Turnaround: Coordinator of Special Education (COSE) (SY26-27)

Boston Public Schools•Boston, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is an anticipated vacancy for the start of the 2026-2027 school year. The hire will not be confirmed until the position is vacated, and the candidate may start the year as a Long-Term Substitute if the position does not become vacant by the start of the school year. Boston Public Schools (BPS) seeks an exceptional Coordinator of Special Education (COSE) who is highly qualified and knowledgeable to join its community of teachers, learners, and leaders. BPS is committed to high expectations for achievement, equal access to high levels of instruction, academic proficiency for all students, and closing the achievement gap. BPS supports creativity, innovation, and respects the skills and abilities of its teachers.

Requirements

Valid Massachusetts Teaching License in Special Education (Moderate Disabilities or Severe Disabilities), Massachusetts License in School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor, Massachusetts License in School Psychologist, OR Massachusetts License in Speech-Language Pathology.
Comprehensive knowledge of and professional experience with Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Regulations, the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Knowledge of and professional experience in special education, including the IEP process, special education instructional programs, collaboration with special education professionals, and building positive, supportive relationships with parents of students with special needs.
Ability to meet the BPS Standards of Effective Practice.
Demonstrated capability to work collaboratively with school administrators, direct service providers, families, students, and outside partners.
Three years successful experience in an urban school system or urban human service setting.
Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in Special Education or a related field.
Administrative/supervisory certification and experience in educational setting(s), preferably special education.
Urban special education teaching or related service experience.
Experience using the Special Education Information Management System (SEIMS).
Fluency in one of BPS' official languages: Spanish, Cabo Verdean Creole, Haitian Creole, Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese, & Somali.

Responsibilities

Support the improvement of student outcomes and strengthen family engagement.
Collaborate with the Principal/Headmaster to provide a respectful and engaging school environment for all students.
Ensure students with disabilities participate in the general education environment with their non-disabled peers per the IEP.
Provide and/or arrange professional development and support for special education teachers and related service providers.
Coordinate and support the continuum of settings and array of services for students with disabilities and students placed-at-risk.
Serve as liaison to and coordinate the work of outside agencies providing services to students in schools without a Student Development Coordinator.
Engage families as partners in planning, problem-solving, and provide assistance with school assignments.
Support the development of culturally competent practice at all levels.
Collaborate with the Principal/Headmaster in providing FAPE, LRE, and specialized instruction and services for students with disabilities, and differentiated instruction for all students.
Provide support to special education teachers regarding research-based and effective instructional and social-emotional-behavioral practices.
Provide expertise and assistance regarding the implementation of the Code of Conduct for students with disabilities.
Support the maintenance and improvement of regulatory compliance.
Process referrals for and chair all original, re-evaluation, and emergency placement team meetings.
Develop Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) for students, including transition for students with disabilities beginning at age 14.
Secure parent signatures for IEPs.
Chair annual review meetings until such time as the Boston School Committee has satisfied its bargaining obligations to have Special Education Teachers and Related Service Providers chair these meetings.
Provide teachers and other service providers with copies of IEPs at the beginning of each year and when changes occur.
Consult with and support special education teachers and related service providers in their responsibilities to chair annual reviews and develop IEPs when the Boston School Committee has satisfied its bargaining obligations.
Chair team meetings for students with disabilities served in private placements who may be returning to Boston Public Schools.
Chair Section 504 eligibility meetings and develop 504 accommodation plans.
Collaborate with the Principal/Headmaster in aligning student schedules with IEPs and 504 plans.
Collaborate with the Principal/Headmaster, teachers, and related service providers to manage activities relating to compliance with state and federal special education regulations and Section 504.
Participate in dispute resolution meetings, hearings, and mediation settlement meetings as needed.
Manage Medicaid reimbursement activities (Parent Consents, Random Moments, EasyTrac).
Perform other duties as required by the school Principal/Headmaster or other immediate supervisor.
Participate in regular organizational meetings and professional development activities provided by OSS.