Special Education Corodinator

Primary Purpose

Assists in the coordination of special education programs and personnel. Provides leadership to special education instructional and support staff. Assists in the evaluation, coordination and improvement of the overall special education program ensuring alignment with federal and state program guidelines.  

Minimum Qualifications 

Education/Certification

• Master’s degree from an accredited university
• Valid Texas Special Education Certification
• Principal or Mid Management certificate (preferred) 
• Candidates must have a satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50) paid by employee. 

Required Experience

Three (3) years’ experience working as a professional in Special Education  

Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of ARD procedures, compliance indicators, best practices in instructional methods and strategies, data collection procedures,  implementation of accommodations, and best practices in providing curriculum and instruction to students who received special education services  
• The continuum of services provided through Special Education programs and practices including implementation of specially designed instruction
• IEP development including preparing IEP/ARD paperwork Thorough understanding of public school operations 
• Public relations 
• Mediation skills (preferred) 
• Oral and written communication skills 
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy
• Operation of a computer and assigned software
• Ability to coordinate campus support operations 

Major Responsibilities and Duties

(The following statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions that may be assigned or skills that may be required.)

Professionalism 

The Educators' Code of Ethics is set forth in the Texas Administrative Code to provide rules for standard practices and ethical conduct toward students, professional colleagues, school officials, parents, and members of the community.

• Rule §247.1 Purpose and Scope; Definitions 
• Rule §247.2 Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators 

Instructional Management 

The coordinator promotes improvement of instruction by assisting with activities such as the following: 

• Monitors and provides academic support to all campuses to include the full continuum of services provided to students
• Assists, guides, and supports school administrators, teachers, and staff in the facilitating of placement changes to meet student needs

• Provides leadership and support to special education staff in the implementation of effective instructional programs designed to meet the individual needs of students in special education 

• Engages in research to explore and obtain curricula to best support the teaching of all students receiving special education students

• Conducts campus and classroom visits and provides explicit feedback to campus administrators regarding special education programs and supports 

• Collaborates with campus administrators in identifying and solving instructional problems 

• Secures sources for and assists in the evaluation and selection of instructional programs, materials and equipment with regard to supporting the total special education instructional program

• Uses the findings of research and district studies to improve the content, sequence and outcomes of the teaching/learning process

• Demonstrates effective strategies, techniques and materials for improved instruction and classroom management 

• Cooperates with school staff in provision and scheduling instructional activities to maximize learning outcomes

• Encourages and supports the development and implementation of effective instructional programs to achieve identified needs of students

• Assists in establishing continuity of methods, materials and effective strategies between special education programs and other educational programs in the district

Organization Improvement

The coordinator promotes leadership in efforts to improve the school or organization through activities such as the following:

• Provides professional development in areas such as, but not limited to IEP development, special education paperwork, conducting meaningful ARDs, increasing community engagement  
• Evaluates programs for the purpose of carrying out and achieving the objectives of the special education department and District
• Uses formal and informal feedback from others to maintain or create positive climate
• Systematically assists in monitoring the effectiveness of special education programs and services
• Assists campuses to develop and improve inclusive services for students receiving special education services through implementation of specially designed instruction

Organization Management

The coordinator manages administrative, fiscal, and facilities functions responsibly through activities such as the following:

• Facilitates ARD meetings as the LEA representative, as needed Implements assigned program services, and/or projects for the purpose of conforming to program guidelines, compliance, and advances the goals and objectives of the District. 
• Assures paperwork compliance to include, but not limited to meaningful PLAAFPs, goals, service minutes, and timelines. 
• Abides by and ensures effective implementation of all federal/state laws and regulations and local rules, guidelines and regulations concerning the education of children with disabilities
• Assists the Executive Director of Special Services  in preparation of statistical reports and maintains records as required or requested by local, state and federal agencies
•  Assists in the selection of instructional materials to assure student success          
• Assists in the coordination of special education master files to ensure compliance with the Texas Education Agency monitoring standards

Student Growth and Development

The coordinator fosters student growth and development through activities such as the following:

• Supports district and campus rules of student conduct 
• Ensures that rules and procedures for the discipline of special education students are effective and conform to state and federal laws and regulations 
• Ensures that support services for students with disabilities are effective in achieving their objectives 
• Takes a leadership role and works cooperatively to facilitate expedient resolution of parental concerns on student management, implementation of parental concerns on student management, implementation, of IEPs, supplementary aides and services and special education programs 
• Diagnoses the need for, and assists in, securing consultants, specialists and other community resources when needed to facilitate a student’s attainment of IEP goals

Communication and Community Relations

The coordinator promotes a positive tone for school or community relations through activities such as the following:

• With parent consent, consults with  agencies outside the school that also serve the student 
• Prepares a wide variety of written materials for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information
• Fosters collaborative educational efforts among members of the total school community
• Seeks support for school programs; involves himself or herself in community activities that foster rapport between the school district and larger community

Organization Climate

The coordinator assists with fostering a positive school or organization morale through activities such as the following:

• Promotes a positive, caring climate of learning
• Maintains a positive and effective relationship with supervisors
• Maintains a positive and effective relationship with campus administration
• Effectively communicates with colleagues, students, and parents
• Acts sensitively and fairly with all individuals 

Professional Growth and Development

The coordinator provides leadership in professional growth and development through activities such as the following:

• Develops and conducts school/district professional development training on topics related to serving students who receive special education services 
• Actively participates in personal and/or professional development activities in areas of assignment 
• Actively seeks and uses evaluative feedback from campus and administrative staff in order to improve job performance 
• Determines needs, coordinates and implements professional growth activities in order to continually improve job performance

Qualities of an Effective Special Education Coordinator 

The coordinator exhibits the following qualities: 

• Daily attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job
• Complies with district and campus policies and procedures, as well as state and federal laws and regulations
• Complies with the standards of conduct set out in Board Policy DH (Legal) and (Local) and with any other policies, regulations, and guidelines that impose duties, requirements, or standards
• Demonstrates a high level of personal integrity, a collaborative leadership style, and high ethical standards
• Keeps informed of and comply with state, district, and campus policies affecting schools
• Compiles, maintains and files all reports, records, and other required documents
• Maintains confidentiality

• Other duties as assigned 

Supervisory Responsibilities 

• Assigned staff 

Equipment

Computer, computer software programs, printer, calculator, telephone, copier, fax machine, Special Education instructional materials and equipment, and other equipment applicable to position

Working Conditions

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Work irregular and extended work hours

• Occasional statewide travel

• Work with frequent interruptions and maintain emotional control under stress
• Prolonged standing, walking, lifting(under 30 lbs.), carrying, stooping, pushing, pulling, twisting, bending, and kneeling
• Repetitive hand motions, frequent use of the keyboard and mouse.

• Frequent exposure to temperature extremes (hot and cold), humidity extremes, noise, low or intense illumination vibration

• Occasional exposure to biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, insects, mold, fungi), work outside, work around moving objects or vehicles, work on uneven surfaces

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Salary : $357 - $499