Director of Special Education

✨ Join a group of passionate advocates on our mission to improve the lives of youth! Rite of Passage is hiring for a Director of Special Education at Norris Academy in Andersonville, TN! ✨

Are you ready to make an IMPACT from day one? Nestled just outside the Great Smoky Mountains, approximately 30 miles north of Knoxville, in the beautiful town of Andersonville, Norris Academy is a residential treatment facility providing comprehensive educational and therapeutic services to youth with autism spectrum disorders and other neurodevelopmental diagnoses.

As Director of Special Education, you will lead a team of dedicated educators committed to helping students reach their academic, behavioral, and personal potential through individualized instruction, collaboration, and compassionate leadership.

A day in the life of the Director of Special Education with Rite of Passage means leading a multidisciplinary educational team dedicated to providing exceptional instruction and support for students with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. The Director of Special Education ensures academic excellence while maintaining compliance with educational regulations and organizational standards.

• →Provide leadership and supervision for all educational staff, including teachers, instructional assistants, and educational support personnel.
• →Ensure compliance with Tennessee Department of Education regulations, IDEA, Section 504, FERPA, and all applicable special education laws.
• →Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• →Foster a positive school culture that promotes academic achievement, student engagement, and social-emotional growth.
• →Evaluate instructional practices and implement strategies to improve student outcomes.
• →Coach, mentor, and evaluate educational staff through regular observations, feedback, and professional development.
• →Collaborate with clinical, residential, nursing, and case management teams to ensure integrated student care and educational success.
• →Monitor curriculum implementation, student progress, testing, and academic performance.
• →Ensure accurate educational documentation and timely reporting.
• →Participate in licensing reviews, accreditation visits, and regulatory audits.
• →Maintain compliance with Rite of Passage policies, safety procedures, and quality assurance initiatives.
• →Develop school improvement plans and implement evidence-based instructional practices.
• →Build positive relationships with families, school districts, referring agencies, and community partners.
• →Maintain a safe, structured, and trauma-informed educational environment.
• →Participate in leadership meetings, strategic planning, and organizational initiatives.
• →Support staff recruitment, onboarding, retention, and succession planning.
• →Maintain flexibility to meet operational needs, including occasional evenings, weekends, or emergency situations.
• →Perform other duties as assigned.

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Master's degree in Educational Leadership, Administration, Special Education, or a related field required.
• SPED Leadership is required.
• Valid Tennessee Principal License (or eligibility for licensure) preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of educational experience, including supervisory or leadership responsibilities.
• Experience working with students with autism spectrum disorders, emotional or behavioral needs, or other special education populations strongly preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of IDEA, IEP development, Tennessee Department of Education regulations, and special education compliance.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders.
• Ability to pass a background screening, drug test, and physical examination.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

After more than 40 years of improving the lives of youth, Rite of Passage continues its commitment to helping young people become successful adults. As the Director of Special Education at Norris Academy, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of our educational program, empower exceptional educators, and positively impact the lives of students with autism while building a rewarding leadership career with opportunities for professional growth nationwide.