Manager of Special Education

KIPP•Kansas City, MO

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Every member of the Team & Family at KIPP KC plays a critical role in ensuring our students are on the path toward college, career, and beyond. As the Manager of Special Education, you will lead the vision, strategy, and execution of high-quality special education services across the school (or region). You will ensure that students with disabilities receive rigorous, inclusive, and individualized instruction aligned to their IEPs while achieving meaningful academic and developmental growth. This role blends instructional leadership, compliance oversight, and program management. You will coach and develop teachers, build strong systems, ensure legal compliance, and monitor student outcomes. You will serve as the primary advocate for students with disabilities and their families, ensuring services are equitable, compliant, and student-centered.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required
Valid Missouri Teaching License with Special Education certification required
3+ years of experience in special education with demonstrated student achievement results
Deep knowledge of IDEA, IEP development, compliance requirements, and inclusive practices
Experience managing compliance systems and special education documentation
Strong collaboration and communication skills
Satisfactory outcome of a background check
Applicants currently pursuing certification may apply before certification is received. All certifications must be acquired and on file with KIPP KC before the end of the first year of employment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Special Education or related field preferred
Prior instructional coaching, case management, or leadership experience preferred

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a comprehensive vision for special education aligned to KIPP KC’s academic priorities and inclusion goals.
Design and manage service delivery models (inclusion, co-teaching, resource, self-contained) to meet diverse student needs.
Lead continuous improvement cycles using student data, including IEP goal progress, assessment results, and behavioral data.
Ensure alignment between special education programming and general education curriculum and standards.
Monitor program effectiveness and adjust systems to drive improved outcomes for students with disabilities.
Coach and develop special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and general education teachers on best practices for inclusive instruction and differentiation.
Model high-quality instruction, co-teach, and provide real-time feedback to build teacher capacity.
Support the development of standards-aligned IEP goals and high-quality specially designed instruction.
Lead professional development on topics such as inclusion, differentiation, behavior supports, and compliance.
Build staff ownership of outcomes for students with disabilities across all classrooms.
Ensure full compliance with IDEA, state, and district regulations, including timelines, documentation, and service delivery.
Oversee the development, quality, and implementation of IEPs, ensuring goals are measurable and aligned to student needs.
Monitor service minutes, accommodations, and modifications to ensure fidelity of implementation.
Oversee and support IEP meetings, including facilitation of complex or high-stakes cases.
Maintain accurate and audit-ready documentation (e.g., eSPED or equivalent systems).
Lead internal audits and ensure readiness for external compliance reviews.
Analyze academic, behavioral, and functional data to drive decisions and interventions.
Oversee progress monitoring systems to ensure students are making meaningful growth toward IEP goals.
Partner with MTSS/RTI teams to ensure appropriate identification, intervention, and support for students.
Support development and implementation of behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and crisis response protocols.
Build strong, trust-based relationships with families of students with disabilities.
Ensure families understand their rights, services, and student progress.
Facilitate clear, proactive communication before, during, and after IEP meetings.
Support conflict resolution and ensure a collaborative, student-centered approach to decision-making.
Serve as a key member of the school leadership or academic team.
Collaborate with school leaders, ELL teams, counselors, and content leaders to ensure aligned supports for all students.
Support recruitment, onboarding, and development of special education staff.
Manage and support paraprofessionals and related service providers (as applicable).
Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and high-performing school culture.