NOLA Public Schools Vision

The vision of the NOLA Public Schools is that every student receives a high-quality education that fosters their individual capabilities, while ensuring that they thrive, achieve physical and mental wellness, and are prepared for civic, social, and economic success. 

Position Summary

The Special Education Coordinator will provide direct school support under the guidance of the Chief Student Support Officer and the Executive Director of Exceptional Children’s Services. The SPED Coordinator plays a pivotal role in ensuring that students with special needs receive the appropriate support and services to help them succeed academically and socially. This position requires a strong understanding of special education laws and regulations, effective communication and collaboration skills, and the ability to lead and support a team of educators in providing inclusive and quality education for all students.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Support and coach general education teachers, special education teachers, and administrators in the implementation of high-leverage, evidence-based instructional practices to meet the needs of students with disabilities; 
• Manage all IEPs at assigned sites and be responsible for all IEP development, including IEP meeting coordination and facilitation; 
• Collaborate with the School Data Manager to ensure that upon notification of any new enrollment, a search of the LDOE’s statewide Special Education Reporting system is conducted to determine if students are currently in-process for evaluation or received services in another LEA; 
• Develop related goals and objectives and recommend policies, planning, and implementation by working with school staff to meet the needs of students with disabilities;
• Serve as a resource for information regarding special education services, programs and policies and ensure that procedures are appropriate in relation to policies required by federal, state, and local regulations and guidelines; 
• Analyze data, plan activities, monitor programs/services, respond to others, and consult with teachers, administrators, and ECS staff; 
• Develop the most appropriate instructional strategies for each student and recommend procedures for educational intervention to improve instructional effectiveness; 
• Address other duties and processes required to maintain FAPE for all students in the school and compliance; 
• Complete monitoring requirements for the assigned school site, in collaboration with ECS; 
• Maintain knowledge of current Special Education regulations and best practices;
• Support implementation of accommodations and modifications for students with IEPs in the general education classroom and during Special Education service time; 
• Analyze assessment results and make appropriate evidence-based recommendations needed to drive instruction and IEP development; 
• Develop and assist with appropriate behavior management techniques for students with disabilities;
• Assist in selecting appropriate equipment and materials for special education classes; 
• Coordinate progress report completion in accordance with district guidelines;
• Train Special Education Teaching Assistants, as assigned;
• Develop IEPs in accordance with federal, state and district standards; 
• Create and maintain Special Education documentation as required by federal, state and local regulations; 
• Manage, review, and submit IEPs in LDE’s Special Education Reporting System; 
• Ensure IEP timeline compliance of assigned caseload and monitor the caseloads of other teachers for compliance; 
• Complete internal reporting documents, as required; 
• Manage relationships with related service providers and outside vendors to ensure students receive specially designed instruction; 
• Schedule and facilitate IEP meetings collaboratively and professionally; 
• Provide direct services to students with disabilities as needed, per all IEPs; 
• Develop positive relationships with parents and families to engage them in the IEP process and keep them informed of student progress;
• Support the school’s RTI and SATeam processes;
• Develop and provide ongoing professional development for general and special education staff and administrators;
• Assist in data collection for Informal Dispute Resolution, mediation and due process complaints; 
• Perform other duties as required. 

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred. 
• Valid Louisiana teaching certification required. 
• Three years of successful Mild/Moderate teaching experience required. 

• Prior experience in special education teaching and coordination.
• Strong understanding of special education laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyze data and make data-driven decisions.
• Proficient in office software; 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; 
• Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff, and outside agencies; 
• The ability to keep concise records and handle sensitive information with discretion; 
• The ability to work with a diversity of individuals and groups; 
• The ability to adapt to changing work priorities and maintain flexible working hours. 

Salaries are determined by educational background and/or relevant years of experience.

Work Environment

Listed below are key points regarding environmental demands and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

- Required to use motor coordination with finger dexterity (such as keyboarding, machine operation, etc.) part of the workday; 

- Required to exert physical effort in handling objects more than 30 pounds rarely; 

- Required to be exposed to physical occupational risks (such as cuts, burns, exposure to toxic chemicals) rarely; 

- Required to be exposed to physical environment which involves dirt, odors, noise, weather extremes or similar elements rarely; 

- Normal setting for this job is an office/school setting.

Performance Evaluation

The employee will be evaluated based on the above position using either two methods: via COMPASS or a NOLA-PS evaluating instrument. If the employee holds an Educational Leadership certification, he/she will be evaluated via COMPASS to ensure renewal of certification.

EEOC Statement

NOLA Public Schools is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, genetic information, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, lawful alien status, national origin, age, marital status, and non-job related physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.