Director of Special Education - 2025/2026 SY at Culver City Unified
About the Employer
CULVER CITY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT At Culver City Unified School District, we take our responsibility seriously and are committed to excellence for all students in what we call The 4 A's: Academics, Athletics, Activities, and The Arts. Taking a Whole Child approach, our vision is that 100% of our students graduate from high school with unlimited opportunities in college and career, and are prepared to be successful in everything they endeavor to try.
Job Summary
Job Summary
Under professional direction of the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, to plan, organize, manage, and direct all aspects of the Special Education Department, which includes all District special education programs and related services, to plan, organize, coordinate, and manage all programs and services related to special education; to participate and provide leadership in the District's planning activities; and to do other related functions as directed.
Requirements / Qualifications
Culver City USD is searching for a compassionate, visionary, and driven professional to serve as our Director of Special Education. This role calls for a leader who is deeply committed to creating equitable opportunities and fostering inclusive environments for students with disabilities. The Ideal Candidate: Passionate Advocate: A dedicated champion for students with disabilities, who believes in their potential and has a proven track record of supporting their academic and personal growth. Collaborative Leader: Someone who thrives in a team environment and can inspire, guide, and bring together diverse groups, including parents, educators, and community members. Analytical Problem-Solver: A professional who can tackle challenges thoughtfully, offering innovative and practical solutions to meet the evolving needs of Special Education programs. Effective Communicator: Possessing excellent interpersonal skills to engage and connect with various stakeholders, while promoting understanding and collaboration. Experienced Expert: A leader with extensive knowledge of Special Education laws, instructional strategies, and inclusive practices, paired with strong administrative experience.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
All employment offers are conditional, based upon the successful completion of the following: Fingerprint/background clearance and a tuberculosis clearance. A physical examination clearance is required for certain positions for the district. All candidates with a record of convictions must indicate such on the confidential/legal section of the application, which is attached to the job application. A record of conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment, but a failure to list all convictions may result in disqualification or dismissal.
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and skill is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be: EXPERIENCE:
- Minimum of three (3) years of successful experience in a responsible administrative position performing special education supervision and related functions.
- Minimum of three years teaching experience (preferably in Special Education) or experience in a related field such as school psychologist or speech and language pathologist.
- Experience with special education due process and litigation.
- Master’s degree (or higher) in administration, special education, pupil personnel services, counseling and guidance, or a closely related field. Certification Requirement
- Possession of or the ability to qualify for a California Administrative Services Credential.
SELECTION PROCESS The qualifications of each applicant will be evaluated in a multi-step process using specific criteria. The adopted criteria will be utilized during the application screening, interviewing and final decision making process. After the application screening is completed, the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services will determine those candidates to be interviewed. Interviews will be conducted in mid-late April and finalists may be invited to return for an additional interview with the Superintendent. The successful candidate will assume his/her position as of July 1, 2025.
- Credential Copy (California Administrative Credential )
- Letter of Introduction (Indicating (a) reason for interest in the position; and (b) a description of qualifications, training and experience relating to the unique needs of this position)
- Letter(s) of Recommendation (Three letters preferably written within the last two yrs.)
- Resume
Requirements / Qualifications
Culver City USD is searching for a compassionate, visionary, and driven professional to serve as our Director of Special Education. This role calls for a leader who is deeply committed to creating equitable opportunities and fostering inclusive environments for students with disabilities. The Ideal Candidate: Passionate Advocate: A dedicated champion for students with disabilities, who believes in their potential and has a proven track record of supporting their academic and personal growth. Collaborative Leader: Someone who thrives in a team environment and can inspire, guide, and bring together diverse groups, including parents, educators, and community members. Analytical Problem-Solver: A professional who can tackle challenges thoughtfully, offering innovative and practical solutions to meet the evolving needs of Special Education programs. Effective Communicator: Possessing excellent interpersonal skills to engage and connect with various stakeholders, while promoting understanding and collaboration. Experienced Expert: A leader with extensive knowledge of Special Education laws, instructional strategies, and inclusive practices, paired with strong administrative experience.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
All employment offers are conditional, based upon the successful completion of the following: Fingerprint/background clearance and a tuberculosis clearance. A physical examination clearance is required for certain positions for the district. All candidates with a record of convictions must indicate such on the confidential/legal section of the application, which is attached to the job application. A record of conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment, but a failure to list all convictions may result in disqualification or dismissal.
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and skill is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be: EXPERIENCE:
- Minimum of three (3) years of successful experience in a responsible administrative position performing special education supervision and related functions.
- Minimum of three years teaching experience (preferably in Special Education) or experience in a related field such as school psychologist or speech and language pathologist.
- Experience with special education due process and litigation.
- Master’s degree (or higher) in administration, special education, pupil personnel services, counseling and guidance, or a closely related field. Certification Requirement
- Possession of or the ability to qualify for a California Administrative Services Credential.
SELECTION PROCESS The qualifications of each applicant will be evaluated in a multi-step process using specific criteria. The adopted criteria will be utilized during the application screening, interviewing and final decision making process. After the application screening is completed, the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services will determine those candidates to be interviewed. Interviews will be conducted in mid-late April and finalists may be invited to return for an additional interview with the Superintendent. The successful candidate will assume his/her position as of July 1, 2025.
- Credential Copy (California Administrative Credential )
- Letter of Introduction (Indicating (a) reason for interest in the position; and (b) a description of qualifications, training and experience relating to the unique needs of this position)
- Letter(s) of Recommendation (Three letters preferably written within the last two yrs.)
- Resume
Comments and Other Information
The Culver City Unified School District supports and adheres to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnic group identification, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, marital or parental status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, sexual orientation or the perception of one or more of such characteristics.
Comments and Other Information
The Culver City Unified School District supports and adheres to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnic group identification, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, marital or parental status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, sexual orientation or the perception of one or more of such characteristics.
Application Deadline
4/14/2025 12:00 PM Pacific
Date Posted
3/12/2025
Contact
Catherine Cummings
310 842-4220 4214
310 842-4220 4214
Number of Openings
1
Salary
Pay Range
$146,276.74 - $171,109.17 Annually
$146,276.74 - $171,109.17 Annually
Add'l Salary Info
In addition to the base salary, the District pays $2,000 for a doctorate degree, and a mileage stipend
Length of Work Year
225 day work year
Employment Type
Full Time
Benefits
Offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees and their families, including medical, dental, vision and life insurance.