Regional Special Education Director (Great Prairie)

Regional Special Education Director (Great Prairie)

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Regional Special Education Director (Great Prairie)

Salary

$112,985.60 - $160,680.00 Annually

Location

Ottumwa - 52501 - Wapello County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-02091

Agency

282 Iowa Department of Education

Opening Date

02/09/2026

Closing Date

3/16/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-DNP

Point of Contact

idoe.hr@iowa.gov

To Apply

Candidates are encouraged to include detailed information about their relevant experience in their application, or submit a cover letter and resume in addition to their application.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Iowa

This is a non-merit position, candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

Iowa Department of Education's mission is ensuring all students experience a world-class education. To accomplish our mission, we need talented, passionate people working together to build an excellent education system that empowers all students to achieve their full potential.

The Iowa Department of Education seeks a dedicated, expert Regional Special Education Director to ensure all students with disabilities experience a world-class education that meets their needs, inspires them, and prepares them for bright futures. The Regional Special Education Director will be an integral member of the Division of Special Education, providing regional leadership to improve educational results and functional outcomes for learners with disabilities.

Your Responsibilities:

Provide regional leadership to improve educational results and functional outcomes for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families (IDEA, Part C known as Early ACCESS) and children with disabilities (IDEA, Part B including 619), and ensure that the relevant Area Education Agencies (AEA), local educational agencies (LEAs), and early intervention service (EIS) programs and providers meet the requirements under IDEA, state law, and all relevant federal and state regulations and guidance.

Provide general supervision and direct oversight consistent with IDEA, state law, and all relevant federal and state regulations and guidance. Implement Iowa's model of general supervision including the duty to inform, prevent, detect, inspect and correct within the region.

Oversee and approve the special education policies, procedures, and practices of the AEA, LEAs and EIS providers to ensure each child with a disability in the region receives a Free and Appropriate Public Education in the Least Restrictive Environment. Monitor the implementation of an integrated system of special education from Child Find through IEP implementation, ensuring the implementation of compliant IFSPs and IEPs and the use of evidence-based, high-quality specially designed instruction.

Ensure the appropriate use of special education finances and compliant and timely reporting by assigning appropriate weights for each child requiring special education programs or services in coordination with the AEA and providing each school district within the region with a certified special education weighted enrollment count in coordination with the AEA and the Department of Management.

Supervise and direct the work of regional special education staff members to support the implementation of general supervision practices, implementation of IDEA-differentiated accountability and continuous improvement efforts in special education.

Participate in comprehensive efforts of the Department, including Department, Division, and Regional Team meetings, and other assigned work groups.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience administering and/or supporting special education programs.
• Experience interpreting and implementing state or federal special education law.
• Experience providing technical assistance and professional learning to educators.
• Experience with special education finance.

If you wish to review a copy of the Position Description Questionnaire, please contactidoe.hr@iowa.gov.

Hours: 8:00 a.m. ? 4:30 p.m., Monday ? Friday; some nights and weekends, occasional in-state and out-of-state travel

A successful candidate will bring or have the ability and desire to learn:

• Passion for accomplishing common goals in pursuit of public service
• Strong technical skills, strategic and analytical mindset, and a focus on systems improvement
• Strong written and verbal communication
• High-quality interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
• Desire to work with diverse teams and stakeholders
• Ability to work collaboratively on and provide leadership for high-performing teams
• Ability to work in complex situations and meet deadlines while leading teams as a non-traditional leader (no supervisory authority)
• Ability to work independently, prioritize work, manage time and move projects forward with minimal supervision
• Ability to manage self in relation to prioritization and time management
• Ability to interpret and break down highly technical or regulatory language, and present information in an understandable manner
• Experience providing technical assistance and professional learning to educators
• Experience impacting the trajectory of outcomes for learners with disabilities

WHAT?S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Opportunities to make a widespread difference in the lives of children, their families, and Iowa communities
• Collaborative, positive work environment
• Talented and passionate work colleagues that will help you learn and grow
• Opportunities to collaborate with experts from around the country
• Employee discounts from a variety of vendors

+ Competitive salary and benefits package:

https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/employment/Benefits\_Beyond\_the\_Paycheck.pdf

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federalRight to Work laws, which protect employees? rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visitwww.e-verify.gov.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university, and experience equal to six years of full-time, professional-level work in special education, program administration, development, management, or operations.

