Assistant Director of Special Services

Are you a visionary special education leader who believes every student deserves rigorous, inclusive, and personalized learning opportunities? Do you thrive at the intersection of instructional leadership, systems improvement, and collaborative problem-solving?

The Barre Unified Union School District is seeking a dynamic Assistant Director of Special Services to help lead and strengthen our district’s special education programs and services. This is an opportunity to shape systems, elevate instructional practice, and ensure equitable outcomes for students with disabilities across PreK–12 settings. For complete job description, click here .

Why This Role Matters

The Assistant Director plays a pivotal leadership role in:

Strengthening high-quality, specially designed instruction

Ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations

Building professional capacity across schools

Promoting inclusive practices and equitable access

Supporting staff through mentorship, supervision, and professional learning

Aligning special education services with district-wide academic goals

This position is ideal for a leader who balances strategic thinking with hands-on support and who is equally comfortable analyzing data, coaching educators, and collaborating with families.

What You'll Do:

Lead Program Development & Compliance

Guide the development and refinement of special education programs and services.

Play a key role in the district evaluation team and ensure timely, high-quality assessments.

Monitor out-of-district placements and program effectiveness.

Ensure full compliance with federal and state special education regulations.

Stay current on research, legislation, and best practices.

Drive Instructional Excellence

Promote rigorous, differentiated, and student-centered instructional practices.

Model effective use of assessment data to improve student outcomes.

Provide actionable feedback through research-based supervision and evaluation.

Mentor and support special education staff in reflective and continuous professional growth.

Coordinate meaningful professional development aligned to district priorities.

Manage Resources Strategically

Support development and oversight of the Special Education budget.

Collaborate on school-based budget planning and required reporting.

Align staffing assignments and scheduling to maximize impact and meet student needs.

Build Strong Partnerships

Cultivate collaborative relationships with families, staff, and community partners.

Partner with building administrators to ensure aligned service delivery.

Work closely with district leaders to strengthen inclusive systems and coordinated supports.

What You'll Need:

Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field

Must hold or be qualified for Vermont endorsement 3-86 (Director of Special Education)

Strong knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, and relevant state/federal regulations

Demonstrated experience in special education program administration, staff supervision, and budget management

Proven ability to lead with equity, cultural responsiveness, and student-centered practices

Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills