Special Education Coordinator

Job Summary

The Special Education Coordinator will leverage expertise in special education pedagogy, compliance, and instructional leadership to drive systemic improvements. The role plays a vital role in ensuring equitable, inclusive, and effective instructional services for students with disabilities across Chicago Public Schools.

Responsibilities

• Plan and develop ongoing coaching and support for special education teachers and paraprofessionals, school administrators, and network leaders
• Model and promote inclusive practices within and beyond the classroom
• Design and facilitate professional learning sessions focused on research-based strategies that support Effective Instruction and Conditions for Learning
• Aid in the continuity of the instructional program to ensure that students with disabilities have access to grade-level instruction
• Analyze academic, functional, and behavioral data for IEP development and planning
• Develop strategic network action plans and partner with school-based teams to drive school improvement
• Support cycles of improvement at the network level
• Ensure implementation of IEPs in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Support schools and networks with monitoring service delivery and instructional fidelity
• Monitor IEP development across the network to ensure compliance with federal and state law, state Board of Education policy and CPS policy
• Promote parent engagement in the IEP process
• Collaborate with district offices to implement initiatives and pilot programs
• Implement systems of training, coaching, and supports for networks/schools to ensure they are provided with research-based, specially-designed instruction that meets the unique needs of students in their least restrictive environment

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field, required; Masters degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field, strongly preferred; PEL with Special Education endorsement (e.g., LBS1, LBS II, and/or ECSE), required; General Administrative Endorsement (Type 75), preferred
• Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of professional classroom teaching, case management, and/or clinician experience supporting special education, required; Experience facilitating professional development and coaching, strongly preferred

Conditions of Employment

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district.

Benefits

• Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice - Comprehensive Health Coverage
• Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow - Strong retirement and savings options
• Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life - Competitive paid time off policies