Description | 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 Certification
- 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, instructional accommodations, educations of students who received special education services, and curriculum
- Special Education programs and practices
- Instruction and IEP 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 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 all inclusive services and Co-teach.
- Assists and guides school administrators, teachers, and staff in the facilitating of placement changes to a more or less restrictive program.
- Coordinates high school transitions to 18+ program.
- Serves as the district Transition and Employment Services Designee (TED).
- Provides leadership and supervision to special education instructional staff in the implementation of effective instructional programs designed to meet the individual needs of students in special education.
- Conducts site visits and provides explicit feedback to campus administrators regarding inclusion/co-teach programs.
- 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 storage.
- 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:
- 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 a common vision 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:
- Implements assigned program services, and/or projects for the purpose of conforming to program guidelines and advances the goals and objectives of the District.
- Ad hoc administrator in assigned ARD.
- Assures paperwork compliance to include meaningful PLAAP, goals, 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 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:
- Consults with other agencies outside the school that also serve the student with parent consent.
- 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.
- 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
- Continual standing, walking, lifting, carrying, stooping, bending, and kneeling
- Limited exposure to hot and cold temperatures
- 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. |