SPED Coordinator - SY24/25

Job Description

Special Education Coordinator
This position will be for the 2024/2025 School Year

HOPE Community Academy is an accredited, public co-educational charter school comprised of primary, intermediate, and middle school levels. The entire school community seeks to provide a safe and trusting learning environment where each student is valued and challenged to grow academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.

The mission of HOPE Community Academy is to educate all students to the highest levels of academic and social standards with a focus on Hmong language and culture. As a vital part of the total learning community, HOPE Community Academy is called to educate students in an atmosphere enriched by shared Hmong and American values . . . peace, justice, and respect for one another. The school recognizes that a child’s healthy development is dependent upon learning and living out those values.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Special Education Coordinator to oversee and lead our special education programs. The Special Education Director will be responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring special education services to ensure the academic and social success of students with diverse learning needs. The successful candidate will collaborate with educators, parents, and community stakeholders to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Responsibilities:
• Provide strategic behavioral intervention, implementation and evaluation of the intervention strategies that address the needs of at-risk students.
• Provide training and student behavioral strategies to all staff.
• Develops and administers disciplinary procedures in accordance with district policies and state laws; receives referrals and confers with students, parents, teachers, community agencies, and responds to and resolves parent, student, and staff concerns and complaints; serves on discipline or expulsion panels as assigned.
• Coordinate support and services for SPED students with after school staff and summer school staff?
• Monitors and organizes attendance functions; calls parents, and attends meetings as needed, regarding absent or tardy students; provides leadership for attendance improvement efforts.
• Participates as needed in Individual Educational Plan meetings and Child Study Team.
• Provides support to the after school program in collaboration with school staff and/or from outside agencies.
• Applies knowledge of school law and district policy.
• Works with the Principal to establish a safe and secure learning environment for students. Develops plans for emergency situations in collaboration with other administrators, staff, and public safety agencies; directs the work of yard duty staff and crossing guards; plans and debriefs emergency drills; updates the school safety plan.
• Develop and implement a strong and effective student management program to ensure a safe environment for all.
• Responsible for conducting student investigations, including completing necessary paperwork related to incidents.
• Responsible for inputting discipline reports into Infinite Campus and completing the MDE Disciplinary Incident Reporting System (DIRS).
• Assumes any duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
• Education: A bachelor's degree in special education, education administration, or a related field is often required. Some positions may prefer or require a master's degree in special education, educational leadership, or a related discipline.
• Special Education Certification: SPED Coordinators are typically required to hold a valid teaching license or certification in special education. Additional certifications or endorsements in areas such as educational leadership or administration may be preferred.
• Experience: Previous experience working in special education settings, such as a special education teacher or related role, is usually required. Experience in school administration or coordination roles is also beneficial.
• Knowledge of Special Education Laws and Regulations: A strong understanding of federal and state laws governing special education, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), is essential for SPED Coordinators to ensure compliance and advocate for the needs of students with disabilities.
• Leadership and Communication Skills: SPED Coordinators should possess strong leadership abilities to effectively coordinate special education programs, collaborate with stakeholders, and support students with diverse learning needs. Excellent communication skills are also essential for interacting with parents, teachers, administrators, and external agencies.
• Organizational Skills: The ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and priorities is crucial for SPED Coordinators who oversee various aspects of special education programming, including individualized education plans (IEPs), accommodations, and services.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: SPED Coordinators work closely with teachers, support staff, families, and external service providers to ensure the success of students with disabilities. The ability to collaborate effectively and work as part of a team is important.
• Professional Development: Continuing education and training in special education practices, instructional strategies, behavior management techniques, and other relevant areas are important for SPED Coordinators to stay current in their field and enhance their skills.

Working Environment:
• Duties are normally performed in a school/classroom environment; school building is a multi-level building that has an elevator and is accessible
• Position requires extensive interaction with children of all ages
• Duties may occasionally be performed on field trips away from school
• Duties may occasionally be performed in outdoor environments, such as athletic fields or playgrounds
• Duties may occasionally be performed in varying weather conditions, such as hot or cold weather.
• Possible exposure to loud and noisy locations (e.g. loud classrooms or cafeterias; children speaking or laughing loudly).

To apply, or for more information, email us at careers@hope-school.org.

Note: Nothing in this job description restricts school’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise. It does not alter the "at will" employment relationship between the school and the employee.

Qualifications

• Education: A bachelor's degree in special education, education administration, or a related field is often required. Some positions may prefer or require a master's degree in special education, educational leadership, or a related discipline.
• Special Education Certification: SPED Coordinators are typically required to hold a valid teaching license or certification in special education. Additional certifications or endorsements in areas such as educational leadership or administration may be preferred.
• Experience: Previous experience working in special education settings, such as a special education teacher or related role, is usually required. Experience in school administration or coordination roles is also beneficial.
• Knowledge of Special Education Laws and Regulations: A strong understanding of federal and state laws governing special education, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), is essential for SPED Coordinators to ensure compliance and advocate for the needs of students with disabilities.
• Leadership and Communication Skills: SPED Coordinators should possess strong leadership abilities to effectively coordinate special education programs, collaborate with stakeholders, and support students with diverse learning needs. Excellent communication skills are also essential for interacting with parents, teachers, administrators, and external agencies.
• Organizational Skills: The ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and priorities is crucial for SPED Coordinators who oversee various aspects of special education programming, including individualized education plans (IEPs), accommodations, and services.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: SPED Coordinators work closely with teachers, support staff, families, and external service providers to ensure the success of students with disabilities. The ability to collaborate effectively and work as part of a team is important.
• Professional Development: Continuing education and training in special education practices, instructional strategies, behavior management techniques, and other relevant areas are important for SPED Coordinators to stay current in their field and enhance their skills.

Institution Description

HOPE Community Academy is an accredited, public co-educational charter school comprised of primary, intermediate, and middle school levels. The entire school community seeks to provide a safe and trusting learning environment where each student is valued and challenged to grow academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.

The mission of HOPE Community Academy is to educate all students to the highest levels of academic and social standards with a focus on Hmong language and culture. As a vital part of the total learning community, HOPE Community Academy is called to educate students in an atmosphere enriched by shared Hmong and American values . . . peace, justice, and respect for one another. The school recognizes that a child’s healthy development is dependent upon learning and living out those values.

Application Instructions/Comments

Send Resume to Katiekruger@hope-school.org