Director - Exceptional Education (Effective 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR)
Strategic Leader Wanted: Director of Exceptional Education (PreK-12)

Are you an expert administrator ready to direct a high-performing, collaborative Special
Education division?
Tucson Unified School District is seeking a Director of Exceptional Education who will plan,
administer, and direct comprehensive instructional and curriculum services for our PreK-12
special populations. This role requires a strategic thinker and an effective collaborator to
achieve the highest standards of student achievement and compliance.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Strategic Planning: Directing and planning all Special Education programs and services
  across the district.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Serving as the essential link between Special Education
  and the core Curriculum and Instruction Department.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Aligning practices through productive collaboration with both
  internal teams (principals, teachers) and key external stakeholders.
• Program Administration: Managing programs designed to improve academic success
  and ensure every Exceptional Education student receives the necessary resources and
  support.

If you possess the necessary skill set to administer complex, student-focused programs and
believe in the power of inclusive education, we invite you to apply.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Tucson Unified School District, in partnership with parents and the greater
community, is to assure each pre-K through 12th-grade student receives an engaging, rigorous,
and comprehensive education.
The District is committed to inclusion and non-discrimination in all District activities. At all times,
District staff should work to ensure that staff, parents, students, and members of the public are
included and welcome to participate in District activities.

SUMMARY
Plans, directs, and administers special education programs within Tucson Unified School District.
Administers the instructional and curriculum services for special populations (PreK - 12th grade).
Works in collaboration with the Curriculum and Instruction Department to ensure that student
instructional needs are met. Works with internal and external stakeholders to align practices and
procedures. Collaborates with Principals and Teachers to identify and assess student needs.
Administers programs designed to improve student achievement for Exceptional Education
Students.

REPORTS TO
Senior Director - Exceptional Education

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree in Education, Business Administration or related field
• Valid Arizona Administrative Certificate
• Valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Five years of teaching experience in a K-12 educational setting
• Three years of experience developing and managing complex budgets including grant
  administration
• Three years of experience in management or supervision

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Consideration will be given to applicants who explicity confirm
possession of the following preferred qualifications in their resume or application.

• Doctorate degree in a related field
• Three years of experience working with Exceptional Education (Special Education) students,
  community, and parents

One year of experience implementing state-level guidance to improve policies, practices, and procedures

POSITION SPECIFICS
EFFECTIVE: 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR
LOCATION: Exceptional Education - Broadway & Park Area
FTE: 1.0 - 8 hours per day
SALARY RANGE: $81,361.03 - $94,457.62
WORK CALENDAR: 12 month
START DATE: July 1, 2026

Tucson Unified School District is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination based on disability,
race, color, religion/religious beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age,
or national origin