PURPOSE STATEMENT

Working in collaboration with colleagues, the Special Education Coordinator will provide instructional, behavioral, compliance and resource support to special education programs across the district. The Special Education Coordinator will work with students, families, administration, and special education staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Build a foundation of positive relationships, high expectations, equitable and inclusionary systems, and SEL-informed practices, which will drive daily practices and beliefs while serving as a communication liaison between students, families, administration, staff and community.
• Facilitate appropriate special education services by assisting families and service providers in the design, implementation, evaluation and corresponding adjustments to the educational programs of students.
• Demonstrate current knowledge of curriculum, disabilities, policies/procedures and programs that assure compliance with current special education WAC and Regulations.
• Demonstrate awareness of the continuum of services available to students both in the district and in the greater community.
• Support inclusion for students with disabilities.
• Identify staff development needs, assist in the development of training plans to meet those needs and facilitate or provide training at staff development opportunities.
• Facilitate meetings such as department meetings, IEP meetings, team meetings and regional meetings as needed.
• Assist in student transition activities pertaining to adding services, changing placements and collaborating with outside agency activities in service provision.
• Assist in hiring process for special education staff.
• Assist in evaluation of itinerant special education staff.
• Coordinate paperwork processes and IEP feedback processes.
• Promote collegiality among educators and communication and collaboration between general educators and special education.
• Disseminate information that relates to and expands teacher support.
• Participate in identified professional development activities to enhance professional skills and knowledge.
• Attend and participate in all required staff meetings and other activities deemed necessary by the district.
• Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with staff, administrators, parents, support groups, governmental and community service agencies.
• Support collaboration with private school partners and families, including assisting with referral and assessment processes.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to the Director of Special Education

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate with special education endorsement; or ESA certification.
• Recent experience developing and delivering professional development for staff that aligns with current practices in special education.
• Recent and extensive experience working with special education students in a variety of settings.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.
• Knowledge/awareness of own cultural identity and how this influences behavior, and desire to learn about the cultural identity of others.
• Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons of the district.
• Advocate for equity, inclusion and professional practices that ensure all students achieve at high levels.
• Experience leading professional learning and mentorship for adult learners.
• Knowledge of SEL practices and approaches.
• Knowledge and skill in instructional principles, methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of state/federal special education requirements and laws.
• Knowledge of district policy regarding the provision of special education services.
• Ability to develop annual Individual Education Plans.
• Knowledge of inclusionary practices, including Universal Design for Learning.
• Commitment and ability to work with a variety of students.
• Skill in classroom management, student discipline and developing positive techniques for improving student behavior.
• Must possess a positive attitude about change and an eagerness to implement changes that will enhance student learning.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive effective working relationships with a variety of students, staff, administration, and community in a multicultural and diverse socio-economic setting.
• Ability to participate collaboratively in teams.
• Commitment to continue participation in staff development to maintain professional skills.
• Ability to serve as a role model and treat students and colleagues as individuals in a professional manner.
• Ability to follow appropriate guidelines and protocols to ensure a safe and engaging learning environment.

Licenses/Special Requirements

• Must maintain all licenses and certifications as a condition of continued employment.
• May require current First Aid and CPR certification and/or restraint certification.
• Completed Employment Application/ Background Check.
• Must complete Walla Walla Public Schools Risk Management and Bloodborne Pathogens Training upon hire.

PAY LEVEL

210 day contract; $106,842 - $127,516 depending on experience; Retirement, SEEB Benefits, Paid Sick Leave

CONDITIONS

The preceding list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary.

The Walla Walla School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The Walla Walla School District will also take steps to assure that national origin persons who lack English language skills can participate in all education programs, services and activities. For information regarding translation services or transitional bilingual education programs, contact (509) 527-3000. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator

Title IX Coordinator Section 504/ADA Coordinator

Dr. Mindy Meyer, Director of HR Michelle Carpenter, Director of Strategic Initiatives

364 S. Park Street 364 S. Park Street

Walla Walla, WA 99362 Walla Walla, WA 99362

(509) 527-3000 (509) 527-3000

mmeyer@wwps.org mcarpenter@wwps.org