Special Education Coordinator

About the role

The owns the full lifecycle of special education programming within their school building. They are a fierce advocate for students with disabilities, managing program execution while delivering direct instructional support to learners. These professionals believe unequivocally in the capacity of every student to achieve high academic outcomes despite complex challenges. They balance legal compliance with personalized student care, ensuring that every aspect of special education serves the individual needs of the child. Success in this role demands ownership of data, process, and relationships to drive meaningful change. The coordinator acts as a instructional leader, guiding general education staff on the implementation of accommodations and modifications. They translate policy into practice with precision and empathy, ensuring students receive the precise services mandated by their plans. This role requires a blend of organizational rigor, instructional expertise, and relational trust with families and colleagues.

Key facts

What you'll do

You will conduct a thorough review of intake assessments to verify that services match the specifications of each student's Individualized Education Plan. You will deliver direct instruction using varied and responsive formats, including pull-out sessions, push-in support, small group collaboration, and one-on-one tutoring. You will analyze standards-based assessment data to drive continuous refinement of curriculum and teaching methods for students with disabilities. You will schedule, coordinate, and facilitate Special Education team meetings, IEP reviews, and pre-referral discussions to ensure alignment with student needs. You will manage the entire evaluation process, which includes performing classroom observations and coordinating necessary testing with fidelity. A core duty is the oversight of Individualized Education Programs and 504 Plans from drafting through implementation and annual updates. You will lead annual IEP and 504 meetings, ensuring that all documentation is accurate, legally sound, and family-centered. You will work in close partnership with general education teachers and school leadership to monitor student progress and ensure adherence to accommodation plans. Maintaining meticulous student records is essential; you will prepare reports for state and federal regulatory bodies while ensuring strict compliance with all local, state, and federal special education regulations. You will serve as a guide and partner to families throughout the IEP journey, addressing needs across all grade levels and supporting academic and social-emotional growth. This includes building and maintaining positive relationships with students to ensure they feel valued, heard, and supported in their learning environment. You will collaborate with families to secure appropriate resources that enhance learning at home and at school, creating a seamless support system for the child. You will actively participate in school-wide meetings to build community and model core values of Uncommon Schools. You will engage in ongoing professional development through mentorship and coaching sessions to refine your practice and expand your expertise. Collaboration with your grade-level team will focus on setting academic goals and honing instructional strategies specific to students with disabilities. An essential part of this role involves working alongside general education staff to analyze student work and assessment trends, ensuring alignment with IEP objectives and growth.

Requirements

You must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college prior to the start date of employment in New Jersey. You must meet the state's eligibility requirements for certification, which includes achieving a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for graduates completing degrees on or after September 1, 2016, or a 2.75 GPA for those graduating before that date. You are required to obtain full New Jersey teacher certification within a reasonable timeframe after hiring, even if certification is not required for initial consideration. A demonstrated interest in impacting K-12 students within urban school settings is preferred, with one to two years of experience being advantageous for this complex role. A strong academic background in Special Education, the Humanities, Social Sciences, STEM, or related disciplines is expected for success in this multifaceted position. You must be a self-directed learner who actively seeks feedback to improve outcomes for students and colleagues. A demonstrated commitment to the social-emotional and academic growth of all students is non-negotiable and forms the foundation of this role. Enthusiasm for collaborative work with colleagues and community stakeholders is critical to building the trust necessary for student and family support. You must be able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced urban environment while maintaining attention to detail and compliance.

Practical notes

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