Special Education Coordinator

"Primary Purpose:
Under the direction of the Director of Special Education, assists in the coordination of special education programs and personnel. Provides leadership to special education instructional and support staff. Assists in the evaluation, coordination and improvement of the overall special education program ensuring alignment with federal and state program guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education/Certification: Master's degree from an accredited university
Valid Texas Special Education Certification
Principal or Mid Management certificate (preferred)
Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50) paid by employee.

Required Experience:
Three (3) years' experience as a Special Education Teacher

Knowledge/Skills: Knowledge of ARD procedures, compliance indicators, best practices in instructional methods and strategies, data collection procedures, implementation of accommodations, and best practices in providing curriculum and instruction to students who received special education services
The continuum of services provided through Special Education programs and practices
IEP paperwork and development
Thorough understanding of public school operations
Public relations
Mediation skills (preferred)
Oral and written communication skills
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy
Operation of a computer and assigned software
Ability to coordinate campus support operations

Major Responsibilities and Duties:
(The following statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions that may be assigned or skills that may be required.)

Professionalism
The Educators' Code of Ethics is set forth in the Texas Administrative Code to provide rules for standard practices and ethical conduct toward students, professional colleagues, school officials, parents, and members of the community.
Rule §247.1 Purpose and Scope; Definitions
Rule §247.2 Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators
Instructional Management
The coordinator promotes improvement of instruction by assisting with activities such as the following:
Monitors and provides academic support to all campuses to include the full continuum of services provided to students
Assists, guides, and supports school administrators, teachers, and staff in the facilitating of placement changes to meet student needs
Provides leadership and support to special education staff in the implementation of effective instructional programs designed to meet the individual needs of students in special education
Engages in research to explore and obtain curricula to best support the teaching of all students receiving special education students
Conducts campus and classroom visits and provides explicit feedback to campus administrators regarding special education programs and supports
Collaborates with campus administrators in identifying and solving instructional problems
Secures sources for and assists in the evaluation and selection of instructional programs, materials and equipment with regard to supporting the total special education instructional program
Uses the findings of research and district studies to improve the content, sequence and outcomes of the teaching/learning process
Demonstrates effective strategies, techniques and materials for improved instruction and classroom management
Cooperates with school staff in provision and scheduling instructional activities to maximize learning outcomes
Encourages and supports the development and implementation of effective instructional programs to achieve identified needs of students
Assists in establishing continuity of methods, materials and effective strategies between special education programs and other educational programs in the district
Organization Improvement
The coordinator promotes leadership in efforts to improve the school or organization through activities such as the following: Provides professional development in areas such as, but not limited to IEP development, special education paperwork, conducting meaningful ARDs, increasing community engagement
Evaluates programs for the purpose of carrying out and achieving the objectives of the special education department and District
Assists in the development, implementation, and evaluation of proposals, and new programs for the purpose of meeting district goals
Collaborates in the development and articulation of the district's common vision and/or improvement and implementation of the vision
Ensures continuous renewal of curriculum, policies, and methods
Uses formal and informal feedback from others to maintain or create positive climate
Supports and trains special education staff in methods to facilitate a positive climate on assigned campuses
Systematically assists in monitoring the effectiveness of special education programs and services
Serves as the inclusion facilitator in assisting campuses to develop and improve inclusive special education services for students
Organization Management
The coordinator manages administrative, fiscal, and facilities functions responsibly through activities such as the following:
Administrator in ARDs, as needed
Implements assigned program services, and/or projects for the purpose of conforming to program guidelines, compliance, and advances the goals and objectives of the District
Assures paperwork compliance to include, but not limited to meaningful PLAAFPs, goals, service minutes, and timelines
Abides by and ensures effective implementation of all federal/state laws and regulations and local rules, guidelines and regulations concerning the education of children with disabilities
Assists the Director of Special Education in preparation of statistical reports and maintains records as required or requested by local, state and federal agencies
Assists in the selection of instructional materials to assure student success
Assists the Director of Special Education in coordination of special education master files to ensure compliance with the Texas Education Agency monitoring standards
Student Growth and Development
The coordinator fosters student growth and development through activities such as the following:
Supports district and campus rules of student conduct
Ensures that rules and procedures for the discipline of special education students are effective and conform to state and federal laws and regulations
Ensures that support services for students with disabilities are effective in achieving their objectives
Takes a leadership role and works cooperatively with the Special Education Director and assessment staff to facilitate expedient resolution of parental concerns on student management, implementation of parental concerns on student management, implementation, of IEPs, supplementary aides and services and special education programs
Diagnoses the need for, and assists in, securing consultants, specialists and other community resources when needed to facilitate a student's attainment of IEP goals
Communication and Community Relations
The coordinator promotes a positive tone for school or community relations through activities such as the following: With parent consent, consults with agencies outside the school that also serve the student
Prepares a wide variety of written materials for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information
Fosters collaborative educational efforts among members of the total school community
Articulates the department mission and needs to the community
Seeks support for school programs; involves himself or herself in community activities that foster rapport between the school district and larger community
Articulates the district's mission, as it relates to special education and to the community, and solicits the necessary support in making the mission a reality
Demonstrates the use of appropriate and effective techniques for community and parent involvement
Projects a positive image to the community
Organization Climate
The coordinator assists with fostering a positive school or organization morale through activities such as the following: Promotes a positive, caring climate of learning
Maintains a positive and effective relationship with supervisors
Maintains a positive and effective relationship with campus administration
Effectively communicates with colleagues, students, and parents
Acts sensitively and fairly with all individuals
Professional Growth and Development
The coordinator provides leadership in professional growth and development through activities such as the following:
Develops and conducts school/district professional development training on topics related to serving students who receive special education services
Actively participates in personal and/or professional development activities in areas of assignment
Actively seeks and uses evaluative feedback from campus and administrative staff in order to improve job performance
Determines needs, coordinates and implements professional growth activities in order to continually improve job performance
Qualities of an Effective Special Education Coordinator
The coordinator exhibits the following qualities: Daily attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job
Complies with district and campus policies and procedures, as well as state and federal laws and regulations
Complies with the standards of conduct set out in Board Policy DH (Legal) and (Local) and with any other policies, regulations, and guidelines that impose duties, requirements, or standards
Demonstrates a high level of personal integrity, a collaborative leadership style, and high ethical standards
Keeps informed of and comply with state, district, and campus policies affecting schools
Compiles, maintains and files all reports, records, and other required documents
Maintains confidentiality
Other duties as assigned
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Assigned staff
Equipment:
Computer, computer software programs, printer, calculator, telephone, copier, fax machine, Special Education instructional materials and equipment, and other equipment applicable to position

Working Conditions: Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Work irregular and extended work hours to include holidays and weekends
Occasional statewide travel
Work with frequent interruptions and maintain emotional control under stress
Prolonged standing, walking, lifting(under 30 lbs.), carrying, stooping, pushing, pulling, twisting, bending, and kneeling
Repetitive hand motions, frequent use of the keyboard and mouse.
Frequent exposure to temperature extremes (hot and cold), humidity extremes, noise, low or intense illumination vibration
Occasional exposure to biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, insects, mold, fungi), work outside, work around moving objects or vehicles, work on uneven surfaces
The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.