Special Education Coordinator

Primary Purpose:

The Special Education Coordinator provides leadership, oversight, and support for the implementation of special education programs and services across the district. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while promoting high-quality, inclusive educational opportunities for students with disabilities. The coordinator serves as a resource for teachers, staff, and families, and facilitates effective communication between schools, families, and external agencies.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Education Administration, or related field.
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with Special Education endorsement

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field.

• Experience supervising or mentoring special education staff.

• Familiarity with assessment tools and data analysis to support student outcomes.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of general education curriculum and instruction PK-12

Knowledge of federal and state special education law

Understanding of the individual needs of special needs students

Ability to communicate with all levels of special needs students and their parents

Ability to interpret data and evaluate instructional programs and teaching effectiveness Ability to manage personnel

Ability to implement policy and procedures Strong communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills

Experience:

Minimum of 3 years experience in education leadership role (campus or district administrator/leader)

Experience with K-12 curriculum and instruction

Experience implementing special education law and best practices

Two years experience supporting students with disabilities

Two years teaching experience in special education preferred 

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the development and delivery of specialized curriculum and instructional programs for all students with disabilities that incorporate district goals and support student achievement in grades PK-12+. Ensure that curriculum renewal is continuous and responsive to student needs
• Ensure compliance with IDEA, ADA, and state special education laws and regulations.
• Develop and implement an effective special education referral process and ensure that student assessments and recommendations regarding placement and program management for individual students are completed in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with general education staff to promote inclusive practices and provide appropriate accommodations.
• Monitor the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) process districtwide. Participate in committee meetings as needed to ensure that students are placed appropriately and development of individual education plans for students are consistent with district procedures.
• Assist in managing special education budgets, resources, and staffing assignments.
• Serve as a liaison between families, schools, and external agencies to coordinate services and supports.
• Plan, organize, and implement professional learning opportunities for general and special education staff in the areas of differentiated instruction, inclusive practices, and behavior strategies for students with disabilities.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports for district administration, the state, and federal agencies.
• Coordinate and facilitate campus meetings to establish goals and objectives to increase student outcomes and improve academic achievement. Ensure that goals and objectives are developed using effective collaborative processes and problem-solving techniques.
• Collaborate with curriculum directors & coordinators, principals, teachers, and other instructional staff to develop, maintain, and revise practices and processes for students with disabilities based on a systematic review and analysis.
• Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis.
• Support, and train centrally deployed special education staff on processes and procedures as related to instruction and compliance regarding the IEP and instructional practices.
• Establish and maintain a professional relationship and open communication with directors, coordinators, principals, teachers, staff, parents, and community members.
• Articulate the district’s mission, beliefs, instructional philosophy, and curriculum implementation strategies to the community and solicit its support in realizing the District’s mission and beliefs.
• Use appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals

Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting Motion: Repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding, and use of mouse; occasional reaching

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: Frequent districtwide travel; occasional statewide travel

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress