Special Education Coordinator

Chicago Public Schools•Chicago, IL

15d•Onsite

About The Position

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) works to support networks, schools, and families with all issues related to special education including instruction, interventions, and legal and compliance support. OSD provides the tools and resources to ensure that all students with disabilities receive a high-quality public education that prepares students for success. OSD supports networks, schools, and families with all issues related to special education, including instruction, interventions, and legal and compliance support. Reporting to the Manager of Instructional Supports in the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD), the Coordinator will leverage expertise in special education pedagogy, compliance, and instructional leadership to drive systemic improvements. The Special Education Coordinator plays a vital role in ensuring equitable, inclusive, and effective instructional services for students with disabilities across Chicago Public Schools. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field is required
PEL with Special Education endorsement (e.g., LBS1, LBS II, and/or ECSE) is required
Minimum of five (5) years of professional classroom teaching, case management, and/or clinician experience supporting special education is required
Deep understanding of students with disabilities and effective instructional strategies
Ability to influence school- and network-level practices
Knowledge of IDEA, ADA, and relevant policies and regulations
Expertise in instructional leadership and UDL
Strong interpersonal, collaborative, and communication skills
Ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced environment
Cultural competency and commitment to equity and high expectations for all students

Nice To Haves

Masters degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field is strongly preferred
General Administrative Endorsement (Type 75) is preferred
Experience facilitating professional development and coaching is strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Plan and develop ongoing coaching and support for special education teachers and paraprofessionals, school administrators, and network leaders
Model and promote inclusive practices within and beyond the classroom
Design and facilitate professional learning sessions focused on research-based strategies that support Effective Instruction and Conditions for Learning
Serve as a consultant to teachers in strengthening instruction design and delivery
Assist in the continuity of the instructional program to ensure that students with disabilities have access to grade-level instruction
Analyze academic, functional, and behavioral data for IEP development and planning
Develop strategic network action plans and partner with school-based teams to drive school improvement
Support cycles of improvement at the network level
Ensure implementation of IEPs in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
Support schools and networks with monitoring service delivery and instructional fidelity
Monitor IEP development across the network to ensure compliance with federal and state law, state Board of Education policy and CPS policy
Collaborate with families, advocates, and community partners in building inclusive environments
Promote parent engagement in the IEP process
Collaborate with district offices to implement initiatives and pilot programs
Support the alignment of special education with broader instructional and behavioral priorities
Implement systems of training, coaching, and supports for networks/schools to ensure they are provided with research-based, specially-designed instruction that meets the unique needs of students in their least restrictive environment
Other duties as assigned