Administrative Skills, Analysis Skills, Behavioral Intervention, Budgeting, Conflict Resolution, Cross-Functional, Emergency Response, Federal Laws and Regulations, Financial Management, First Aid, Functional Analysis, Leadership, Legal, Maintain Compliance, Medicaid, Occupational Therapy, People Management, Primary School, Psychiatry and Mental Health, Psychology, Regulations, Rehabilitation Act, Reimbursement, Resource Management, Social Work, Special Education, Speech and Language Pathology, Staff Training, State Laws and Regulations, Team Lead/Manager, Team Player, Training/Teaching
Ithaca School District is seeking a full-time elementary special education TEACHER/DIRECTOR to join our elementary teaching staff for the 2026-27 school year. The successful candidate will:
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.
- 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)
Education: Master's degree, Specialist degree, Educational Leadership, or a closely related field.
Experience: Preferred 1-3 years of successful experience in school 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.
Compensation & Benefits: The Ithaca School District offers a highly competitive benefits package, including health, dental, long-term disability, and life insurances.
Interested candidates should apply by completing the WECAN online application and online cover letter. Attach a copy of your resume, transcripts, three (3) letters of professional reference, and a copy of your current Wisconsin DPI license to your WECAN application.
Ithaca School District is a progressive school district located in southwest Wisconsin amidst the beautiful ridges and valleys of Richland County. Ithaca is a community where hometown values and kids come first. Pride runs deep in the souls of our families, students, and staff. Wonderful activities abound in the fields, valleys, woods, and streams through the region.