Director of ESE/ESOL

 The Director of ESE & ESOL provides strategic leadership, vision, and oversight for the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs at SEED Miami. The Director is responsible for ensuring high-quality instructional programming, legal compliance, operational excellence, and measurable academic outcomes for students with disabilities and multilingual learners. This role leads the development and execution of systems, structures, and supports that ensure all students receive rigorous, standards-aligned instruction and services aligned with SEED Miami’s college-preparatory mission.

The Director of ESE & ESOL supervises instructional and support staff, partners with school leadership teams, and serves as the primary leader responsible for advancing student achievement, program effectiveness, language acquisition, inclusion, and compliance across all areas of ESE and ESOL services.  This position's primary hours are 8 am - 4 pm, with varying hours two days out of the week and weekends as needed. This role will report to the  Head of School and is a 12-month position. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all aspects of the ESE and ESOL programs, including program design, instructional delivery, staffing, scheduling, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of systems that ensure high-quality services and equitable outcomes for students with disabilities and multilingual learners.
• Ensure full compliance with IDEA, Section 504, ADA, Title III, and all applicable federal, state, district, MDCPS, and Cognia requirements; maintain audit-ready systems, documentation, and reporting processes.
• Oversee all ESE processes, including eligibility, evaluations, IEP development, re-evaluations, manifestation determinations, and placement decisions, ensuring procedural compliance and instructional alignment.
• Oversee ESOL compliance processes, including ELL identification, language proficiency assessments, ELL plans, monitoring, exit procedures, and required parent communication/documentation.
• Establish and monitor department-wide goals tied to student achievement, growth, language acquisition, graduation readiness, and inclusion outcomes for students receiving ESE and ESOL services.
• Analyze academic, behavioral, attendance, language proficiency, and progress-monitoring data to identify trends, gaps, and priorities; lead action planning and implement data-driven interventions to improve outcomes.
• Monitor the fidelity and effectiveness of accommodations, modifications, language supports, and specially designed instruction across classrooms and instructional settings.
• Supervise, coach, and evaluate ESE and ESOL teachers, coordinators, paraprofessionals, and related service providers to ensure instructional excellence and accountability for student outcomes.
• Design and facilitate professional development for instructional staff and school leaders on inclusive practices, language acquisition strategies, compliance, differentiated instruction, and evidence-based interventions.
• Partner with school leadership teams, teachers, families, district personnel, and community agencies to ensure coordinated and student-centered support systems.
• Serve as the primary liaison between SEED Miami, district ESE and ESOL departments, external providers, and regulatory agencies.
• Lead and contribute to literacy leadership teams, MTSS discussions, data meetings, and school improvement planning to ensure ESE and ESOL priorities are integrated into instructional decision-making.
• Develop and maintain efficient systems for student records, compliance tracking, staffing allocations, service delivery, and state/federal reporting.
• Stay current on special education laws, ESOL regulations, instructional best practices, and emerging trends to strengthen program implementation and outcomes.
• Attend scheduled PLT meetings and provide necessary updates to other members of leadership. 
• Support organizational initiatives and perform additional duties as assigned by supervisor(s).

Core Competencies: 

• Deep knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, Title III, ADA, state ESE and ESOL regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Strong instructional leadership with the ability to improve teaching quality and student achievement outcomes for diverse learners.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage change, and build strong collaborative relationships across departments.
• Skilled in analyzing and utilizing data to drive strategic decisions, monitor progress, and improve results.
• Proficient in educational technology platforms, IEP systems, compliance tools, language assessment systems, and student information systems.
• Demonstrates cultural competence and a strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and multilingual learner success.
• Exhibits strong integrity, professionalism, accountability, and ethical decision-making.
• Maintains resilience, adaptability, and a solutions-oriented mindset in fast-paced environments.
• Demonstrates compassion, empathy, and commitment to supporting students, families, and staff.
• Committed to continuous professional growth, reflective practice, and organizational improvement.
• Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Collaborates effectively across teams and contributes meaningfully to PLT structures.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, Group Life, Voluntary Life
• 403B Deferred Compensation up to 6% Employer Match. 

•  Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Education, ESOL, or a related field required; Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, ESOL, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in special education and/or ESOL, including leadership, coordination, or administrative experience preferred.
• Valid Florida teaching certificate with ESE certification/endorsement required; ESOL endorsement/certification strongly preferred.
• Educational Leadership certification preferred.
• Pre-Employment Requirements: Drug & Level 2 Fingerprint screening ( https://info.flclearinghouse.com )