Special Education Coordinator (6-12)

Position Title: Special Education Coordinator (6-12)

Location: Great Hearts Lakeside Upper School (7633 Harris Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76123)

FLSA Status: Exempt, Full-Time

The Special Education Campus Coordinator (in collaboration with the Special Education Director, Regional Coordinator, and Campus Headmaster) will:

• Coordinate all aspects of the Child Centered Special Education Process on assigned campus.

• Ensure that the ARD/IEP process and the quality of programs for students with disabilities are in compliance with Federal, State, and Local requirements.

The SPED Coordinator is a leadership role on campus and is the "Team Lead” of the Special Education Dept. While their supervisory role does not replace the supervision from the headmaster, their role does extend leadership in the specific areas where they have experience and expertise, namely: supporting SPED Teachers, facilitating ARD meetings, guiding the development of teachers and SPED TAs, compliance in terms of IEP paperwork, and the first level of advisement in challenging situations with students or parents. They also represent the final decision at the SPED departmental level in terms of organizational logistics and strategy.

Duties and Responsibilities Summary:

• Planning and providing specially designed instructions to students receiving special education and related services.

• Collaborating with related service providers and general education staff in the implementation of accommodations and modifications

• Drafting and maintaining IEPs, Prior Written Notices, and potentially evaluation paperwork, ensuring compliance with state and federal guidelines

• Planning and facilitating meetings throughout the special education process

• Ongoing communication and collaboration with parents, staff, and administrative staff regarding student planning and progress.

• Managing the transition of new enrollees eligible for special education and related services.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversees the caseload distribution and assignment of students to the individual SPED Teachers' caseloads

• Ensures transfer procedure on all incoming students is complete.

In collaboration with LSSP's, Diagnosticians, Related Service Providers, and Administration, coordinates and facilitates ARD Meetings, FIE's, and triennial IEP reviews:

• Conducting classroom observations

• Gathering data on referred students

• Facilitating transition of parent relationships from initial evaluation to IEP development in the event that students qualify for special education services

• Coordinates, facilitates, and executes annual IEP meetings for students on their caseload.

• Observes the general education teachers' consistent implementation of student IEPs on their caseload.

Manages related service provider relationships for students on their caseload:

• Provides orientation to each service provider to our educational philosophy, school model, campus layout, etc.

• Coordinates with related service providers regarding evaluations, meetings, and services

• Follows up with service providers to generate IEP progress reports

• Serves as the academy lead of the SPED team, providing support to team members for the effective completion of individual and shared responsibilities.

• Reviews IEPs and Evaluation reports written by the SPED Teachers for accuracy

• Models and provides guidance to SPED Teachers on partnering with general education teachers

• Partners with the headmaster to provide written and oral evaluations to the SPED Teachers

• Leads the Special Student Services team to complete all EOY responsibilities to prepare for the proper rollover to the next year

Required/Preferred Education: Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred

Required/Preferred Experience:

• Minimum 3-5 years of Special Education teaching experience

• Campus leadership experience in Special Education

• Experience coaching/mentoring teachers and/or providing professional development

• Required Certifications: Valid TX Special Education Certification and Generalist or Core Academic Subject Area relevant to grades served. 

Required/Preferred Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of special education process, including state and federal timelines and compliance requirements

• High level of emotional intelligence

• Humility and skill with collaboration between multiple teams

• Conflict resolution and mediation

• Strong verbal and written communication skill

• Experience and speed with multiple platforms and computer programs (Student Information Systems, IEP writing programs, MS Office Suite, Google)

Physical Functions: Requires but is not limited to standing, sitting, repetitious hand and body movements, bending, squatting, and reaching. May be required to move or position equipment up to 15 pounds approximately.

US work authorization is required 

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal history background check and fingerprint clearance in accordance with state requirements.

Travel required: May need to travel locally for training and professional development opportunities.

This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. 

Great Hearts Academies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.