Coordinator of Special Education - Secondary

Chesterfield County Public Schools•West Ridge, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Coordinates special education services for secondary students with disabilities to optimize learning in the school environment. Serves as the school’s lead special educator and curriculum leader, supporting student learning and modeling knowledgeable, professional conduct. Coordinates student screenings, meetings, testing, eligibility processes, transitions, and transportation; provides professional development and support to special and general education staff; and promotes research-based instruction. The role involves handling sensitive information, working tactfully with others, and maintaining contacts within and outside the school system. The position is based in a public school, with a quiet-to-moderate noise level. It is an 8-hour-per-day, 220-day-per-year position. Compensation is $62,949.36–$96,551.45. The coordinator monitors compliance with special education policies, procedures, timelines, and regulations; supports standards-driven IEP development and required assessments; coordinates student data and online IEP processes; and helps staff address student performance and instructional needs. Depending on school needs, the incumbent may teach, plan instruction, assess student progress, and perform department chair duties. The role may provide work direction to employees assigned to the special education area and involves performing most functions independently. Applicants must hold a valid Virginia Collegiate Professional License or Postgraduate Professional License with an endorsement in a special education concentration and have three to five years of successful teaching experience. An Administration and Supervision endorsement is preferred. Candidates considered for employment must complete FBI and State Police criminal history investigations, a Child Protective Services investigation, and tuberculosis screening/testing. The employer states that reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential tasks.

Requirements

Valid Virginia Collegiate Professional License or Postgraduate Professional License with an endorsement in a special education concentration.
Three to five years of successful teaching experience.
Considerable knowledge of regulations and policies related to disabilities.
Knowledge of concepts, principles, and methodologies of instruction, learning theory, and teaching methodologies for special education students.
Ability to identify students appropriate for special education programs, develop instructional goals, design and deliver instruction, and assess student learning.
Ability in decision-making, problem analysis, conflict resolution, interpersonal relationships, and planning.
Ability to organize, schedule, and monitor work assignments and train and advise staff.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Knowledge of special education identification criteria in all areas.
Successful completion of FBI and State Police criminal history investigations, a Child Protective Services investigation, and tuberculosis screening/testing.
Ability to sit and stand for extended periods; use a telephone and computer; see and read screens and printed material, with or without vision aids; hear, understand, and speak clearly; bend, stoop, sit on the floor, climb stairs, walk, and reach overhead.
May be required to use crisis prevention or intervention techniques and lift up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

An endorsement in Administration and Supervision is preferred.

Responsibilities

Monitor adherence to policies, procedures, timelines, and regulations governing the special education process.
Receive and screen special education referrals; schedule screenings and eligibility meetings.
Facilitate or coordinate initial, annual review, and revised IEP meetings; eligibility paperwork; and student transitions.
Coordinate testing to meet federal timelines and requirements.
Represent the Local Education Agency (LEA) division at IEP meetings and ensure development of standards-driven IEPs.
Coordinate special education transportation and assign, monitor, and verify timesheets for instructional assistants riding the bus.
Write or assist teachers in writing Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavioral Intervention Plans, and support positive behavioral interventions and supports.
Administer diagnostic tests and maintain knowledge of Standards of Learning (SOL) and alternative assessment eligibility requirements.
Serve as testing coordinator, including coordinating accommodations and alternative assessments such as GLA, VSEP, VMAST, and VAAP.
Provide staff development on online IEP programs and the student information system; ensure timely, accurate student data entry and monitor online IEP development.
Provide ongoing and supplemental professional development and support to special and general education staff on procedures, regulations, collaboration, differentiated instruction, data collection and analysis, and assessments.
Access and analyze student performance data to identify instructional approaches that can improve performance.
Share and model research-based instructional strategies with staff.
Assist with developing the school master schedule to support students’ instructional needs and staff resources.
Maintain effective communication with special education specialists, liaisons, and other support staff.
Conduct classroom observations focused on student learning needs and quality instruction.
Collaborate with the Transition Coordinator to address students’ transition needs and college or career readiness.
As needed, teach content, process, and application skills; plan instruction; demonstrate skills; assign and evaluate coursework; evaluate progress; and report progress to students, parents, and administrators.
Serve as department chair for the assigned building and perform associated duties.
Prepare required reports and perform other duties as required.
Operate a personal computer, basic office equipment, and equipment related to program instruction.
May provide work direction to employees assigned in the special education area.