Assistant Director Special Education
Salary
See Position Description
Location
Central Administration Building (CAB) 601 S 8th St., WA
Job Type
Full time
Job Number
26-27-05152
Department
Support Services
Division
Special Education / SUPPSVC
Opening Date
06/10/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
Description
Tacoma Public Schools
Expected Start Date: July 1, 2026
FTE: 1.0
Salary Level: $146,075 - $198,266 DOE
Benefits: This job has the full range of benefits offered by Tacoma Public Schools
Examples Of Duties
This position administers Special Education/Student Services programs and services for assigned schools; provides technical assistance to principals, teachers, support staff, parents, and the community in assigned special programs; coordinates assigned Special Education/Student Services programs District-wide.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Administers Special Education programs for assigned schools; facilitates communication between District administration and school staff; interprets and implements District policy; participates in the development of assigned budgets to maintain and improve the delivery of services to students in Special Education/Student Services programs.
Supervises assigned staff; makes hiring recommendations; appropriately evaluates, commends, and disciplines employees; approves leaves and overtime; assigns and reviews work; provides for and encourages participation in professional development opportunities.
Monitors work of Special Education/Student Services staff; provides technical assistance; provides input to the evaluation of certificated staff.
Oversees compliance of (Individual Educational Program) IEPs and student evaluations for assigned buildings/schools; coordinates with building administrators regarding appropriate placement of students.
Remains abreast of current laws, policies, and practices regarding the education of students with disabilities; provides technical assistance and training to department staff; interprets policies to staff and families; ensures compliance with current federal, state, and District laws, regulations, and policies; assists in effecting changes in local procedures.
Conducts and/or participates in Special Education/Student Services, staffing, and IEP Team meetings as the District representative, and a variety of other meetings regarding programs for students with disabilities; coordinates with other departments; acts as a liaison with building personnel.
Maintains professional relationships with community agencies and organizations concerned about children with disabilities and their families.
Develops new programs and modifies existing programs based on student needs and current research; evaluates programs for effectiveness and makes recommendations.
OTHER JOB DUTIES
Designs, implements, and continuously improves projects and programs for specialized needs.
Maintains and updates knowledge and skills required for success in the position by participating in professional development activities as needed or as assigned.
Manages special projects and performs related duties as assigned and on a temporary basis.
Regular, reliable, predictable attendance or physical presence is an essential job requirement and critical to the performance of the work.
CONDITIONS
Required to meet multiple reporting deadlines; required to deal with and, if appropriate, diffuse difficult and sensitive situations and/or people; requires extensive travel within the District; requires some travel outside of the community; may be required to lift and carry up to 20 pounds, bend, squat, stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, twist, climb, and/or be mobile.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
Master's Degree in Special Education or a closely related field from an accredited college or university with formal training or experience in education administration; three years of increasingly responsible experience working with students with disabilities; or any combination of experience and training which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work.
Licenses/Special Requirements
Must maintain all licenses and certifications as a condition of continued employment.
Current Washington State Administrator, Principal is preferred, and the ESA Certificate and/or Teacher certificates required.
Fingerprints and successful WSP and FBI background clearance/sexual misconduct clearance.
Valid Washington State driver's license
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of Special Education/Student Services, programs, and trends.
Knowledge of child development and disabilities.
Knowledge of leadership principles.
Knowledge of current rules, regulations, and legal mandates in Special Education.
Knowledge of effective supervisory principles and practices.
Knowledge of fiscal management practices and procedures.
Skill in obtaining, clarifying, and exchanging information.
Skill in decision-making and problem solving.
Ability to supervise the work of assigned staff.
Ability to develop and monitor budgets.
Ability to effectively resolve conflicts.
Ability to organize, prioritize, and maintain good follow-through procedures.
Ability to coordinate activities.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to demonstrate reasonable, reliable and regular attendance.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people in a multi-cultural, socio-economic setting.
Ability to participate as a member of a team
This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. District administration has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the primary functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.
Nondiscrimination Statement
Tacoma Public Schools does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Civil Rights Coordinator, Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator, and Title IX Coordinator:
Tiffany Davis-Brantley
253-571-1252, civilrights@tacoma.k12.wa.us
Section 504 Coordinator: Laura Tuman
253-571-1086, 504Coordinator@tacoma.k12.wa.us
Tacoma Public Schools
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1357
Tacoma, WA 98401-1357
www.tacomaschools.org
Benefits: This job has the full range of benefits offered by Tacoma Public Schools.
01
ALL1: Do you certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Washington that your responses to the disclosure questions that you answer as part of your Candidate profile are true and correct as of the date of the application to this job requisition?
02
ALL2: Do you certify that you meet each of the minimum qualifications for this specific position as outlined in the job description?
03
ALL3: Do you certify that you are able and/or willing to perform each of the essential job functions of this position as outlined in the job description?
04
ACE1: Please describe how your background and experiences will ensure student achievement and success in a diverse environment.
05
Do you have experience with or knowledge of CEL 5D+ Teacher Evaluations?
06
Do you have 3 years of increasingly responsible experience working with students with disabilities? Be sure this is detailed in your application and resume.
07
Do you hold a Master's Degree in Special Education or a closely related field from an accredited college or university? be sure to upload your transcripts to your application
08
Do you have training or experience in education administration? Be sure this is detailed in your application and resume.
Required Question
Employer Tacoma Public Schools (WA)
Address PO Box 1357
Tacoma, Washington, 98401
Phone 253-571-1250
Website http://www.tacomaschools.org/