Assistant Director of Secondary Special Education Services & Programs

The Lansing School District serves over 10,000 PreK-12 students across 25 school buildings in the increasingly diverse urban community of Lansing, MI. We are unique compared to other districts because of the wide variety of exciting and innovative educational options from which families and staff members can choose. All of Lansing School District’s team members are dedicated to our mission to provide an excellent education to all students in a safe and nurturing environment.
In Pursuit of this mission we are looking to hire an Assistant Director of Secondary Special Education Services and Programs. The Assistant Director of Secondary Special Education Services and Programs supports the implementation of special education services for students in grades 6–12, ensuring compliance with IDEA, MARSE, and Michigan-specific transition requirements. This role emphasizes postsecondary outcomes, including college, career, and community readiness.

Qualifications

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

• Valid Michigan School Administrator Certificate or eligibility (Special Education Supervisor Certification will suffice) 

• Special Education approval preferred

• Experience in secondary special education and strong knowledge of MARSE, transition requirements, and MMC

Job Responsibilities

• Assist in overseeing middle and high school special education programming

• Ensure compliance with MARSE, including transition planning requirements beginning no later than age 15

• Support development and monitoring of IEPs with a focus on measurable postsecondary goals and transition services

• Assist with dispute resolution, including parent concerns, mediation, and complaint processes aligned with MDE procedures

• Collaborate with counselors and administrators to support Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC) access, credit attainment, and graduation pathways

• Oversee and support transition services, including vocational training, community-based instruction, and partnerships with Michigan agencies (e.g., Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS))

• Monitor key outcomes such as graduation rates, dropout rates, and postsecondary enrollment/employment data

• Support compliance with discipline procedures, including manifestation determination reviews (MDRs)

• Assist with data reporting and compliance through MSDS and MDE monitoring systems

• Facilitate and participate in scheduled data meetings

• Provide leadership and professional development related to secondary instruction, inclusion, and transition planning

• Collaborate with ISDs and regional partners to expand programming opportunities

• Attend and draft IEP and MDR meetings as Case Manager and/or District Representative

• Support building administrators through guidance and collaboration, and regularly review data together

• Coach and evaluate SE Specialist(s) on supporting teachers and compliance

• Facilitate professional development aligned with MDE guidance and early childhood best practices

• Review IEPs for new enrollments and complete permission to place forms to share with families

• Maintain good standing in Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) and attend PD throughout the year to stay current on certifications

• Other duties as assigned

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
• Must be able to move throughout the building and campus, including classrooms, hallways, and outdoor spaces.
• Frequent verbal communication is required to instruct students, lead meetings, and collaborate with staff and families.
• May be required to stand or walk for extended periods, including during supervisory duties.
• Occasional bending, reaching, or sitting on the floor to interact with students.
• Regular use of computers and instructional technology for planning, instruction, and communication.
• Must be able to lift or carry instructional materials and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to pe