Special Education Lead Teacher / Case Manager / 504 Coordinator

Position Title: Special Education Lead Teacher / Case Manager / 504 Coordinator                                              

Reports to: Principal

Department: Special Services

Position Category: 10-month contract, exempt, full-time

Position Summary: The Special Education Lead Teacher provides instructional leadership and direct services to students with disabilities. The position is responsible for leading special education programming, coordinating compliance activities, serving as case manager, and overseeing 504 services. The Lead Teacher facilitates ARD/IEP meetings, writes and implements Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and ensures compliance with federal and state special education laws and regulations. This position also supports schoolwide MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) implementation to promote student success. The role is performed under the general supervision of the Principal.

Job Scope: This position has limited supervisory authority

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as Lead Teacher and case manager for assigned students and be responsible for the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of IEPs; complete and maintain all student records (including IEPs, ARD documentation, ESYP, evaluation reports, progress monitoring, behavior plans, and required compliance documentation)
• Plan, lead, and facilitate ARD/IEP meetings, including preparing required documentation and ensuring procedural compliance
• Coordinate and manage Section 504 processes, including referrals, evaluations, accommodation plans, annual reviews, and parent communication
• Ensure compliance with federal and state special education laws and regulations, including timelines, documentation, and procedural safeguards
• Actively participate in and support the MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) process by assisting with data-based decision making, tiered interventions, and progress monitoring
• Provide leadership, coaching, and support to general and special education staff regarding accommodations, modifications, and instructional strategies
• Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student’s medical, physical, emotional, behavioral, and communication needs
• Provide necessary information to general education teachers regarding student disabilities, medical concerns, accommodations, and equipment
• Maintain collaborative relationships with general education staff and supervise and guide paraprofessional duties and instructional support staff
• Maintain a safe, structured, and organized learning environment; inventory and maintain instructional materials and adaptive equipment
• Provide training, orientation, scheduling, and supervision for instructional aides
• Assist students with physical needs, including transferring, positioning, feeding, toileting, hygiene, and mobility as required
• Manage student behavior, including crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques; maintain emotional control in stressful situations
• Provide direct specialized instruction individually, in small groups, or through co-teaching and inclusion models; may teach resource or self-contained classes as assigned
• Supervise students throughout the school day, including classrooms, hallways, lunchroom, transportation for field trips, and outdoor areas
• Collaborate with general education teachers to adapt curriculum, implement accommodations and modifications, and monitor student progress
• Confer with families, teachers, administrators, counselors, related service providers, and outside agencies to support student educational, social, and behavioral needs
• Ensure implementation of inclusive practices within special education programming 
• Teach and support development of student self-advocacy, independence, and functional life skills
• Attend and participate in ARDs, staff development, faculty meetings, professional learning communities, and required professional development activities

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/ Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; Google Applications

Posture: Prolonged standing, frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking

Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 25 pounds)

Environment: Work is located on campus site in a classroom environment; regular exposure to noise

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours

Minimum Education, Experience and Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field required
• Valid Special Education certification required
• Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum of five (5) years of teaching experience, with at least three (3) years in Special Education
• CPI, Autism, and Behavior Intervention training required (or willingness to complete)

Salary : $51,000 - $69,500