M2 - Special Education Coordinator

MaST Community Charter School•Philadelphia, PA

About The Position

The Special Education Coordinator provides leadership in planning, implementing, coordinating, supervising, and evaluating Special Education programming across the school in alignment with MaST Schools. The Special Education Coordinator promotes inclusionary practices that foster the understanding of Special Education laws, rules, and regulations for students and families. The Special Education Coordinator supports Special Education teachers and paraprofessionals in all aspects of the implementation of the Special Education process kindergarten through age 21. The Special Education Coordinator also supports administrators, general education teachers, guidance counselors, and other professional support staff in meeting the needs of students in need of services.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Special Education or related field
Appropriate State of Pennsylvania Department of Education Teaching Certificate in Special Education
A minimum of 3 years teaching experience with special education
Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of colleagues, parents, families, and community members.
Strong understanding of special education law and code, ability to write comprehensive and legally defensible Individual Educational Programs (IEPs), assist with the implementation of intervention strategies, accommodations, and modifications of the curriculum.
Able to prepare and implement behavior management plans and to communicate to general education teachers how to implement IEPs.
Required background checks and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status

Responsibilities

Collaborate with administrators and staff in order to provide appropriate support and strategies to the learning community.
Inform the Head of Special Education of all anticipated/actual financial needs generated as part of the IEP process.
Serve as LEA for IEP meetings with various professional staff and parents, ensuring that all necessary paperwork is processed, required signatures are provided and ensure parent understanding of the process and purpose of meetings according to law and code.
Ensure IEPs are developmentally appropriate, curriculum/standards-based, strength-based, and relevant to individual students.
Provide training and technical assistance to case managers, teachers, related service providers and support service professionals on all aspects of case management, including the use of computer systems for the special education process, writing of goal writing, progress reports, annual reviews, and parent communication.
Work with paraprofessionals, special education staff, and other appropriate school staff to develop professional development goals that support special education students’ access to the general curriculum.
Support the planning and implementation of special education initiatives.
Integrate new developments, research findings, and best practices into ongoing programs and new initiatives.
Effectively communicate the special education process to parents and guardians, including the process for referrals, evaluations, annual IEPs/504 plans, and re-evaluations as well as parental rights granted by IDEA.
Keep informed of legal requirements governing special education issues.
Effectively collaborate with outside agencies, in order to support individual students.
Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops in order to maintain and improve professional competence.
Sponsor extracurricular activities such as clubs, student organizations, and academic contests.
Adhere to Professional Standard of Conduct including confidentiality, code of ethics and appropriate use of the internet, as outlined in Policy and Procedures manual and Staff Handbook.
Follow all approved board of trustee policies.
Perform other duties appropriate to the position and job title.
Complete school-mandated technology PD hours.