2026-2027 School Year
Harlem School Location
Grades 6th to 8th

Mission

Our mission is to provide the children of NCS with new educational opportunities through a rigorous, comprehensive K-8 program that cultivates the intellectual, social, and emotional development of each child. Our students, who will include Autistic children, will become independent learners and critical thinkers, will acquire the academic skills that they need to succeed in college preparatory high schools, and will exhibit the social and emotional skills that will allow them to reach their full potential.

The Opportunity

The Special Education Coordinator is a school-based leader responsible for ensuring the success and fidelity of the special education program at their school. The Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the planning, development, and implementation of special education programs for students with disabilities. This includes responsibility for ensuring that students with disabilities at their school site are provided with effective interventions and that teachers are utilizing data-based decisions to identify, change, and implement interventions for those scholars. They will ensure that all teachers have knowledge and skills on best practices, as well as the ability to create an inclusive environment at their school. The Special Education Coordinator is also responsible for serving as a liaison between families, staff, and the Committee on Special Education to ensure that all students with IEPs receive their mandated services. They work closely with teachers, parents, administrators, and other professionals to ensure the delivery of high-quality, individualized education and services that meet federal and state guidelines. This is a 12-month position.

Responsibilities

Special Education Compliance Management

• Implement and evaluate the school’s special education program in compliance with federal, state, and Network regulations.
• Ensure compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and other related laws.
• Monitor the effectiveness of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and ensure timely evaluations and reviews.
• Analyze IEPs and most recent reports for newly enrolled students with special needs in order to support roster creation and ensure compliance.
• Create & manage 504 plans for students who require specific accommodations due to medical diagnoses.
• Collaborate with school staff and the Committee on Special Education to ensure that all students receive their mandated services, accommodations, etc.
• Maintain accurate records related to students' special education needs, IEPs, and progress monitoring.
• Manage record-keeping systems and all deliverable deadlines for staff in regards to compliance documentation.
• Assist in the preparation of reports for district, state, and federal education agencies.

Student Systems and Support

• Support alignment of counseling, Social Thinking®, and behavior intervention programs with the Network’s whole-child vision.
• Oversee the assessment and evaluation process for students referred for special education services.
• Provide ongoing support to staff in developing effective Tier III accommodations, modifications, and behavioral interventions.
• Work with teachers, staff, and parents to develop and support Tier III strategies to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
• Facilitate IEP meetings, ensuring participation from parents, teachers, and appropriate professionals.
• Serve as a liaison, in collaboration with the Special Education Projects Manager, between the school and outside agencies or service providers.
• Develop a strong understanding of the needs of every student with an IEP and provide strategies to staff to ensure students receive Tier III support as outlined in the IEP.
• Work with school staff to coordinate testing protocols to ensure accommodations are provided as mandated.
• Participate in all disciplinary communication regarding students with disabilities.
• Support the school-based and Network staff with behavior plans & supports for all students with special needs, including students identified as needing Tier III support plans (and Tier II as needed).

Staff Development and Support

• Provide training and resources to teachers and staff to help them better understand and serve students with disabilities.
• Stay current on trends, research, and best practices in special education.
• Lead professional development for teachers and leaders around best practices for students with disabilities, IEP writing, progress monitoring, etc.
• Train, observe, and provide feedback to school staff, paraprofessionals, and families on the implementation and development of IEPs to enhance instructional capacity.
• Observe and provide feedback and coaching to teachers around delivering high-level Tier III interventions and accommodations.
• Collaborate with other school leaders to observe, coach, and train teachers in instructional support and strategies, including the implementation of Social Thinking in the classroom.
• Provide resources to teachers and model as needed to support the implementation of Tier III interventions.
• Respond to and support crisis behaviors as needed.

Partnership and Coordination Management

• Facilitate IEP meetings and collaboration with key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with teachers, leaders, families, and Special Education staff to create Individualized Education Plans and review individual student needs.
• Create, implement, and maintain organizational systems for progress monitoring, case management, IEP meeting attendance, teacher reporting, etc., in conjunction with the Special Education Projects Manager.
• Provide resources and support to families of students with IEPs.
• Collaborate with agencies and the Committee on Special Education to ensure all mandated students are assigned a paraprofessional.
• Manage paraprofessional onboarding, attendance, and professionalism.
• Present weekly program and service updates to the Director of Special Education, including information pertaining to regulations, observations, meetings, and development of individual/department goals.
• Provide administrative support to the Director of Special Education and other leaders as necessary.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required
• NY State SWD certification (preferred)
• Proven effectiveness as a special education teacher, leader, and/or service provider for at least five years
• Proven track record of successfully differentiating instruction for a diverse set of learners
• Strong knowledge of best practices for students with disabilities, including Autistic students
• A commitment to contributing to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive setting
• Strong leadership skills; high levels of emotional intelligence
• Strong data analysis skills
• Familiarity with academic State Standards
• Ability to run strong adult professional development sessions
• Ability to cultivate partnerships in the community and beyond
• Deep commitment to education and academic achievement
• Creative problem-solver and systems thinker
• Ability to work productively with all stakeholders
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• The salary range for the positions is $101,000- $116,773