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

Boston Public Schools • Boston, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This school has been designated underperforming or chronically underperforming (formerly Level 4 or 5) by the State of Massachusetts. Boston Public Schools (BPS) seeks an exceptional Coordinator of Special Education (COSE) who is highly qualified and knowledgeable to join our community of teachers, learners and leaders. This is an exciting opportunity for teachers who desire to serve where their efforts matter. In BPS, the teachers and leaders are committed to the vision of high expectations for achievement, equal access to high levels of instruction, the achievement of academic proficiency for all students, and the closing of the achievement gap among subgroups within the schools. BPS is a great place for those who seek to work in an environment that supports their creativity and innovation, and respects their skills and abilities as a teacher.

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 as outlined above.
• 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 the engagement of families as partners.
• Collaborate with the Principal/Headmaster to provide a respectful and engaging school environment for ALL students.
• Ensure that 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 those 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 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 these students, including transition for students with disabilities beginning at age 14; secure parent signatures for these plans; 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 the annual review meetings, and provide teachers and other service providers as appropriate with copies of IEPs at the beginning of each year and when changes occur thereafter.
• Consult with and support special education teachers and related service providers in their responsibilities to chair annual reviews and develop IEPs for these students when the Boston School Committee has satisfied its bargaining obligations to have Special Education Teachers and Related Service Providers chair the annual review meetings.
• 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, and the teachers and related service providers, to manage activities relating to compliance with all state and federal special education regulations and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act including: scheduling of assessments and meetings, consents from parents, notices and invitations to families and providers, presenting and tracking IEPs, monitoring for parent signatures, progress reports from teachers and service providers, management reports and other required reports, and older transfer and maintenance.
• Participate in dispute resolution meetings, hearings and mediation settlement meetings as needed.
• Medicaid reimbursement activities (Parent Consents, Random Moments, EasyTrac).
• Perform other duties related to this job description as required by the school Principal/Headmaster or other immediate supervisor.
• Participate in regular organizational meetings and professional development activities provided by OSS.

Benefits

• Salaries are listed by Unions and Grade/Step. The start and end times of BPS schools vary, as do the lengths of the school day. Some BPS schools have a longer school day through the "Schedule A" Expanded Learning Time (ELT) agreement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees