What are the responsibilities and job description for the High School Special Education Coordinator position at Hillsboro-Deering High School?
Title: Special Education Coordinator
Minimum Qualifications:
1.Master’s Degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership or related field Master’s degree
2.Five years of experience and certification as a Special Education Teacher
3.Hold or be eligible for NH Certification as a Special Education Administrator
4.Experience and knowledge of IDEA, NH Regulations for Children with Disabilities and Compliance Indicators.
Desired Attributes:
1.Strong leadership and organizational skills with a proven record of positive outcomes within program management and staff leadership.
2.Overall compassionate, strengths based, and collaborative approach to students, families and staff with the ability to manage Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), support diverse student needs, and foster positive relationships
3.Experience in public schools setting with experience as a Special Education Coordinator
4.Well developed communication skills and interpersonal skills across multiple modalities.
Reports To: Director of Student Support Services in collaboration with the respective building Principal.
Supervises: Special Education teachers and related support staff in collaboration and consultation with the School Principal
SAU 34 Strategic Plan Priority Areas:
Student Success:
●SAU 34 is committed to preparing students for success in postsecondary education and the workforce by providing every student with a high-quality education rooted in purpose, self-determination, meaningful relationships, and regular feedback.
●Students will develop critical academic skills and the key competencies outlined in our Portrait of a Graduate: adaptive perseverance, responsibility, a learner’s mindset, global citizenship, communication, critical thinking, and collaboration.
Culture:
●SAU 34 fosters a responsive and high achieving culture by prioritizing a welcoming, positive environment, grounded in the tenets of the Portrait of a Graduate.
●This environment allows students and staff to feel physically, psychologically, and emotionally safe, supported, connected, and empowered with a strong sense of purpose.
Learning Environments:
●SAU #34’s physical environment and resources for learning have a direct impact on student success and culture, reflecting the community’s values.
●SAU #34 will provide and maintain future focused facilities that support high quality and diverse educational opportunities for every student.
Job Goal: Through strategic, strengths-based leadership the Special Education Coordinator provides oversight, and direction for all special education programs and services. This role ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, supports high-quality instruction, and fosters collaboration among staff, families, and stakeholders to promote positive student outcomes.
Performance Responsibilities:
Program Leadership & Oversight
●Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of special education programs.
●Monitor program effectiveness and use data to drive decision-making to identify areas of need and monitor progress of district and department goals/initiatives.
●Conduct needs assessments and support long-range planning efforts.
●Oversee building-level special education programs to ensure alignment with district goals.
Compliance & Regulatory Management
●Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local special education laws and regulations.
●Implement and monitor policies, procedures, and best practices.
●Prepare and submit required reports to district and state agencies.
●Stay current on legal updates and provide guidance to staff and administrators.
IEP & Student Services Coordination
●Fulfill the LEA responsibilities by overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
●Provide leadership and guidance to IEP teams across the district.
●Monitor student progress and ensure appropriate supports and services are delivered.
Staff Supervision & Human Resources
●Supervise, support, and evaluate special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers.
●Assist in recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and assignment of special education personnel.
●Conduct observations and provide actionable feedback to improve staff effectiveness.
Professional Development & Training
●Plan and deliver ongoing professional development aligned to district goals and student needs.
●Lead training on instructional strategies, compliance, and special education best practices.
●Develop and oversee onboarding and mentoring programs for new staff.
●Provide targeted training for paraprofessionals and special education instructional staff.
Instructional Leadership
●Provide technical assistance for specially designed instructional strategies, and assistive technology.
●Evaluate and recommend research and evidence based instructional materials, programs, and services.
●Ensure alignment and continuity of special education practices across grade levels and departments.
●Promote the use of evidence-based instructional practices.
Collaboration & Family Engagement
●Collaborate with school leaders, teachers, and district personnel to support student success.
●Facilitate meetings with families to discuss student progress and address concerns.
●Develop and expand parent engagement initiatives and support networks.
●Respond to and resolve stakeholder concerns in a timely and professional manner.
Resource & Budget Management
●Coordinate allocation of staffing, materials, and services to maximize student outcomes.
●Assist in the development and management of the special education budget.
●Plan for and manage instructional resources, supplies, and equipment.
Communication & Outreach
●Develop and disseminate special education materials and communications.
●Coordinate outreach and public relations efforts related to special education services and NH BSES Indicator requirements.
●Promote understanding of special education programs within the school and community.
Additional Responsibilities
●Participate in district-wide initiatives and required training (e.g., de-escalation, CPR/AED).
●Attend meetings and provide leadership support as needed.
●Perform other duties as assigned.
Work Environment: Requires prolonged sitting or standing. Occasional stooping, bending, and reaching. Requires some travel. May work in noisy and crowded environments.
Evaluation: Annual evaluation to be completed by the Director of Student Support Services in collaboration with building Principal.
Contract: 220 day contract with duties performed from July 1 to June 30 including designated days during July and August.