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Special Education Administrator
Special education administrators oversee school district special education programs. They assist with program administration, ensure the quality of special education services, and work with teachers and parents in the education process.
Nature of Work
- Determine educational standards and goals for special education programs.
- Ensure that those programs comply with federal, state, and local laws.
- Set policies and procedures for special education teachers and staff who are implementing those programs.
- Motivate teachers and staff.
- Provide parents with regular reports on their child's progress.
- Review and evaluate all programs - pilot programs, long-term programs, future programs.
- Write grants, prepare budgets.
- Respond to legislative questions and concerns.
- Mediate disputes between parents and schools.
- Attend community meetings when critical special education issues are discussed.
Education Required
- Master's degree in most cases, sometimes a doctorate degree.
- All states require a license to practice. Licensing requirements vary by state.
Personal Qualities
- Confident
- Articulate
- Innovative leaders
- Inspire trust
- Strong motivator
- Excellent managers
Job Outlook and Advancement
- Employment of education administrators is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2010. (BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 2002-03).
How to Prepare for a Career
- High school students can gain leadership skills by being active and assuming officer positions in school clubs and organizations.
- Maintain a strong competitive high school grade point average.
- Volunteer to work in children's programs, summer recreation camps, or Special Olympics.
- Ask about volunteer tutoring opportunities with children who receive special education services.
- Attend your community's school board meetings and special hearings, especially those related to school curriculum and special education services will be discussed.
information
Resource Information
American Association of School Administrators
1801 North Moore Street
Arlington, Virginia 22209
800-771-1162
703-528-0700
The Council of Administrators of Special Education
615 16th Street, NW
Albuquerque, MN 87104
505-243-7622
The Council for Exceptional Children
1110 N. Glebe Rd., Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22201-5704
800-224-6830
866-915-5000 TTY
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