SCHOOL PRINCIPAL - SPECIAL EDUCATION
Villa Esperanza Services
Pasadena, CA · Posted October 22, 2026
Just laid off? Start here: a plan for the first weeks
More in California job market · Education & EdTech · Academic jobs
Similar jobs
- Special Education School Principal · Catapult Learning · Phoenix, AZ
Where Pasadena, CA ranks
Where Pasadena, CA placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #12Cities hosting the most business conferences in the West Coast4 conferences · of 17
- #14Best cities for entry-level jobs that want AI skills in the West Coast12% · of 54
- #18Cities where the biggest share of jobs do not need a four-year degree in the West Coast14% · of 53
- #21Best cities for junior jobs in California27% · of 54
- #22Best college towns for junior jobs in the West Coast29% · of 50
- #24Cities hosting the most technology & software conferences2 conferences · of 31
How AI is used in this kind of work
Among special education teachers, middle school, AI is already used for some of the tasks. Measured exposure for special education teachers, middle school: 13% (some).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
About the job
Job Summary Villa Esperanza Services is searching for a dedicated and experienced leader for their non-public school including oversight of ancillary services (Speech-Language Pathology, Behavioral Therapy, and Occupational Therapy). Serving students with special needs in Pasadena, CA, Villa’s school has a current enrollment of forty (40) students and is expected to grow and expand its enrollment in the next school year.
The selected leader will increase student enrollment and will manage and ensure effective educational and social programming for the school and ancillary services. They will ensure that all contract compliance, accreditation matters, and quality assurance requirements are met. The candidate will be responsible for the coordination and attendance (directly or through subordinates) at students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, as well as the planning and implementation of school policies/procedures, staff supervision/management, and metrics. The candidate will possess extensive experience with compliance as it relates to managing a school and interpreting and adhering to related requirements from governing bodies (i.e., California Department of Education (CDE), School Districts, etc.).
Our school offers an educational program serving students from 5-22 years old (elementary, middle and high school classes) who have special needs associated with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, intellectual and other developmental disabilities.
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM; Exempt. Year-round position, must work periods when school is not in session, including spring break, summer break and winter break.
Compensation: $95k - $118k/year
Location: Onsite/in person position; 2116 E. Villa St. Pasadena, CA 91107 Requirements / Qualifications Requirements: -Graduate/Master’s degree issued by an accredited postsecondary institution in education, special education, psychology, counseling, behavioral analysis, social work, behavioral science, or rehabilitation. -At least five (5) years related experience in a similar role (managing a school). -At least five (5) years related experience managing staff and holding them accountable for outcomes and level of performance. -Ability to foster positive working relationships at all levels of the organization. -Excellent communication skills, management acumen, budget experience and be willing to roll up their sleeves to adopt a "hands-on" approach. -Ability to shift from visionary leadership to hands on leadership and vice versa. -Ability to delegate and follow up on tasks. -Working knowledge of state regulations as it pertains to students with intellectual/developmental disabilities. -Experience working with developmental disabilities preferred -Working knowledge of the California Department of Education (CDE) system. -Satisfactorily complete a fingerprinting clearance, physical & TB screenings.