Special Education Coordinator

Fort Smith Public Schools•Fort Smith, AR

About The Position

The Special Education Coordinator provides leadership, direction, and supervision for assigned aspects of the District Special Education Program. The coordinator works with principals, teachers, and administrative staff to develop and implement programs that meet the needs of students with disabilities. The position requires familiarity with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), state regulations, and proposed revisions, and supports required reporting, planning, professional development, staffing, and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The coordinator provides consultative assistance to regular education teachers, helps monitor district programs for compliance with adopted policies and guidelines, and maintains relationships with public and private service providers, particularly for students ages 14 and above who need vocational preparation. The role also includes general school duties and responsibilities assigned by administrators, including student supervision, collaboration, event attendance when requested, accurate recordkeeping, and maintaining professional relationships and emotional control under stress. The position is based in the Special Education Department, reports to the Director of Special Education, and has a 215-day full contract with benefits as specified in the employee contract. The contract is prorated based on the actual start date. The stated beginning date is November 2026. Applicants from outside Arkansas are asked to provide ADE verification of provisional licensure eligibility.

Requirements

Meet Arkansas licensure requirements.
Hold required LEA Supervisor Licensure.
Hold a master’s degree.
Have relevant years of successful experience as a special education teacher.
Have effective instructional leadership skills and experience.
Out-of-state applicants must provide ADE verification of provisional licensure eligibility.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership, direction, and supervision for assigned aspects of the District Special Education Program, working with principals, teachers, and administrative staff to develop and implement programs for students with disabilities.
Maintain familiarity with IDEA, state regulations, and proposed revisions.
Assist with preparing reports, proposals, and plans required by the Special Education Unit.
Assist with organizing and implementing the District’s Special Education Professional Development Program.
Participate in the selection and placement of special education personnel.
Coordinate development of IEPs for students receiving special education services.
Maintain information on and liaise with public and private agencies and individuals who provide services to students with disabilities, particularly students age 14 and above requiring vocational preparation.
Take necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
Maintain accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulation.
Remain current on instructional practices in special education.
Provide ongoing consultative assistance, with assigned special education personnel, to regular education teachers serving students with disabilities.
Assist in monitoring district programs for children with disabilities to ensure compliance with state and district policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Attend meetings and perform duties assigned by administrators or supervisors, including before-school or after-school duties.
Participate in grade-level collaboration and planning as part of PLCs, and serve on school committees.
Meet applicable TESS rubric proficient-level expectations for the role.
Supervise students during recess, on buses, before- and after-school duty, field trips, extracurricular events, and out-of-classroom activities during the assigned working day.
Maintain prompt and regular attendance.
Attend building events or activities at night when requested by administration.
Maintain positive professional working relationships and emotional control under stress.
Abide by state statutes, school board policies, and regulations.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Be able to lift at least 40 pounds occasionally and, as required, physically move students or equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
Endure prolonged standing, walking, sitting, and kneeling, with occasional reaching above the head or shoulders, bending, and squatting.