Description

Role Mission: The Assistant Principal of Instruction – Special Programs (API of Special Programs) serves as the campus lead for compliance, instructional oversight, and systems implementation across Special Programs. This role ensures fidelity of implementation, state and federal compliance, and high-quality instructional support for students served under Special Education, Section 504, Emergent Bilingual (EB), CSI, MTSS/RTI, and coordinate Testing and SSD (College Board/ACT) accommodations.

The API of Special Programs collaborates with campus leaders and teachers, district partners, and families to ensure access, compliance, and academic success for all identified student populations. The API of Special Programs has managerial responsibilities of the Special Education and RISE staff only.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

The API serves as the manager of the campus Testing Coordinator.

Location:

This is a full-time (remote/on-site) position based in Texas, with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or who are willing to relocate.

Travel Expectations:

None

What We Offer

Compensation:

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $70,532 and $82,170, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for a performance bonus based on team performance and goal attainment.

Other Benefits:

We offer a comprehensive benefits plan, covering the majority of the employee premium for the base medical plan and subsidizing the majority of costs for a spouse/domestic partner and children. Some of the special benefits we offer at IDEA include:

Paid Family Leave: Eligible staff may receive up to 8 weeks of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child, based on their tenure with the organization and caregiver designation.
Tuition Reimbursement: Staff members may apply for up to 50% of tuition paid toward a qualifying degree program, up to $5,250 maximum per year subject to manager discretion and budget availability.
Employer-Paid Mental/Behavioral Health: 5 face-to-face counseling sessions within a year, unlimited 24/7 telephonic counseling, and other work-life services available at no cost.

Other benefits include dental and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. IDEA may offer a relocation allowance to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

What You Bring -- Competencies

Qualifications:

High level of content-area proficiency, as evidenced by teacher certification, field of study, or work-experience.

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year educational institution.

Experience:

Experience in Special Programs (SpEd, EB, 504, RTI) Special Education Certification, Principal Certification, or other SpEd related area (Diag/SLP, School Psychologist) preferred.

Knowledge and Skills:

Knowledge of federal/state compliance requirements. Ability to coach and lead adult learners. Data analysis and reporting proficiency. Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to remain in a stationary position and move/traverse throughout classrooms, offices, and campus spaces for extended periods while coaching staff and monitoring schoolwide systems. Ability to remain in a stationary position for prolonged periods while operating computers and other technology to conduct data analysis, prepare reports, participate in virtual meetings, and complete written communications. Frequently operate, prepare, inspect, and position instructional and office technology, including laptops, tablets, projectors, and related equipment. Occasionally move, transport, and position instructional materials, resources, and meeting supplies weighing up to 25 pounds. Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information in person and through virtual platforms with staff, students, and families. Ability to detect, assess, and respond promptly to operational and student-support needs in active and changing school environments. Must be able to work around varied schedules, including early mornings, evenings, or occasional weekends, to meet campus priorities and deadlines.

What You’ll Do -- Accountabilities

Responsibilities:

Special Education / RISE Responsibilities (Est. Weekly Time Commitment: 10-15 hours): Ensure Special Education Compliance & ARD Management: Collaborate with case managers to ensure ARDs are conducted within federal timelines and serve as the District Representative in ARD meetings. Oversee IEP Implementation & Service Tracking: Partner with regional teams to implement IEPs with fidelity, monitor service delivery, and conduct audits to ensure compliance and effectiveness. Lead & Develop Special Education/RISE Staff: Coach, manage, and support Special Education and RISE staff to improve instructional quality and student outcomes. Conduct Observations & Monitor Accommodations: Perform classroom observations with campus and regional leaders to ensure proper implementation of accommodations and instructional strategies. Provide Instructional Coaching & Lesson Plan Feedback: Collaborate with campus leaders to review and provide targeted feedback on general education, RISE, and Special Education lesson plans. Support Program Quality & End-of-Year Processes: Oversee program quality through systems monitoring and lead end-of-year checkouts for Special Education and RISE staff.

Section 504 Responsibilities (Est. Weekly Time Commitment: 3-5 hours – varies by caseload): Determine Eligibility & Coordinate 504 Services: Collaborate with health professionals, MTSS leaders, and Special Education teams to determine student eligibility for Section 504 supports. Facilitate 504 Meetings & Case Management: Schedule and lead initial and annual Section 504 meetings, ensuring all required processes are completed with fidelity. Develop & Maintain Accommodation Plans: Draft, update, and manage Individual Accommodation Plans (IAPs) using district guidelines to meet student needs. Ensure Compliance & Documentation Accuracy: Maintain accurate records in compliance systems (e.g., Frontline) and monitor timelines for evaluations and annual reviews. Monitor Accommodation Implementation: Ensure teachers implement accommodations with fidelity through observations, collaboration, and ongoing support. Provide Staff Training & Instructional Support: Communicate and unpack IAPs with teachers and provide guidance at the beginning of the year and when plans are updated.

