NEW DIRECTORS' NETWORK (NDN)

New Directors' Network

Join the New Directors' Network!

The New Directors' Network is a dynamic support series designed specifically for new professionals in special education leadership. These one-hour virtual sessions, held from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM (Central Time) on select dates, provide an opportunity to:

Free Member Benefit

  • Connect with fellow new directors across the country
  • Share strategies, challenges, and solutions
  • Build a supportive professional network
  • Gain insights into effective leadership practices

FREE MEMBER BENEFIT!!  JOIN NOW

Creating a strong foundation starts with connection. Let’s grow together and support one another in this critical work. Save the dates and join us for this empowering series!

 
Register for the New Directors' Network in the Members Only Tab

 

Date Title Topic CASE Leadership Standard
August 12, 2025
Starting Strong: Legal Landmines and Leadership Foundations for New Directors
A crash course in high-risk legal areas—Child Find, discipline, prior written notice, IEE requests, and stay-put provisions. Learn how to spot red flags early, build safeguards, and establish your credibility as a confident, compliant leader.
 1, 2
September 9, 2025
The Compliance Balancing Act: Navigating IEPs, Timelines, and Team Collaboration
Get a handle on IEP timelines, procedural safeguards, and building strong collaborative teams to ensure compliance and quality services.
 2, 3 
October 14, 2025
Data-Driven Decisions: Progress Monitoring and Early Interventions
Learn how to use academic and behavioral data to guide services, document progress, and support early intervention efforts.
 4
November 11, 2025
 Partnering with Families and Preparing for December 1: Communication, Conflict, and Compliance
Strengthen family partnerships through effective communication and culturally responsive practices. Learn how to manage difficult conversations and prepare for the December 1 child count with accuracy and confidence.
 5, 6
December 9, 2025
Mid-Year Checkpoint: Reflecting, Realigning, and Recharging
Pause to assess your progress, celebrate wins, address gaps, and plan for a successful second half of the school year.
 1, 3, 4
January 13, 2026
Fostering Belonging: Scheduling, Staffing, and Service Delivery Planning
Explore best practices for scheduling, collaborative service delivery, and planning for staffing needs in the months ahead.
 1, 4, 7
February 10, 2026
Budgets, Boards, and Beyond: Ending the Year with Confidence and Fiscal Clarity
Plan for ESY and final IEP reviews while also tackling key fiscal responsibilities. Learn how to manage special education budgets, contract for services, monitor private placements, and communicate decisions effectively to district leaders and boards.
 3, 4
March 10, 2026
Access in Action: Addressing Disproportionality and Ensuring Opportunities for All
Examine data and practices related to disproportionality and behavior in order to develop strategies that reduce barriers and expand meaningful access for students with disabilities. 
 4, 7
April 14, 2026
Navigating Educational Transitions: Preschool, Grade-Level, and Post-Secondary Planning
Support students through key educational transitions with tools for planning, collaboration, and preparing families for next steps.
 3, 6