What are the responsibilities and job description for the Special Education Coordinator position at USD #116?
Urbana School District #116
TITLE: Special Education Coordinator
LOCATION: USD116
SUPERVISOR: Executive Director of Student Services
JOB SUMMARY: The Special Education Coordinator is responsible for supporting the implementation of special education services across all schools in the district, with a specific focus on selected school sites based on district needs.. This role ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, coordinates the development and monitoring of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) with a specific focus on instructional and behavioral strategies, and provides leadership to school staff to improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities. The coordinator works collaboratively with administrators, teachers, families, and related service providers to ensure that students receive appropriate supports and services in the least restrictive environment. Additional responsibilities include serving as the Local Educational Agency (LEA) Representative in special education meetings, supporting building teams in the development of appropriate behavioral support plans and providing student specific instructional professional development to teachers and teaching assistants.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Monitor and ensure district compliance with all federal, state, and local special education laws, regulations, and policies.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation related to IEPs, evaluations, and other legal requirements.
- Serve as the Local Educational Agency (LEA) Representative in special education meetings.
- Support and guide IEP teams in the development, review, and revision of high-quality, individualized education programs.
- Collaborate with building administrators, special education teachers, general education teachers, related service providers, and families to ensure cohesive service delivery.
- Act as a liaison between schools and the district office regarding special education needs and concerns.
- Support building teams in the development, implementation, and monitoring of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
- Provide guidance on evidence-based behavioral interventions and crisis response planning.
- Design and deliver job-embedded professional development for teachers and teaching assistants focused on individualized instruction, data collection, progress monitoring, and specialized strategies.
- Coach staff in implementing accommodations, modifications, and instructional strategies aligned to students' IEPs.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the special education director(s).
QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION/CREDENTIALS:
- Minimum Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in a degree related to Special Education
- Illinois Educator License-LBS1 or other PEL related to a special education
- Possesses or is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from an accredited college or university
EXPERIENCE:
- Minimum of 5 years of successful teaching experience
- Previous experience in a teacher-leader role
- Previous experience working with students across all disability areas, different age and developmental levels, and in different LRE placements
- Experience and skills related to the development and implementation of FBAs, BIPS, and instructional strategies
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Sound knowledge of Special Education Procedures and Law
- Proven ability to work collaboratively with a variety of teams
- Highly organized
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Demonstrates initiative
- Creative and Excellent problem-solver
- Proven leadership skills
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
- Salary and Benefit information can be found on the Human Resources webpage.
- This is a position is not within the collective bargaining unit and is not an administrative position.
- This is an exempt position.
- 185 days with up to 20 additional days to be used as needed. Additional Days beyond the teachers’ calendar are paid per diem.
EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated by the Executive Director of Student Services or their designee in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on evaluation of professional personnel and the State Board of Education under PERA.
START DATE: As soon as possible
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
(Created June 2025)