K-12 Special Education Coordinator

About the Position

Sonoran Schools is seeking an experienced and student-focused K-12 Special Education Coordinator to support special education programs across our campuses.

This position works closely with special education teachers, campus leadership, related service providers, families, and the Director of Student Services to ensure students receive high-quality services and that programs meet all federal and Arizona requirements.

The ideal candidate is organized, knowledgeable about special education compliance, comfortable leading IEP/MET processes, and able to build positive relationships with both staff and families.

What You’ll Do

Special Education Compliance & Program Support

• Monitor special education records, IEPs, MET documentation, evaluations, and related student files for accuracy and compliance.
• Ensure required meetings, evaluations, and documentation are completed within IDEA and Arizona timelines.
• Support campus teams with Child Find, evaluation, eligibility, placement, and service requirements.
• Assist with monitoring and resolving compliance concerns in partnership with the Director of Exceptional Education.

IEP & MET Coordination

• Coordinate and facilitate initial and reevaluation MET/IEP meetings.
• Ensure required team members and service providers are involved in the process.
• Support case managers and special education teachers with effective IEP development and implementation.
• Review documentation and provide guidance to staff when adjustments are needed.

Staff Support & Professional Development

• Provide coaching and ongoing support to special education teachers and case managers.
• Help staff understand special education procedures, documentation requirements, and compliance expectations.
• Support professional development related to research-based instructional practices and special education processes.
• Promote consistent special education practices across campuses.

Behavior & Discipline Support

• Support campus administrators in implementing IDEA requirements related to student discipline.

• Monitor disciplinary removals of students with disabilities and assist teams in determining when a Manifestation Determination Review is required.

• Support teams with Functional Behavioral Assessments, Behavior Intervention Plans, and appropriate positive behavioral supports.

Student Transition Support

• Help coordinate transitions for students moving between grade levels and campuses.
• Support appropriate transition planning for students preparing for life after high school.
• Ensure transition services and goals are appropriately addressed for students age 16 and older.

Family & Community Relations

• Serve as a knowledgeable and responsive resource for parents and guardians regarding special education services.
• Help address parent concerns and facilitate productive communication between families and school teams.
• Work collaboratively to resolve concerns while keeping student needs at the center of the process.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Partner with campus principals, teachers, school psychologists, speech-language pathologists, related service providers, and other members of the student support team.
• Work under the direction of the Director of Exceptional Education to strengthen special education services across the organization.
• Promote a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to supporting students with disabilities.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Special Education, School Psychology, Education, or a related field.
• Valid Arizona Special Education Teaching Certificate or appropriate Arizona administrative/supervisory certification.
• At least 2 years of successful experience in special education teaching, case management, or a related special education role.
• Strong understanding of IDEA, Arizona special education requirements, Child Find, evaluations, eligibility, and IEP processes.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Active Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) Identity Verified Prints (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• Experience coordinating special education programs across multiple campuses.
• Experience with Arizona-specific special education compliance and ADE requirements.
• Familiarity with special education data and IEP management systems.
• Experience working with Structured English Immersion (SEI) students and culturally diverse populations.
• Experience supporting and coaching special education teachers and case managers.