Special Education Department Head - North High School

POSITION TITLE: Special Education Department Head – High School

This position is for the 2025-2026 school year, please complete this application to be considered.

LOCATION: North High School, 4410 North 36th Street, NE 68111

REPORTS TO:   Building Principal

WORK PERIOD: 188 Days. Additionally, works equivalent of 9 additional work days as per negotiated agreement / Exempt

SALARY: In addition to the base salary, this position includes a 5% Department Head Stipend and a 10% SpEd stipend

2025-2026 base salary information for step 1 placements

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• Step 1 with a bachelor's degree: $51,200 + 5% DH stipend ($2,560) + 10% SpEd Stipend ($5,120) = $58,880
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• Step 1 with a master's degree: $57,820 + 5% DH stipend ($2,891) + 10% SpEd Stipend ($5,782) = $66,493
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Salary credit may be awarded for applicable experience. Placement on the salary schedule will follow the applicable negotiated agreement.

 *Please note the Department Head position is considered a teaching position and is not reported to the state of Nebraska as an administrative position.

Position Purpose: The Special Education Department Head assists the building administration in the overall implementation and management of the special education services within the building.  This position is the liaison between the Special Education Division and building staff and will attend monthly meetings with District Special Education Administrators.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

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• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in education from an accredited college or university, Master’s degree preferred.
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• A valid Nebraska Teaching Certificate with endorsement of special education required and endorsement in the area of administration and supervision or curriculum and instruction preferred.
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• A minimum of 5 years of successful teaching experience in special education is preferred.
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• Successful teaching experience in a multicultural diverse urban setting preferred.
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• Demonstrates a clear understanding of the philosophy, purpose and function within an urban school district. 
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• Demonstrates an empathy for helping to lead a strong diverse urban educational environment. 
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• Demonstrated record of success which exemplifies instructional leadership, standards of academic excellence and personal integrity.
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• Knowledge of current educational trends/issues impacting special education. 
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• Skills in building and maintaining strong relationships with students, staff, parents, administration and the community.
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• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment including appropriate handling of all confidential matters with a minimum of supervision.
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• Exemplary problem solving, organizational, and time management skills.
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• Demonstrated technology skills and experience with software including Infinite Campus, Microsoft Suite.
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• Assists in Implementing Board policies and the Academic Action Plan School-wide for the staff and students.
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• Ability to make plans, schedules, decisions, and solve problems with only general direction.
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• Ability to recognize, encourage and stimulate professional growth and initiative on the part of the staff.
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• Excellent attendance record.
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• Excellent communication skills oral and written.
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• Evidence of the willingness and the ability to comply with the standards for ethical and professional performance established by the State Board of Education.
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• The skills pertinent to positive human relationships and the ability to work effectively with all staff, students, parents, administrators and the community.  A willingness and demonstrated abilities conducive to a continuous quest for quality education.
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• Knowledge of OPS’s mission, purpose, goals and the role of every employee in achieving each of them 
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 Essential Performance Responsibilities

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• Coordinating building special education meetings with the special education supervisor
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• Ensuring students have access to general education classes with accommodations as necessary
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• Guaranteeing timely completion of quarterly IEP progress reports for parents
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• Supporting general education teachers in meeting the needs of students with special needs
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• Serving as a resource to teachers regarding special education practices and procedures
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• Ensuring special education teachers have manageable schedules and adequate space, materials and supplies
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• Monitoring compliance with all special education timelines and content of MDT/IEP documents
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• Coordinating activities of related service providers (i.e. OT, PT, Vocational Rehabilitation, Work Based Learning, Transition)
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• Problem solving with administrations, staff, and students to reduce suspensions
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• Promote a school environment that is safe and conducive to student learning.
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• Demonstrated philosophy that all students can and will learn.
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• Adjusts to events, processes and behaviors which disrupt daily routines.
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• Works extended hours, including evening activities, to meet job demands.
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• Assists with teacher evaluation procedures and teachers as assigned by building principal
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• Inventories, monitors and requests department supplies, materials and equipment.
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• Work collaboratively with the Principal, Administrative Team, and school staff to best meet the educational needs of the student population based on individual student needs.
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• Works collaboratively with the Principal and Administrative Team in guiding decision making and problem solving in relation to student, family, or team needs.
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• Supervises the work of substitute teachers.
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• Provides for new teacher orientation and staff in-service needs.
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• Supporting development of staff through instructional coaching
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• Developing students’ cognitive capacity and respect for learning
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• Positively fostering students’ self-esteem
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• Maintain the District’s overall mission; assist in supporting and implementing board policies and the academic action plan school wide with students, staff, parents/guardians, and community members.
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• Maintain the School’s overall mission; assist in supporting and implementing school guidelines with students, staff, parents/guardians, and community members.
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• Demonstrates the promotion of life-long learning by participating in pertinent professional development in both the academic curriculum as well as cultural proficiency and awareness of understanding diversity
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• Maintain effective communication with all supporting divisions within the Omaha Public School district as well as students, staff, parents/guardians and community members.
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• Planning for and guiding the learning process to help students achieve program objectives
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• Working collaboratively to achieve the overall purpose of the school’s program and support the District’s vision, aims and goals
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• Serves as a positive, mature role model.
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• Meets regular and predictable attendance requirements.
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• Prepares special and/or routine reports and letters of correspondence.
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• The skills pertinent to positive human relationships and the ability to work effectively with students, members of the instructional staff and the community.
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* NOTE: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Equipment:  This position may require the ability to use SMART boards and iPads in addition to basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine.  Must always comply with OPS’s guidelines for equipment use.

Travel:  Limited travel may be required.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

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• Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations.
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• Must have organization, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
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• Work in school building environments.
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Interrelations:

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• Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors.
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• Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day to day tasks.
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• Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.
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• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues.
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• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service.
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Employee Punctuality and Appearance

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• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave.
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• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee’s supervisor or building administrator.
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• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is appropriate for their position.
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Terms of Employment

This position is treated as a full-time exempt certified position. The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment or teaching in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time, and the Teacher Contract. If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and collective bargaining representative.

Terms of employment are contingent upon:

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• Verification of a valid Nebraska Teaching License or other required license.
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• A background check which demonstrates background is acceptable for the position sought and working with or around students.
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• Verification of U.S. Citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.
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• Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required by federal law for your position).
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• Execution and delivery to OPS of a Teacher Contract presented by OPS.
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Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities, employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131. (531-299-0307)   

The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process please contact the human resources department at 531-299-0240.