Special Education Coordinator
Billerica Public Schools
6 days ago
Full-time
On-site
Billerica, Massachusetts, United States
REPORTS TO: Director of Student Services
GOAL: The Special Education Coordinator serves as a vital bridge between families, educators, and administration. In Billerica Public Schools, this role is dedicated to ensuring that every student with a disability receives a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment. You will lead the Team process, oversee the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and ensure strict compliance with Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) regulations and federal IDEA laws.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
● Master’s Degree in Special Education or a related field (School Psychology, Speech-Language Pathology, etc.).
● Valid Massachusetts DESE licensure as an Administrator of Special Education or Supervisor/Director
● Minimum of 5 years of successful experience in special education; prior experience in a leadership or chair capacity is highly preferred.
● Proficiency with IEP management software and data analysis.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
● Knowledge Base: Deep understanding of Massachusetts Special Education Regulations (603 CMR 28.00) and IDEA.
● Conflict Resolution: Ability to de-escalate high-stress situations and lead teams toward productive solutions.
● Organization: Exceptional time-management skills to handle high caseload volumes and strict legal deadlines.
● Communication: Strong written and verbal skills; ability to translate complex clinical data into parent-friendly language.
● Possesses the strategic leadership and communication skills necessary to uphold district standards and guide staff on special education best practices.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Act as the Official District Representative (LEA) at Team meetings.
● Facilitate Initial, Re-evaluation and, as deemed appropriate, other Team Meetings with a focus on collaboration and consensus-building.
● Ensure meetings remain student-centered, professional, and respectful of all stakeholders’ input.
● Oversee the drafting of high-quality, data-driven IEPs that reflect the specific needs and strengths of the student.
● Manage timelines for evaluations, annual reviews, three-year re-evaluations, etc. to ensure regulatory compliance.
● Review special education paperwork (e.g. N1s, IEPs, etc.) for accuracy and clinical integrity before distribution and facilitate processes with rejected IEPs and resolution processes.
● Provide constructive, high-quality feedback to educators and support staff regarding special education practices, IEP development, and meeting facilitation to continually build instructional and compliance capacity across the district.
● Serve as a resource for general and special education teachers and related service providers regarding accommodations, modifications, and inclusive practices.
● Work closely with the Director of Student Services, Assistant Director of Special Education and Building Administration to monitor program effectiveness and student progress.
● Evaluate assigned special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers in accordance with the Massachusetts Educator Evaluation Framework.
● Identify departmental needs and facilitate or recommend professional development opportunities to improve student outcomes and staff proficiency.
● Act as the primary point of contact for parents/guardians navigating the special education process.
● Oversee, coordinate, and manage the special education process for out-of-district, homeschooled, and private school student caseloads as specifically assigned by the Director of Student Services.
● Foster transparent communication and positive "home-school" partnerships, even during complex or contentious situations.
● Collaborate proactively with Building Administration to integrate into and support the broader school community, including active participation in faculty meetings, professional development sessions, and relevant school-sponsored evening events.
● Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director of Student Services.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Outlined in the Billerica Administrators for Special Education (BASE)
Collective Bargaining Agreement
An equal opportunity employer in compliance with Title IX, Chapter 622 and Section 504.
GOAL: The Special Education Coordinator serves as a vital bridge between families, educators, and administration. In Billerica Public Schools, this role is dedicated to ensuring that every student with a disability receives a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment. You will lead the Team process, oversee the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and ensure strict compliance with Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) regulations and federal IDEA laws.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
● Master’s Degree in Special Education or a related field (School Psychology, Speech-Language Pathology, etc.).
● Valid Massachusetts DESE licensure as an Administrator of Special Education or Supervisor/Director
● Minimum of 5 years of successful experience in special education; prior experience in a leadership or chair capacity is highly preferred.
● Proficiency with IEP management software and data analysis.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
● Knowledge Base: Deep understanding of Massachusetts Special Education Regulations (603 CMR 28.00) and IDEA.
● Conflict Resolution: Ability to de-escalate high-stress situations and lead teams toward productive solutions.
● Organization: Exceptional time-management skills to handle high caseload volumes and strict legal deadlines.
● Communication: Strong written and verbal skills; ability to translate complex clinical data into parent-friendly language.
● Possesses the strategic leadership and communication skills necessary to uphold district standards and guide staff on special education best practices.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Act as the Official District Representative (LEA) at Team meetings.
● Facilitate Initial, Re-evaluation and, as deemed appropriate, other Team Meetings with a focus on collaboration and consensus-building.
● Ensure meetings remain student-centered, professional, and respectful of all stakeholders’ input.
● Oversee the drafting of high-quality, data-driven IEPs that reflect the specific needs and strengths of the student.
● Manage timelines for evaluations, annual reviews, three-year re-evaluations, etc. to ensure regulatory compliance.
● Review special education paperwork (e.g. N1s, IEPs, etc.) for accuracy and clinical integrity before distribution and facilitate processes with rejected IEPs and resolution processes.
● Provide constructive, high-quality feedback to educators and support staff regarding special education practices, IEP development, and meeting facilitation to continually build instructional and compliance capacity across the district.
● Serve as a resource for general and special education teachers and related service providers regarding accommodations, modifications, and inclusive practices.
● Work closely with the Director of Student Services, Assistant Director of Special Education and Building Administration to monitor program effectiveness and student progress.
● Evaluate assigned special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers in accordance with the Massachusetts Educator Evaluation Framework.
● Identify departmental needs and facilitate or recommend professional development opportunities to improve student outcomes and staff proficiency.
● Act as the primary point of contact for parents/guardians navigating the special education process.
● Oversee, coordinate, and manage the special education process for out-of-district, homeschooled, and private school student caseloads as specifically assigned by the Director of Student Services.
● Foster transparent communication and positive "home-school" partnerships, even during complex or contentious situations.
● Collaborate proactively with Building Administration to integrate into and support the broader school community, including active participation in faculty meetings, professional development sessions, and relevant school-sponsored evening events.
● Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director of Student Services.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Outlined in the Billerica Administrators for Special Education (BASE)
Collective Bargaining Agreement
An equal opportunity employer in compliance with Title IX, Chapter 622 and Section 504.