Do you aspire to become a director of special education? Pursue your career goals with the education specialist (Ed.S.) program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Our Ed.S. and Director of SPED Licensure program is designed for experienced, working educators who wish to take their careers to the next level by pursuing administrative positions. Our program helps you meet state requirements by developing robust competencies in administration and ethical leadership. Here, we explore how earning an Ed.S. can help you get prepared for special education director jobs.
Key Takeaways
- Special education directors provide management and oversight for special education programs at schools. Their responsibilities require educational and administrative experience.
- Becoming a SPED director in Minnesota requires a bachelor’s degree, three years of experience, 60 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree, and 320 hours of supervised field experience.
- The Ed.S. licensure program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota prepares students for careers as SPED directors with administrative knowledge, skills, and ethical foundations.
What Do Special Education Directors Do?
A director of special education, or SPED director, oversees education for students with physical, mental, behavioral, or learning disabilities. They are responsible for ensuring that education meets these unique needs effectively. For example, they might analyze student assessments, design individualized education plans (IEPs), and supervise budget spending. Other responsibilities might include:
- Collaborating with other teachers and professionals
- Applying for and confirming grants
- Leading professional development courses for teachers
- Making decisions about staffing and hiring
- Conducting classroom evaluations
- Ensuring compliance with state and accreditation board requirements
The position of SPED director requires both strong leadership skills and experience as an educator.
What Is Required for Special Education Director Jobs?
Because SPED director roles come with challenges beyond a standard teaching position, they have more stringent requirements. You can’t apply for this position without training and experience in both special education and education administration, ensuring that you have the skills necessary to lead effectively. Becoming a SPED director in the state of Minnesota requires:
- A bachelor’s degree in special education
- Three years of experience as a SPED teacher
- 60 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree
- Completion of a 320-hour residency or field experience internship
- Recommendation for licensure by an approved Minnesota college or university
The additional credits, residency, and recommendation may be earned through an education specialist degree, master’s, or doctoral degree program. The program of choice depends on your career goals. If you are pursuing high-level administration, such as a superintendent position, then a doctoral degree is best. If becoming a SPED director is your end goal, however, then an Ed.S. provides a fast, practical path for skill-building and licensure. It can also be used as a stepping stone toward a doctoral degree, helping you build toward the qualifications you desire.
What Competencies Are Built into an Ed.S. Program?
Our Ed.S. and Director of SPED Licensure program is designed to prepare you for a SPED director position. The curriculum is written with working educators in mind, with the assumption that you already have a foundation in special education. It builds upon these fundamentals and expands them with new competencies related to administration and ethical leadership. These are some of the topics covered by the 30-credit program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota:
- Compliance with Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504
- Utilizing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
- Designing and implementing Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
- Navigating educational data systems effectively
- Designing and analyzing student assessments that minimize bias
- Ethical guidelines for leadership and decision-making
- Creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment
- Applying findings from multiple research methods
The program also includes a 320-hour residency, where you apply your new competencies and gain real-world experience under the supervision of a licensed SPED director. All courses and the residency are designed with a character-driven focus, training professionals for effective and moral decision-making to make a real difference.
Chase Your Special Education Career Goals at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Make your goals a reality with the student-focused academic programs and faith-centered learning provided at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. We offer academic excellence, modern curricula, and flexible programs to set our students up for success in their fields. Request information or apply for admission today and start building skills for special education director jobs.
FAQ About Special Education Director Jobs
What is the salary outlook for SPED directors?
The salary outlook for special education directors is $82,000 to $132,000 a year, according to Glassdoor.
Can I become a SPED director without a principal license?
Yes, you can become a SPED director without a principal license. SPED director licensure and principal licensure are different types of licenses.
Is an Ed.S. or Ed.D. better for SPED leadership?
Whether an Ed.S. or Ed.D. is better depends on your career goals. An Ed.S. is sufficient for SPED director roles in most school districts. If you plan to pursue a higher administrative position, however, then an Ed.D. may be encouraged or required.
