Special Education Coordinator

Uncommon Schools • Newark, NJ

1h • $63,000 - $93,000

About The Position

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of public charter schools serving economically disadvantaged communities. Special Education Coordinators manage school special education programs and advocate for students with disabilities, providing academic, emotional, and physical support while fostering high academic achievement. They coordinate and deliver specialized instruction, oversee IEP and 504 processes, collaborate with school staff and families, and maintain compliance with applicable special education laws and regulations. The role also includes building positive relationships with students, participating in professional development and school-wide meetings, and working with grade-level teams to support student achievement.

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.
• Ability to learn independently, solicit feedback, and implement it to improve outcomes and achieve objectives.
• Academic expertise in Special Education, the Humanities, Social Sciences, STEM, or a related field.
• Special Education teaching certification is required.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university before the start of employment.
• For New Jersey candidates, eligibility for state certification is required; applicable GPA thresholds are 3.0 for graduates on or after September 1, 2016, or 2.75 for graduates before that date. Instructional staff must become certified in New Jersey within a reasonable period after beginning employment.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated interest in impacting K–12 students in urban schools and communities; 1–2 years of experience 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 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 their needs throughout the IEP process and support students’ academic and social-emotional growth.
• Maintain student records and prepare reports for regulatory agencies while ensuring 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 and assessment trends and ensure compliance with IEPs.
• Gather academic growth data and write goals in preparation for annual IEP meetings.
• Teach specialized instruction and 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

• Paid time off, including sick time, paid holidays, and approximately 10 weeks of paid breaks during spring, winter, and summer.
• Training and development.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Pre-tax flexible spending accounts, dependent care flexible spending accounts, and health savings accounts.
• Financial planning.
• Retirement benefits based on role eligibility.
• Paid leave 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