Coordinator for Special Education

Coordinator for Special Education

Job Summary

The Coordinator for Special Education provides leadership for the implementation, coordination, and continuous improvement of assigned special education programs and services. Reporting directly to the Director of Special Education, the Coordinator collaborates with the Supervisor of Special Education, instructional specialists, school administrators, teachers, and related service providers to promote consistent practices and effective academic, functional, and behavioral supports for students with disabilities.

The Coordinator serves as a primary department contact for assigned schools and program areas; coordinates professional learning and technical assistance; supports staff; and monitors program implementation and effectiveness. The position translates department priorities and established procedures into school-level practice, identifies needs, recommends improvements, and coordinates follow-up support.

Duties and Responsibilities

Coordinator for Special Education shall:

• Coordinate the implementation and continuous improvement of special education programs and services within assigned schools, grade levels, or program areas, including self-contained programming and collaboration with designated program personnel.
• Serve as a primary department contact for assigned schools, respond to school-based inquiries, provide technical guidance to instructional specialists, and collaborate with school administrators to coordinate assistance and monitor follow-through.
• Support school teams in strengthening specially designed instruction, inclusive practices, access to the general curriculum, and academic, functional, and behavioral interventions.
• Monitor program implementation and effectiveness through school visits, classroom observations, review of student progress and service delivery data, and feedback from staff and families; recommend improvements and coordinate school-level follow-up within assigned areas.
• Provide technical assistance regarding Child Find, evaluations, eligibility, IEP development and implementation, progress monitoring, and related documentation; coordinate and process student transfers and support continuity of services between schools, grade levels, and educational settings.
• Monitor implementation of required procedures, services, accommodations, and timelines; assist with file reviews and corrective actions; and coordinate school-level state complaint response efforts, including gathering records, collaborating with the assigned specialist and school team, and monitoring follow-up under the direction of department leadership.
• Chair Manifestation Determination Review meetings as assigned and attend complex eligibility, IEP, placement, and other student meetings, including those involving attorneys or advocates
• Respond to families regarding student concerns, support communication and collaborative problem-solving with school teams, and coordinate follow-up School LEA’s.
• Lead assigned professional learning initiatives, curriculum lead meetings, and staff development sessions;
• Collaborate with instructional specialists and school administrators to provide onboarding, coaching, and technical assistance and monitor the effectiveness of these supports.
• Identify staffing, instructional material, equipment, and professional learning needs and submit recommendations to the Director.
• Provide alternate assessment training and monitor participation, implementation, and completion in collaboration with division assessment personnel and department leadership.
• Represent the department at Family Assessment and Planning Team (FAPT) meetings and prepare and coordinate assigned Children’s Services Act (CSA) forms, and applications.
• Develop and update program guidance, handbooks, instructional tools, training materials, and assigned digital resources; coordinate assigned state special education reporting, including data collection, and verification.
• Represent the department at Teaching and Learning, SEAC, regional, interagency, school, and division meetings as assigned; communicate relevant information and coordinate related follow-up.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must possess a Master’s degree in Special Education or a related field and a valid Virginia teaching license with an endorsement in special education. An endorsement in Administration and Supervision (K–12) is preferred.
• A minimum of five years of successful teaching experience in special education.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in special education programming, professional learning, instructional support, or program coordination.
• Knowledge of specially designed instruction, inclusive practices, academic and behavioral interventions, evaluation and eligibility processes, IEP development and implementation, and related federal and state requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate programs across schools, analyze data, monitor effectiveness, manage timelines, and work independently under general direction.
• Strong communication, collaboration, organization, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to support productive resolution of school and family concerns.
• Ability to work effectively with administrators, staff, families, and community partners and maintain confidentiality and professional discretion.

Supervision Exercised

The Coordinator provides program coordination, technical assistance, staff support, and monitoring of program implementation and effectiveness.

Supervision Received

Performs duties under the direct supervision of the Director of Special Education.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Work is performed in office, school, and meeting settings. The position requires frequent interaction with administrators, staff, families, students, community agencies, and division personnel. The work involves managing multiple priorities, deadlines, meetings, compliance requirements, and sensitive or confidential information.

The position requires the ability to:

• Sit, stand, walk, and move between schools and office locations.
• Attend meetings during and occasionally outside of the regular workday.
• Use a computer and other office technology for extended periods.
• Communicate effectively in person, by phone, virtually, and in writing.
• Review and analyze detailed records, reports, data, and legal or compliance documentation.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in emotionally sensitive or high-stakes situations.
• Travel between school sites and division offices as needed.
• Occasionally lift or carry light materials, files, training supplies, or equipment.

The role requires sound judgment, discretion, organization, flexibility, and the ability to remain calm and professional when supporting complex, confidential, or disputed special education matters.