Coordinator of Special Education (COSE) [Tynan Elementary] (SY26-27)

About the role

The Coordinator of Special Education (COSE) will support the improvement of student outcomes and strengthen the engagement of families as partners. Reporting to the Principal/Head of School and OSE Assistant Directors, this position collaborates with the Principal/Head of School to ensure a respectful and engaging school environment for all students, and to provide professional development and support for special education teachers and related service providers.

Responsibilities

• Support the improvement of student outcomes and strengthen the engagement of families as partners
• Collaborate with the Principal/Head of school to:
• Provide a respectful and engaging school environment for ALL students
• Ensure that students with disabilities participate in the general education environment with their non-disabled peers per the IEP
• Provide and/or arrange professional development and support for special education teachers and related service providers
• Cookordinate and support the continuum of settings and an array of services for students with disabilities and students placed-at-risk
• Engage families as partners in planning, problem-solving, and provide assistance with school assignments
• Support the development of culturally competent practice at all levels
• Collaborate with the Principal/Head of school in providing FAPE, LRE, and specialized instruction and services for students with disabilities, and differentiated instruction for all students
• Provide support to special education teachers regarding research-based and effective instructional and social-emotional-behavioral practices
• Support the maintenance and improvement of regulatory compliance
• Process referrals for and chair all original, re-evaluation, and emergency placement team meetings; develop Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) for these students, including transition for students with disabilities beginning at age 14; secure parent signatures for these plans; chair annual review meetings until such time as the Boston School Committee has satisfied its bargaining obligations to have Special Education Teachers and Related Service Providers chair the annual review meetings, and provide teachers and other service providers as appropriate with copies of IEPs at the beginning of each year and when changes occur thereafter
• Coordinate team meetings for students with disabilities served in private placements who may be returning to Boston Public Schools
• Collaborate with the Principal/Head of school in aligning student schedules with IEPs and 504 plans
• Collaborate with the Principal/Head of school, and the teachers, and related service providers, to manage activities relating to compliance with all state and federal special education regulations and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, scheduling of assessments and meetings, consents from parents, notices and invitations to families and providers, presenting and tracking IEPs, monitoring for parent signatures, progress reports from teachers and service providers, management reports and other required reports, older transfer and maintenance
• Participate in dispute resolution meetings, hearings, and mediation settlement meetings as needed
• Perform Medicaid reimbursement activities (Parent Consents, Random Moments, EasyTrac)

Qualifications

• Valid MA DESE Teaching License in Special Education (Moderate Disabilities or Severe Disabilities), MA DESE License in School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor, or MA DESE License in School Psychologist, or MA DESE License in Speech-Language Pathology
• Comprehensive knowledge of and professional experience with Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Regulations, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
• Knowledge of and professional experience in special education, including the IEP process, special education instructional programs, collaboration with special education professionals, and building positive, supportive relationships with parents of students with special needs
• Demonstrated capability to work collaboratively with school administrators, direct service providers, families, students, and outside partners
• Three years of successful experience in an urban school system or urban human service setting
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Special Education or a related field
• Administrative/supervisory certification and experience in educational setting(s), preferably special education
• Urban special education teaching or related service experience
• Experience using the Special Education Information Management System (SEIMS)