Special education teachers oversee the education and training of students with physical, emotional, mental, and learning disabilities. They design and deliver lessons geared towards the individual needs and capabilities of the students under their supervision.
These teachers provide special education services to meet the requirements of moderate-to-severe needs students who have a range of learning, emotional, physical and mental disabilities.
Responsible for planning, developing, delivering and evaluating appropriate individualised educational services, learning programs and instruction for special needs students in both self-contained and integrated settings in consultation with other school personnel
Job Responsibilities of a Special Education Director
The following are the duties of a special education director below:
1. Identify the needs of assigned students through formal and informal assessments
2. Review referral data, history, and assessment data to develop goals and objectives for each student
3. Confer with general education teachers regarding the educational, social, emotional and physical needs and objectives of each student
4. Plan, develop and implement individualised learning plans for each student
6. Prepare instructional materials and lesson plans according to individual educational plans (ie ps)
7. Review i.e. p.S. with parents, school administrators and general education teachers
8. Utilise methods of learning delivery and instruction to meet the needs of each student in the least restrictive environment LRE.
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What is the Most Difficult Situation You Have Experienced in Your Work and How Did You Tackle It?
Here, the interviewer wants to assess your problem solving skills.
Tip #1: Describe a difficult situation you have encountered
Tip #2: Mention how you solved it
Sample Answer
The most difficult situation I found myself in was working with uncooperative staff. I experienced this challenge last year. The employees had gone without pay for two months. So they were demotivated and very unsatisfied with the employer. I would assign work and many would not meet deadlines. I resolved this matter by letting the top management understand the chaotic situation I was going through. I kept on reminding them to sort out the financial issue. Also, I would encourage my team to be patients a little as they work. Luckily, the issue was solved in two weeks.
[VIDEO] Top 20 Special Education Director Interview Questions with Sample Answers: ► Subscribe for more useful videos
How Do You Stay Motivated in Your Work?
The interviewer is interested in understanding how you remain inspired at work.
Tip #1: State what you do to stay motivated
Tip #2: Be precise and prove you are self-inspired
Sample Answer
I am very passionate about what I do. I always feel satisfied when I achieve my goals. Moreover, I read about what other special education directors are doing including the challenges they have overcome. Understanding how they tackled their challenges inspires me to press on and be optimistic that I will be successful.
1 How Do You Implement Change in Special Education?
The interviewer aims to understand whether you can be trusted to implement change effectively.
Tip #1: Demonstrate that you are skilled in implementing change
Tip #2: Provide a complete and convincing answer
Sample Answer
I define the planned change and ensure it aligns with the goals of special education. I communicate the planned change and ensure everyone understands its impact. Then, change is implemented, effective training is conducted and necessary support is provided. Lastly, I assess the change process to determine whether the desires outcomes have been achieved.
1 Why Do You Think You are the Right Candidate for This Job?
The interview manager wants to know how you match the requirements of this position.
Tip #1: State that you have the qualification, experience, and abilities they need.
Tip #2: Prove that you have what it take to execute this role effectively
Sample Answer
My qualification and experience match the requirements for this job. I studied in one of the best universities in the country. I have worked as a special education director for seven years. As such, I have significant experience in the profession. Besides, my passion for what I do and good communication, leadership, and problem solving skills make me a good fit for this job.