to apply to join our teams. Reasonable accommodations to access job openings or to apply for a job are available. Austin Minnesota Public School District #492 uses the applicant tracking system from Frontline Education to manage employment applications online