Founding Director of Special Education

Full-Time • $100,000 • Start Date: July 2026

The Opportunity

Most special education directors inherit systems they didn't design—compliance processes that prioritize paperwork over students, inclusion models that are inclusion in name only, IEPs written to check boxes rather than change lives.

What if you could start fresh?

ARCHS is looking for a founding Director of Special Education who wants to build inclusive systems from the ground up. We open Fall 2026 with 80 students—and we anticipate 20-40% will have IEPs. The question isn't whether students with disabilities will be part of our school. It's how we design a school where they thrive seamlessly.

Why This Matters

ARCHS uses Gold Standard project-based learning—students investigate authentic problems, create real products, and present to genuine audiences. A student might research housing policy, interview community organizers, analyze data, and present recommendations to local officials.

That's powerful learning. But it only matters if all students can access it.

Too often, students with disabilities get pulled out, given modified assignments that strip away the authenticity, or left to struggle without the right supports. We're building something different. We want a Director who believes students with significant disabilities can do real research, create real products, and present to real audiences—with the right scaffolding, accommodations, and support.

The Role

You'll report to the Principal and lead everything related to special education services.

•        Program design — Build SPED systems from scratch: referral processes, evaluation protocols, service delivery models, progress monitoring, compliance documentation.

•        Inclusive PBL — Design how students with disabilities access Gold Standard PBL. Train Core Advisors on UDL, accommodations, and modifications that preserve rigor and authenticity.

•        IEP leadership — Lead IEP development that connects goals to project experiences. Ensure families are true partners in the process—with bilingual communication throughout.

•        Staff development — Hire, supervise, and coach SPED Advisors and paraprofessionals. Coordinate related services (speech, OT, PT, counseling).

•        Compliance — Ensure IDEA and 504 compliance, manage charter authorization requirements, maintain documentation, and handle due process when needed.

•        Culture building — Champion inclusion as a core value. Model the IDEAS framework (Interdependence, Dignity, Exploration, Advocacy, Self-awareness) in how you work with students, families, and staff.

What We're Looking For

Required:

•        Wisconsin DPI License 80 (Director of Special Education and Pupil Services) or reciprocity eligibility

•        Wisconsin special education teaching license

•        3+ years special education teaching experience

•        3+ years SPED leadership experience (coordinator, department chair, or equivalent)

•        Deep expertise in IDEA compliance and IEP development

Preferred:

•        Experience with inclusive education, co-teaching, or UDL implementation

•        Experience adapting PBL or competency-based assessment for students with disabilities

•        Charter school or startup experience

•        Master's degree in Special Education or Educational Leadership

•        Training in restorative practices or trauma-informed approaches

•        Bilingual Spanish-English proficiency

•        Roots in or connection to Milwaukee's South Side community

Compensation & Benefits

•        $100,000 annual salary

•        Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) — employer contribution to your pension

•        Comprehensive insurance — health (HDHP with HRA/HSA), dental, vision, life, disability

•        Generous time off — 4 weeks vacation + sick leave + 10 holidays

•        Professional development — dedicated budget including PBL Works training and SPED-specific conferences

The Honest Truth

Building inclusive systems in a startup is harder than managing existing ones. You won't have established processes to fall back on. You'll be writing the IEP procedures while serving students. You'll be training staff on inclusion while figuring out what inclusion looks like at ARCHS.

But if you've ever been frustrated by SPED systems that prioritize compliance over kids, by inclusion models that aren't really inclusive, by IEP meetings that feel like paperwork exercises—this is your chance to build something better. The decisions you make in year one will shape how ARCHS serves students with disabilities for decades.

How to Apply

Submit your resume, cover letter, and three professional references through WECAN. To access the job posting, click here or search vacancy ID 252237.

In your cover letter, please tell us:

•        How have you ensured students with disabilities access rigorous, authentic learning—not watered-down alternatives?

•        What's your philosophy on inclusion, and how have you put it into practice?

•        Why do you want to build a SPED program from scratch rather than lead an established one?

Our selection process includes a phone screen, compliance scenario exercise, and panel interviews with staff, families, and board members. We're committed to a thorough process that evaluates candidates on both technical expertise and alignment with our inclusive mission.

ARCHS is committed to building a diverse leadership team that reflects the community we serve. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who identify as Latino, bilingual, and/or from Milwaukee's South Side. We are an equal opportunity employer.

Questions? Contact Bounrod Xiong at bounrod@archsmke.org or (414) 369 – 2445.