How to Become a Director of Special Education | Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota (2024)

There are many reasons to become a director of special education. Students who pursue a career can make a real difference in special education. Directors of special education are responsible for managing and overseeing educational programs within a special education setting. Alongside other roles, they must meet students’ needs and adhere to state and federal educational requirements.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers an online remote Director of Special Education Graduate Certificate program. We use Catholic educational values to guide our courses, meaning students can gain unique perspectives. Learn more about our online remote programs and the benefits of becoming a director of special education.

A director of special education manages and oversees learning for students with special needs. This includes students with physical, mental, behavioral, or learning disabilities. Directors of special education ensure that education services and support meet the special needs of these students. For example, they may create learning plans that cater to each student and their specific disability.

Other roles of a director of special education include:

• Collaborating with other teachers, parents, and professionals
• Creating Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
• Overseeing budgets and resources
• Conducting course evaluations
• Leading professional development courses for special education teachers

Because directors of special education take on an important role in school districts, they must have exceptional leadership skills and experience in the field.

To become a director of special education, a candidate must have at least three years of successful experience as a licensed special education teacher, school counselor, school social worker, or speech language pathologist. After earning their master’s degree from an accredited university, students can enroll in a director of special education graduate program and, upon completion, can earn licensure through the state of Minnesota. They can then enter the field and begin gaining experience.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers a remote online Director of Special Education Graduate Certificate programfor students looking to further their careers. This program teaches students the skills to earn their Director of Special Education license. A character-driven focus and commitment to ethical leadership will be integrated into each course while students learn practical management skills and how to apply leadership competencies to a special education setting. Students also learn about local, state, and federal policies and laws for special education from active Minnesota administrators, meaning they can gain unique insights and knowledge of the field.

Those who pursue a career as a director of special education can work for an individual school or within a school district. Directors working in school districts must oversee all special education operations across all schools in that district. Directors of special education can hold many positions within school district settings, as well as other environments. Careers can include:

• Director of special services: This is someone who manages the integration of student special education plans.
• Executive director: This role involves making decisions and managing operations for special education settings.
• Education director: This is someone who manages and leads special education programs.
• Center director: This is someone who oversees all management within a special education center.
• Program director: This job includes managing and overseeing specific special education programs.
• Clinical director: This role focuses on managing clinical processes within a special education setting.
• President or commissioner: This individual takes on a larger, more prominent role in special education through government agencies or organizations.

A career as a director of special education can be fulfilling. It can also offer stability and allow students to earn a sufficient living. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, special education professionals make around $67,510. This means graduates can earn a comfortable income while pursuing work they are passionate about.

A career as a director of special education can be incredibly fulfilling, especially if you have a passion for helping those with special needs. Becoming a director of special education allows you to make a real difference in the special education field. Other benefits of the career include:

Flexibility in Work Environments

Directors of special education can work in many environments – not just schools. While schools always require well-trained, knowledgeable special education staff, graduates can find employment at other facilities, such as learning centers, clinical settings, and government organizations.

Earn a Stable Income

Graduates who move on to become directors of special education can earn a stable, steady income while doing what they love.

Pursue Your Passions

If you want to make a difference in special education, becoming a director of special education is the best way to accomplish this. Directors oversee and manage learning programs, meaning they have a say in how students with special needs learn. Becoming a director allows you to make positive changes and impact student education.

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