Special Education System Improvement Coordinator (Multiple Positions)-Re-Post

Des Moines Public Schools is seeking qualified applicants for the 26-27 school year to serve as a Special Education System Improvement Coordinator (Multiple Positions). This is a 230 day position.

Please note: The posted salary is drawn from the 25-26 Salary Schedule as the 26-27 Salary Schedule is not yet final. 

Job Title: Special Education System Improvement Coordinator  

Department: Student and Family Services

Reports to: Director of Student Services     

Highest Level Supervised: NA       

Job Summary:

The Special Education System Improvement Coordinator (SESIC) provides leadership and support to ensure high quality instruction, integrated services, and effective implementation of the Iowa Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) Framework. This role builds educator and leader capacity through professional learning, coaching, collaborative teaming, and data driven decision making. The SESIC supports the district’s Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for continuous improvement efforts, including alignment to the Iowa SDI Framework. The position requires strong instructional ability, independent judgment, and extensive collaboration with building staff, district departments, and community partners

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

1. Design, lead, and monitor high-quality professional learning for teachers, support staff, and leaders focusing on SDI, integrated services, and evidence-based instructional practices.
2. Ensure staff participation in SDI learning cycles and the use of SDI tools (e.g., Fidelity Implementation Tool (FIT), Coaching Self-Assessment (CSA), to deepen understanding and application of the Iowa SDI Framework.
3. Coordinate and deliver districtwide onboarding sessions, Professional Learning Community (PLC) support, and ongoing development for new and current special education and integrated services staff.
4. Analyze barriers to professional learning and work with leadership to resolve.
5. Provide coaching and implementation support to educators to improve fidelity of Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) and integrated services in line with the District’s Service Delivery Plan.
6. Collaborate with system coaches and practice coaches to align coaching plans with state and federal requirements, SDI learner needs, and building priorities.
7. Support multidisciplinary teams in problem-solving processes and the Diagnose–Design–Deliver cycle.

1. Support implementation of SDI-aligned data systems (e.g., FIT, CSA, ACHIEVE, fidelity tools, progress monitoring) to inform continuous improvement cycles.
2. Develop and maintain infrastructure for consistent data collection, reporting, and reflection aligned with district goals and state and federal expectations.
3. Lead implementation of the Integrated Services Framework, including building teaming structures and collaborative service delivery.
4. Support alignment of resources (time, personnel, materials) necessary for implementation of the Iowa SDI Framework.
5. Support administrators and instructional leaders in planning, monitoring, and refining SDI practices and teaming structures.
6. Coach and support Child Find and child study teams.
7. Collaborate with curriculum coordinators, district departments, and community partners to align services and improve access for learners with disabilities.
8. Other duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Master’s degree in special education, educational leadership, curriculum & instruction, or related field.
• Work Experience: Four years previous experience in roles such as special education consultant, school social worker, school psychologist, special education coordinator, special education administrator, or similar role.
• Licensure or Certification: Valid Iowa Teaching License or Statement of Professional Recognition (SPR).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Experience designing and delivering adult professional learning.
2. Demonstrated leadership experience at the building or district level.
3. Knowledge and experience with the Iowa SDI Framework.
4. Ability to and experience with analyzing district, building, and program data to identify needs, guide decision making, and strengthen instructional practices.
5. Experience using data for instructional decision-making and continuous improvement efforts.
6. Ensure compliance with state and federal special education rules, including due process, Chapter 103, and required documentation.
7. Ability to navigate district technology systems and data tools. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software. 
8. Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with staff, families, leaders, and partners; model reflective practice; and contribute to regional, statewide, and national leadership efforts.
9. Ability to provide leadership in selecting, prescribing, and supporting the use of evidence-based, high-leverage, instructional practices for learners with disabilities.
10. Maintain confidentiality.
11. Attend work on a prompt and regular
12. Build and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, families, and the public.

Physical Requirements:

• Moves throughout buildings to access meetings and information.
• Remains in a stationary position for extended periods of time during shift.
• Drive or provide transportation suitable to accommodate responsibilities throughout the district.

HR Signature: ________________________________________ Date: __________________

The Des Moines Independent Community School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices.  If you have questions, concerns or a complaint related to this policy, please contact Carol Wynn-Green, 2100 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321; phone: 515-242-7709; email: carol.wynngreen@dmschools.org. Complaints can also be directed to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, 400 E. 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-1004, (515) 281-4121, or Region VII Office for Civil Rights, Citigroup Center 500 W. Madison Street, Suite 1475 Chicago, IL 60661-4544.

Salary : $60,000 - $95,000