Emergent Bilingual (EB) Responsibilities (Est. Weekly Time Commitment varies by season): Manage EB Identification & Compliance Processes: Execute student identification procedures, oversee language proficiency testing (e.g., preLAS /LAS), and ensure all timelines and state requirements are met. Facilitate LPAC Processes & Language Planning: Lead LPAC meetings, ensure accurate student coding, and develop and update individual language plans annually. Maintain Accurate Records & Data Systems: Manage EB records tracking systems, ensure 100% documentation compliance, and maintain accuracy within SIS platforms. Monitor Instructional Implementation & Assessment Readiness: Conduct walkthroughs with regional partner and diagnose instructional gaps, ensure EB accommodations are implemented with fidelity, and oversee TELPAS preparation and testing. Build Capacity Through Training & Family Engagement: Facilitate professional development (e.g., SIOP, ELPS) and lead Title III parent engagement initiatives (minimum 4 events annually) to strengthen support for EB students.

Critical Student Intervention Responsibilities (Est. Weekly Time Commitment: 8-10 hours): Coach & Develop CSI Teachers: Observe and coach CSI teachers to strengthen instructional practices and improve student outcomes. Collaborate with Regional Teams: Partner with Regional CSI Coaches through joint observations and participation in data meetings (DAPS) to align strategies and drive results. Ensure Implementation Fidelity: Monitor and support consistent execution of CSI instructional models, interventions, and program expectations. Manage Data & Program Deliverables: Complete and oversee required deliverables (e.g., RenStar, PTG trackers, Paths to Becoming a CSI) and ensure accurate documentation and uploads of CSI DI packets and recordings. Oversee Student Assessment & Placement: Administer placement testing and ensure students are appropriately placed within intervention programs. Lead Targeted Intervention Systems: Oversee key intervention programs, including DIBELS (K–2) for Academy API and re-tester supports for College Prep API, to accelerate student achievement.

MTSS/RTI Responsibilities (Est. Weekly Time Commitment: 3-4 hours): Collaborate with Instructional Leadership: Partner with Grade Team Leaders and Assistant Principals of Instruction to align interventions and support student success. Ensure Fidelity of Intervention Plans: Monitor and support consistent implementation of RTI plans to ensure interventions are delivered effectively. Oversee Student Identification & Participation: Ensure 100% of eligible students are accurately identified and enrolled in RTI systems (RTI Plug-In). Monitor Student Progress & Adjust Interventions: Track student performance and update RTI plans every 6–9 weeks based on data and progress. Maintain Accountability & System Effectiveness: Ensure RTI systems are implemented consistently and meet campus expectations for student support and outcomes.

SSD (Services for Students with Disabilities) – AP/ACT Accommodations (Est. Time Commitment: 4-5 hours per quarter): Secure Consent & Ensure Compliance: Obtain parent consent and complete required trainings to ensure compliance with AP and ACT accommodation processes. Determine Appropriate Accommodations: Research and align accommodations to meet individual student needs across SpEd, 504, and EB populations. Prepare & Submit Accommodation Requests: Gather required documentation and submit accommodation requests to College Board and ACT within established deadlines. Manage Application Status & Resubmissions: Track request outcomes, manage resubmissions for denied applications, and ensure timely resolution. Communicate with Families & Stakeholders: Provide clear, timely communication to parents regarding approval status and next steps. Ensure Implementation & Alignment: Verify approved accommodations are reflected in IEPs/504 plans and implemented with fidelity during testing.

Additional Responsibilities include:

Collaborate with Regional VP of Special Programs or Regional Special Programs Director and serve as the campus point of contact for TEA/OCR Complaints/Mediations/Hearings, to include data/evidence gathering for submission and completion of campus facing next steps for corrective action plans for Special Education and 504.
Analyze instructional data across all special populations and develop action plans to improve student outcomes.
Maintain full compliance with federal, state, and district requirements, ensuring accurate documentation and timely completion of all reporting.
Deliver turn-around training and professional development to strengthen instructional and compliance practices for teachers and campus leaders.
Participate in instructional rounds and coach teachers to improve support and outcomes for special populations.
Partner with SPED, EB, 504, RTI, and regional/national teams to align strategies, resources, and supports.
Support campus leaders in developing systems that ensure equitable access, high-quality instruction, and improved achievement for all student groups.

About IDEA Public Schools

At IDEA Public Schools, we believe each and every child can go to college. Since 2000, IDEA Public Schools has grown from a small school with 150 students to a multi-state network of tuition-free, Pre-K-12 public charter schools. IDEA Public Schools boasts national rankings on The Washington Post and U.S. News & World Report’s top high schools lists. IDEA serves over 80,000 college-bound students in 143 schools across Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Ohio, and is on-track to maintain its legacy of sending 100% of its graduates to college.

When you choose to work at IDEA, you are part of our IDEA Team and Family. You will work alongside team members who set and reach ambitious goals every day, are excited to continue to grow with IDEA, and work relentlessly to make college for all a reality.

Staff Experience

At IDEA, the Staff Experience Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members. Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here!

To Apply

Please submit your application online through Jobvite. It’s in your best interest to apply as soon as possible. IDEA Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability, in admission or access to, or treatment of employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the organization's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), may contact IDEA Human Resources at (956) 377-8000.