Principal, Special Education School (ID 3092)

Job Summary

The San Diego County Office of Education is recruiting for a Principal, Special Education School for the South County SELPA department of the Student Services and Programs division. The job of Principal, Special Education School is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional process, with specific responsibility for directing overall site operations, services, and staff at a school site; providing information and serving as a resource to others; enforcing established policies and regulatory requirements; coordinating school activities and addressing issues, situations and/or problems that arise on campus or with enrolled students.

The position of Principal for the South County SELPA Academy is an exciting opportunity to provide leadership for instilling, and building effective practices for this new school.

ABOUT SOUTH COUNTY SELPA ACADEMY
The mission of South County SELPA Academy is to provide a nurturing, structured, and supportive learning environment for students whose behavioral and mental health needs cannot be fully met in a traditional school setting. Through integrated academic instruction and targeted social-emotional and behavioral supports, we help students build the self-regulation, relationship, and problem-solving skills necessary for a successful transition back to their schools of residence.

Through individualized academic instruction, therapeutic support, and a trauma-informed, restorative approach to Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), South County SELPA Academy staff meet students where they are and help them develop the skills needed for success in school and beyond.

***Tentative Interviews to take place week of 11/30/2026 - 12/04/2026***

Requirements / Qualifications

This position requires the following Education and Experience and Certificates, Licenses, and Credentials:

Education and Experience:



Education: Master's degree in job-related area; and,

Experience: Three (3) years of increasingly responsible educational administrative services experience in a school setting, with responsibility for coaching and evaluating teaching staff. Certain assignments may require fluency in American Sign Language.

-- OR --

Equivalency: A combination of education and experience equivalent to a master’s degree from an accredited college or university, including course work in instructional leadership and/or organizational change, and three (3) years of increasingly responsible educational administrative services experience in a school setting, with responsibility for coaching and evaluating teaching staff. Certain assignments may require fluency in American Sign Language.

Certificates, Licenses, and Credentials:

• Administrative Services Credential

To be considered for this position, you must individually attach the following items to your completed EDJOIN Application:

• Resume, detailing education and experience as it relates to this position
• Letter of Introduction
• Three (3) Letters of Recommendation, written for this specific position
• Copies of the following documents:
  
  • Valid CA Administrative Services Credential issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (if applicable)
  • Transcripts verifying Master's degree (or higher) in job-related area
  • Any certifications you would like considered

Comments and Other Information

For inquiries regarding this position, please reach out to the Human Resources contact listed on this posting. To maintain a fair and consistent process, please do not reach out to the hiring department or its staff.

Join our amazing team!
The San Diego County Office of Education is a collaborative organization
that works toward a future without boundaries for our students.
We are passionate about equity for students and employees, support innovative learning,
offer great employee benefits, and professional growth opportunities!

*Note: Valid California credentials are a requirement at the time of hire. If you do not possess the required California credentials, you may go to the California Commission of Teacher Credentialing website https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/out-of-state-app for details on meeting California’s requirements.

Please note that your completed online application must include all the required supplemental documentation. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Employment with SDCOE is contingent upon the successful completion of a post-offer background check and physical exam, which includes a drug screening. All required California Credentials (if applicable, as issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing) must be confirmed prior to employment with SDCOE.

Diversity Statement: Because each person is born with inherent worth and dignity, and because equitable access and opportunity are essential to a just, educated society, SDCOE employee commitments include being respectful of differences and diverse perspectives, as well as being accountable for their actions and their impact.

The San Diego County Office of Education is an equal opportunity employer.

About SDCOE
The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) serves the region's most vulnerable students, and supports school leaders, teachers, and students across the county. We support about 780 schools and nearly 500,000 students, including the children we educate each year through our Juvenile Court and Community Schools. SDCOE provides a variety of services for the 42 school districts, 129 charter schools, and five community college districts in the county.

Our mission is inspiring and leading innovation in education and our North Star goal over the next several years is to reduce the percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch as part of a larger effort to elevate the needs of historically underserved students and families.

To learn more about SDCOE and the North Star Goal, please visit: https://www.sdcoe.net/about-sdcoe

To learn more about working at SDCOE, please visit: https://www.sdcoe.net/work-sdcoe

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