Special Education Coordinator

North Star Academy Charter School • Newark, NJ

2d

About The Position

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools serving economically disadvantaged communities. The Special Education Coordinator manages the school’s Special Education programs and advocates for students with disabilities, providing academic, emotional, and physical support while supporting their potential for high academic achievement. The role coordinates and delivers specialized instruction, oversees evaluations and IEP and 504 processes, collaborates with educators and families, and maintains compliance with applicable special education laws and regulations. Coordinators also build supportive relationships with students and families and participate in professional development and school-wide community-building.

Requirements

• Demonstrated commitment to supporting students’ social-emotional and academic development.
• Enthusiasm for collaborating with internal and external partners in the best interest of students.
• Self-directed learning approach, including soliciting and implementing feedback to improve outcomes and achieve objectives.
• Demonstrated interest in impacting K–12 students in urban schools and communities.
• Academic expertise in Special Education, the Humanities, Social Sciences, STEM, or a related field of study.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university before the start of employment.
• Meet New Jersey state certification eligibility requirements: a final undergraduate or graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 for graduates on or after 9/1/16, or 2.75 for graduates before 9/1/16.
• Instructional staff must become certified in New Jersey within a reasonable period after beginning employment.

Nice To Haves

• One to two years of experience impacting K–12 students in urban schools and communities is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review intake assessments to ensure students receive educational services and instructional methods aligned with their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
• Coordinate and provide pull-out, push-in, small-group, and one-on-one instruction.
• Schedule, coordinate, and facilitate Special Education team, IEP, and pre-referral meetings.
• Manage the evaluation process, including conducting classroom observations and testing.
• Partner with general education teachers and advocate for classroom accommodations required by 504 plans and IEPs.
• Work with families across all grades to address needs throughout the IEP process and support students’ academic and social-emotional growth.
• Maintain student records concerning special education and prepare reports for regulatory agencies.
• Ensure compliance with City, State, and Federal special education laws and regulations.
• Use standards-based assessment data to refine and differentiate curriculum and instruction.
• Oversee the writing and implementation of IEPs and 504 plans to ensure students receive services.
• Conduct annual IEP and 504 meetings with students and their families.
• Collaborate with general education teachers, school leaders, and families to analyze student work samples and assessment trends and ensure compliance with IEPs.
• Gather academic growth data and write goals in preparation for annual IEP meetings.
• Implement strategies to differentiate instruction for all learners.
• Build positive relationships with students so they feel seen, loved, and heard.
• Partner with students’ families to ensure appropriate resources are available to support their children's learning needs.
• Participate in practice-based professional development, mentorship, and coaching sessions.
• Participate in weekly school-wide meetings to cultivate community, model core values, and encourage student achievement.
• Partner with the grade-level team to develop academic goals and practice instructional strategies.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including sick time, paid holidays, and approximately 10 weeks of paid breaks across spring, winter, and summer.
• Extensive training and development.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Pre-tax flexible spending accounts, dependent care flexible spending accounts, and health savings accounts.
• Retirement benefits based on role eligibility.
• Paid leave of absence options, including parental, medical, and disability leave.
• Mental health and counseling support and wellness benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level