Director of Special Education (VINE)

Valley Christian Schools is seeking an experienced and collaborative Director of Special Education to lead the K–12 V.I.N.E. Special Education Department.  The Director will shape program vision, ensure instructional excellence, and support diverse learners while equipping them to be culture changers for Christ. 

Job Summary 

The Director of Special Education partners with campus principals and the Curriculum Director to guide program philosophy, curriculum, policies, and compliance while coordinating evaluations with Tempe Union High School District (TUHSD). This position includes overseeing student enrollment and placement, managing Individual Learning Plans and Accommodation Plans, supervising and evaluating V.I.N.E. staff, supporting and training faculty, managing the department budget, maintaining documentation and student records, serving on leadership teams, and ensuring consistent, high-quality implementation of services across all campuses. 

Role and Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with the campus principals, shapes the overall philosophy, goals, and objectives of the V.I.N.E. Special Education Department, K-12
• In collaboration with the Curriculum Director and campus principals, manages the curriculum within the V.I.N.E. Special Education Department and ensures that it meets the school’s standards
• Develops and reviews Special Education policies and procedures
• Coordinates student evaluations with Tempe Union High School District (TUHSD).
• Interviews and processes all new student enrollments into the V.I.N.E. Special Education Department on the high school campus. Collaborates with elementary and junior staff to oversee this process on their campuses
• Provides professional development activities for special education and general education staff
• Provides support as needed for special education and general education teachers
• Creates Individual Learning Plans and Accommodation Plans at the high school level and oversees the process on the other two campuses
• Communicates updated lists of students to the Finance Department on a monthly basis or as needed
• Serves on the Administrative Team and the Directors’ Team and attends required meetings
• Submits and manages a K-12 V.I.N.E. Special Education budget
• Creates and maintains all V.I.N.E. Special Education documentation, Individual Learning Plans, Accommodation Plans, and the V.I.N.E. Special Education Department handbook on the high school campus. Collaborates with elementary and junior staff to oversee this process on their campuses
• Collaborates with teachers regarding students who receive accommodations, whether via V.I.N.E. or an Accommodation Plan, and ensures implementation of the plans at the high school. Collaborates with elementary and junior staff to oversee this process on their campuses
• Serves on Valley Christian Schools' Deans and Directors Leadership Team
• Adheres to Valley Christian policies, procedures/processes, and codes
• Performs other related assigned duties

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Conducts interviews and participates in the hiring of V.I.N.E. Department staff
• Train, supervise, counsel, schedule and evaluate performance of assigned staff
• Oversees the overall work of V.I.N.E. Special Education personnel
• Oversees all aspects of V.I.N.E. Special Education for all K-12 students, manages student data files and obtains necessary records

Qualifications and Skills:

• Demonstrates a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that is a consistent testimony to others
• Agree to uphold Valley Christian’s Mission & Beliefs which can be found at http://valleychristianaz.org/about/philosophy/
• Faithfully attend and financially support a local church whose beliefs are in agreement with our school’s Mission & Beliefs.
• Must have and maintain a valid level one IVP fingerprint card
• Must have excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively both written and verbally
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software to prepare reports and correspondents
• Must have the ability to multi-task with organization
• Must have the ability to work after hours for events and during summer months (June & July)
• Must demonstrate being a team player with a desire for the V.I.N.E. Special Education program to have a seamless integration with the rest of the school’s programs
• Must have the ability to exercise initiative and sound judgment and to react with discretion under varying conditions
• Must have the ability to establish and maintain effective and appropriate relationships with related service providers

Education and Experience:

• Strong supervisory skills and leadership skills
• Bachelor’s Degree and prior experience in Special Education required

Preferred Skills and Knowledge:

• Prior experience as School Director
• Master’s Degree

Physical Requirements:

• Use a computer (visual and keyboarding) for long periods of time
• Able to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) 50% of the time 
• Occasionally lift up to 25 pounds 
• At times requires stooping, bending, turning, pushing, pulling, reaching and climbing stairs (2-story) 
• Use of hands, fingers, arms to reach, grip and maneuver objects
• Must be able to respond quickly to sounds (fire/security alarms)
• Work in noisy and crowded school environment 
• Able to work a flexible schedule including weekends and evenings when needed
• Frequent walking throughout the campus
• Must be able to travel in state between campuses, to vendors, and to related events

Background Check Statement

VCS conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

About Valley Christian Schools

Valley Christian Schools offers students in Kindergarten through 12th Grade, big school opportunities in a small school environment. Established in 1982, VCS provides 1100+ students a distinctly Christian education with excellent academics, championship athletics, award-winning fine arts and a supporting community that encourages spiritual growth and the success of our students in and out of the classroom across our two East Valley campuses. VCS has been consistently recognized as one of the top Christian high schools in the nation and one of the best K-12 Christian schools in the state, in large part due to our outstanding and committed faculty and staff. Through annual surveys, our team members have named VCS as a Top Workplace in Arizona in 2023 and 2024. 

PLEASE NOTE: Subject to the Constitution of the United States and all applicable state and federal laws, Valley Christian Schools does not discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, color, and national or ethnic origin in its admissions or in the administration of its education policies, programs, or activities. In addition, subject to Subject to the Constitution of the United States and all applicable state and federal laws, Valley Christian Schools does not discriminate in its employment practices. Valley Christian Schools is a Christian education institution and, in compliance with Title VII of Civil Rights Act of 1964, reserves the right to give preference in employment based upon religion. It is our desire to build an employee community of individuals who are currently living out their Christian faith that agree with our Statement of Faith, beliefs, philosophy, and qualifications.