Director of Special Education

Closing date: Sep 1, 2026

PLEASE CONTACT THE LISTED CONSULTANTS FOR APPLICATION MATERIALS OR FOR ANY INFORMATION REGARDING THIS OPENING.

THE ANTICIPATED START DATE IS JULY 1, 2026 (OR AS SOON AS THE CANDIDATE IS AVAILABLE THEREAFTER).

The Toppenish School District

Established in 1944, Toppenish School District serves 3,580 students in K-12. Nestled in rural Central Washington, this educational community thrives in a vibrant and diverse setting enriched by descendants of the Yakama Nation, a significant Hispanic community and individuals from various backgrounds. The district benefits from strong community support, prioritizing diversity and inclusion, and promoting a collaborative work culture. Staff find purpose in positively impacting the lives of students by fostering a supportive learning environment.

Celebrating a diverse range of achievements, the district takes pride in programs such as choir, band, CTE, College in the Classroom, and inclusive education, Indian education, as well as engaging in extracurricular activities like TSA, HOSA, debate, ASB, DECA, Skills USA, and a variety of athletics. Beyond the classroom, collaborative partnerships with ESD 105, Heritage University, Yakima Valley College, YV-Tech Skills Center, University of Washington, Eastern Washington University, Central Washington University, Northwest Action Community Center, Yakama Nation, and the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic enhance our collective impact. These alliances contribute to the district’s success, emphasizing community engagement and providing valuable resources for an enhanced educational experience for all students.

We are also very proud of the work that was undertaken this year in collaboration with varied stakeholders to develop the district’s values, strategic priorities and portrait of a graduate that is ongoing and intentional work to enhance the education and outcomes in Toppenish School District.

Toppenish School District serves approximately 3580 students in a PreK–12 system housed across 8 schools. The district is known for its personalized approach to education, strong staff commitment, and focus on meeting the needs of every student.

Students benefit from a well-rounded educational experience that includes academic programming, extracurricular activities, and opportunities that connect learning to the local community. Staff are highly dedicated and work collaboratively to support student success in a small-school environment.

The district maintains a strong connection with families and the broader community, fostering a supportive atmosphere where students are known, valued, and encouraged to succeed.

The Toppenish Community

Toppenish is a vibrant community deeply connected to its rich heritage and diverse cultures. Residing on the Yakama Nation reservation, Toppenish is a pivotal hub in the fertile Yakima Valley, celebrated for its orchards, vineyards and hop farms.

The community celebrates its cultural heritage throughout the year through festivals, parades and events such as the Toppenish Rodeo, MLK March, Toy Train Christmas and the annual Lighted Christmas Parade. There are also opportunities provided directly through the Yakama Tribal Nation including Pow-Wow events, Salmon dinners, wildlife habitat fieldtrips for students and other cultural celebrations within our schools and the community at large.

Titled the Mural Capital of the World, Toppenish boasts over 75 outdoor murals which depict its rich history. This adds to the small-town charm of Toppenish, attracting visitors from near and far.

The community is home to unique museums, including the American Hop Museum, offering insights into hop cultivation, and the Northern Pacific Railway Museum, providing a glimpse into the era of steam-driven locomotives. The Yakama Nation Cultural Center showcases Yakama history through dioramas, exhibits and extensive Strongheart collection.

Toppenish thrives on its rich agricultural offerings, with nearby wineries, orchards and fruit stands providing a taste of Yakima’s Wine Country. From grapes and apples to peaches and mint, local cuisine and markets celebrate the region’s abundance. This blend of heritage, cultural diversity and economic vitality makes Toppenish a truly unique and dynamic community.

For more information about the community of Toppenish visit: www.toppenish.gov