Special Education Coordinator

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Holds a New Mexico Public Education Department teaching and administrative license
• Holds a Master's Degree with major emphasis in Special Education and Supervision and/or
  
  

Administration.

• Has knowledge of Special Education law, experience in transition planning and the ability to
  
  

collaborate with agencies.

• Must have demonstrated the leadership qualities and personal characteristics necessary for
  
  

working effectively with pupils, teachers, parents, and community.

• Must have had, within the last ten (10) years, a minimum of five (5) years of successful
  
  

experience as a teacher. Prefer at least one (1) year of experience at both elementary and

secondary school levels.

• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.
  
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

• Demonstrate an understanding of instructional strategies for students with autism,
  
  

developmental delay, specific learning disabilities, and behavior disorders.

• Extensive background knowledge with IEPs
• Demonstrate strong skills in partnering with families.
• Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to
  
  

communicate effectively with a diverse group of colleagues, parents, families, and

community members.

• Be committed to meeting the needs of a diverse student population.
• Have a track record of being a team player and community minded.
• Be committed to their own learning.
• Have excellent time-management skills, attention to detail, and ability to work
  
  

independently.

• Adhere to a high level of professional and ethical standards.
  
  

KEY DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Overseeing / managing a caseload of special education students and the implementation
  
  

of their IEP/504 plans in: inclusive, self-contained and pull-out settings for Secondary.

• Ensuring appropriate delivery of both special education instruction and related services as
  
  

stipulated on IEPs/504 plans.

• Ensuring compliance by the school with all local and Federal laws and regulation relating
  
  

to students with IEPs/504 plans and students referred to special education.

• Ensuring that services provided by contractual personnel are of high quality, provided in
  
  

the LRE, and are aligned with students' IEPs/504 plans.

• Effectively communicating to parents and guardians the special education process
  
  

including process for referrals, evaluations, annual IEPs/504 plans, and re-evaluations as

well as parental rights granted by IDEA.

• Facilitating IEP meetings using a strengths based and family centered approach
• Coordinating with student's special education team to ensure all documents are
  
  

completed in a timely manner (according to state, local, and school policies and

procedures) prior to IEP meeting.

• Connect with special education team to ensure all team members (including parents) are
  
  

prepared for the content of the meeting.

• Coordinating with special education team to complete quarterly IEP progress reports and
  
  

provide quarterly IEP progress reports to parents/guardians.

• Providing training and technical assistance to case managers, teachers, related service
  
  

providers and support service professionals on all aspects of cases management: use of

computer systems for the special education process, writing of goal writing, progress

reports, annual reviews and parent communication.

• Ensuring IEPs are developmentally appropriate, curriculum/standards -based, strength
  
  

based, and relevant to individual students.

• Working to maintain school and LEA tracking and data system that includes: student
  
  

information related to IEPs, services, service hours, evaluations, MDT referrals, timelines

in which evaluations were completed and discipline incidents documented

• Supporting the planning of special education initiative and the implementation of
  
  

initiatives. Integrates new developments, research findings and best practices into

ongoing programs and new initiatives.

• Representing the District as a subject matter expert in matters concerning students with
  
  

special needs.

• Overseeing special education inventory of equipment/materials.
• Identifying and develops appropriate curriculum and school based assessments to support
  
  

the academic growth of students with IEPs/504 plans.

• Gathering and report data for all reporting requirements concerning students with
  
  

IEPs/504 plans and other required reports (to the State, Department of Education, census,

grant applications, annual report, etc.).

• Maintaining a high level of knowledge regarding developing special education issues
  
  

such as changes in federal and local special education policy. Advocating for special

education with school leadership.

• Establishing and maintaining communication with parents of students in the program.
• Facilitating workshops / meetings for parents, as well as identifies resources for parents
  
  

of students with special needs.

• Engaging parents and families in their student's learning and acting as an ambassador for
  
  

the school in the community.

• As appropriate connecting with students' outside providers, pediatricians, and therapists
  
  

to support student's needs in classroom.

• Oversight of the SAT process
• Co-coordinating ESY program
• Maintaining confidentiality of student records and student information
• Other duties as assigned.
• Comply with all School Board policies and administrative regulations.