2) A combination of a total of ten years of education and full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work may substitute for one year of full-time experience.

3) Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in special education, therapy (physical, occupational, speech/language, or other education-related area), social work, law, education, or public or business administration, and experience equal to four years of full-time, professional-level work in special education, program administration, development, management, or operations.

Additional Qualification Requirements

CREDENTIAL:

• Director of Special Education OR
• Professional Services Administrator OR
• Special Education Supervisor/Instruction OR
• Pk12 Principal/Supervisor Special Education OR
• Special Education Consultant OR
• School Psychologist OR
• Teaching License with a Special Education Endorsement OR
• Professional Service License OR
• Superintendent

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset ? our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS (https://ipers.org/members) .

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely.Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question.Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.
• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. ?611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. ?611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. ?611 et seq

03

Have you graduated from an accredited four-year college or university, and do you have experience equal to six years of full-time, professional-level work in special education, program administration, development, management, or operations?

• Yes - I have the required education and experience
• I do not have the required education and experience

04

Do you have a total of 10 years of post high school education and/or full-time, professional-level work in program administration, development, management, or operations? 30 semester hours equals one year of experience.

• Yes - I have the ten years required
• I do not have the ten years required

05

Have you graduated from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in special education, therapy (physical, occupational, speech/language, or other education-related area), social work, law, education, or public or business administration, AND do you have experience equal to four years of fulltime, professional-level work in special education, program administration, development, management, or operations?

• Yes - I have the graduate education and work experience required
• I do not have the graduate education and work experience required

06

How many years of full-time work experience do you have as a special education teacher or special education provider?

• 10 or more years of experience
• 7 years to less than 10 years experience
• 4 years to less than 7 years experience
• 1 year to less than 4 years experience
• Less than 1 year experience
• Not applicable

07

How many years of full-time work experience do you have as a special education administrator, director, or facilitator in a school district?

• 10 or more years of experience
• 7 years to less than 10 years experience
• 4 years to less than 7 years experience
• 1 year to less than 4 years experience
• Less than 1 year experience
• Not applicable

08

How many years of full-time work experience do you have with school improvement, data driven systems improvement, or other continous improvement efforts in the area of special education?

• 10 or more years of experience
• 7 years to less than 10 years experience
• 4 years to less than 7 years experience
• 1 year to less than 4 years experience
• Less than 1 year experience
• Not applicable

09

How many years of full-time work experience do you have completing IFSP and IEP compliance reviews and identifying connected corrective action activities?

• 10 or more years of experience
• 7 years to less than 10 years experience
• 4 years to less than 7 years experience
• 1 year to less than 4 years experience
• Less than 1 year experience
• Not applicable

10

How many years of full-time work experience do you have developing and delivering professional learning to adults (do not include years teaching in a classroom?

• 10 or more years of experience
• 7 years to less than 10 years experience
• 4 years to less than 7 years experience
• 1 year to less than 4 years experience
• Less than 1 year experience
• Not applicable

11

How many years of full-time work experience do you have as an instructional, leadership or systems coach?

• 10 or more years of experience
• 7 years to less than 10 years experience
• 4 years to less than 7 years experience
• 1 year to less than 4 years experience
• Less than 1 year experience
• Not applicable

12

Do you have, or have had, a BoEE License?

• Yes
• No

13

Has there been probable cause, suspension, revocation or disciplinary action taken against you?

• Yes
• No

14

If any of the above apply to you, please describe:

Required Question

Employer

State of Iowa

Agency

282 Iowa Department of Education

Address

Grimes State Office Building

400 E 14th St

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website

https://www.educateiowa.gov/

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