Position: Special Education Coordinator
About IDEA
IDEA Public Charter School in Washington, D.C. serves approximately 320 students in Grades 9-12. Our unique program prepares students for both college and careers. In addition to offering college preparatory courses, including Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment options, we also provide students with a variety of options for career technical education. All students at IDEA complete a career program of study. We currently offer the following career programs: child development, construction, computer science, culinary arts, and hospitality and tourism. We are considering several new programs for School Year 2024-2025, including business management and cosmetology. Our school is located in the historic Deanwood neighborhood in Northeast Washington, D.C. We are proud to continue the tradition of educating the next generation of leaders in our community, and we are excited to bring in new talent to help us achieve our school’s mission.
IDEA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to creating a workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered.Position Overview:
The Special Education Coordinator will serve as a key leader in the provision of special education services, ensuring that all students with disabilities receive the support and accommodations needed to access a high-quality education. This individual will oversee the implementation of individualized education plans (IEPs), coordinate special education programming, and collaborate with teachers, administrators, parents, and support staff to promote the academic, social, and emotional success of students with disabilities.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Coordinate the evaluation (and re-evaluation), identification, and placement of students with disabilities in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations.
- Develop, monitor, and review individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities, ensuring that goals, objectives, and accommodations are appropriate and effectively implemented.
- Collaborate with general education teachers, special education teachers, and support staff to ensure that students with disabilities receive the necessary accommodations, modifications, and specialized instruction to access the general curriculum and make progress toward their educational goals.
- Provide leadership and support to special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and other staff members involved in the delivery of special education services, including coaching, mentoring, and professional development.
- Serve as a liaison between the school, parents, and outside agencies to coordinate services and supports for students with disabilities, including related services, transition planning, and community resources.
- Monitor student progress through ongoing data collection, assessment, and progress monitoring, and use data to inform instructional decision-making and intervention strategies.
- Conduct meetings with parents, teachers, and other stakeholders to review student progress, discuss concerns, and develop strategies for supporting student success.
- Ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations related to special education, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
- Collaborate with school administrators to develop and implement policies, procedures, and initiatives to improve special education services and outcomes for students with disabilities.
- Participate in professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in special education, instructional strategies, and legal requirements.
Required Social-Emotional Competencies:
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- Demonstrates self-awareness and the ability to recognize and manage one's emotions effectively.
- Exhibits empathy and understanding towards others, fostering positive relationships and a supportive work environment.
- Maintains composure under pressure and handles conflicts or challenging situations with tact and emotional maturity.
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- Works collaboratively with colleagues, staff, and stakeholders to achieve common goals and foster a sense of unity.
- Actively listens to others, values diverse perspectives, and encourages open dialogue.
- Builds effective teams, delegates tasks appropriately, and promotes a culture of mutual respect and cooperation.
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- Demonstrates openness and flexibility in embracing change (or different ideas) and adjusting to new circumstances or initiatives.
- Adapts quickly to evolving situations and demonstrates a willingness to learn and grow from challenges.
- Encourages innovation and supports creative problem-solving approaches.
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- Analyzes complex issues, identifies root causes, and generates creative solutions.
- Applies critical thinking and sound judgment to make informed decisions.
- Seeks input from relevant stakeholders and considers multiple perspectives before arriving at conclusions.
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- Receives feedback with an open mind, demonstrating a growth mindset and a willingness to improve.
- Provides constructive feedback to others in a respectful and supportive manner, focusing on professional growth and development.
- Actively seeks feedback from colleagues and stakeholders to enhance performance and effectiveness.
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- Communicates clearly, confidently, and respectfully with diverse audiences, including staff, parents, students, and community members.
- Listens attentively, asks thoughtful questions, and seeks to understand others' viewpoints.
- Uses appropriate verbal and written communication skills to convey complex ideas and information effectively.
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- Engages in constructive dialogue and debates while maintaining respect and professionalism.
- Expresses dissenting opinions or disagreements tactfully, considering the impact on relationships and the broader goals.
- Demonstrates the ability to find common ground and work towards consensus when faced with differing perspectives.
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- Builds and maintains positive and trusting relationships with staff, parents, students, and community members.
- Demonstrates approachability, active listening, and the ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Cultivates a sense of community, fosters collaboration, and promotes a welcoming and inclusive environment.
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- Exhibits determination and resilience in the face of challenges and setbacks.
- Maintains a positive attitude, motivates others, and leads by example during difficult times.
- Demonstrates perseverance in pursuing long-term goals and continuous improvement.
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- Demonstrates high ethical standards and acts with integrity in all professional interactions.
- Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive information with discretion.
- Upholds professional boundaries and adheres to relevant laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines.
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field required.
- Minimum of 5 years of teaching experience in special education, with demonstrated knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and best practices.
- Strong understanding of instructional strategies, assessment practices, and intervention techniques for students with disabilities.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, parents, and community stakeholders.
- Leadership experience in special education programming, including supervision, coaching, and professional development.
- Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in education, with a passion for advocating for students with disabilities and ensuring their access to a quality education.
- Ability to analyze data, problem-solve, and make data-driven decisions to improve student outcomes.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and other technology tools used in special education administration and student support services.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $90,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Washington, DC 20019: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person