What are the responsibilities and job description for the Elementary Special Education Coordinator position at New Northbridge Elementary School?
Qualifications: Master’s degree in Special Education and Elementary Education, or related field. Valid Licensure by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Special Education and as an Administrator. Successful teaching or related experience in elementary and special education. Thorough knowledge of special education regulations. Proven ability to successfully communicate with parents, staff and members of the community. Knowledge of DESE Teacher Evaluation System.
Job Summary: The Elementary Special Education Coordinator, reporting to the Director of Pupil Personnel Services, is responsible for overseeing key aspects of special education administration within the elementary school level. This role ensures compliance with Federal and State Special Education Regulations related to referrals, reevaluations, Team meetings, IEP development, and program monitoring. The Coordinator conducts teacher and staff evaluations, promotes and fosters effective communication with parents and families, and collaborates with building administrators, team leaders, and the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment to support curriculum development.
Knowledge:
1. Establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with students,
their families, colleagues and supervisors.
2. Communicate effectively, orally and in writing; ability to read, write, speak and understand
English
3. Ability to apply common sense understanding and to communicate options and solutions
when several variables exist.
4. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of inclusive practices to develop and implement
a progressive and inclusive program tailored to the needs of students with disabilities.
5. Creatively solve problems and work through the conflict resolution process
6. Thorough knowledge of Massachusetts and federal special education regulations
Responsibilities:
Serve as the designee of the Director of Pupil Personnel Services to carry out many of the
duties for the administration of special education. Assist with monitoring department
compliance with Federal and State Special Education Regulations with regard to
referrals, reevaluations, team meetings, the development of Individualized Education
Programs (IEPs), and program monitoring (State indicators).
2. Coordinate and supervise all aspects of the substantially separate programs at Northbridge
Elementary School
3. Serve as a secondary evaluator for special education teachers, related service providers, and
instructional assistants.
4. Coordinate the identification, evaluation, and individualized program development of students
requiring Special Education services in accordance with Child Find regulations
5. Chair/facilitate all Initial, Annual, Re-evaluation, and Manifestation
Determination Meetings for special education students at the elementary level or as assigned
6. Schedule, conduct, and develop appropriate IEP paperwork relative to annual review, initial
evaluation/eligibility, and re-valuation/eligibility
7. Supervise and help to coordinate and complete all IEP paperwork, including progress reports,
within required timelines
8. Collaborate with the Principal and Director of Pupil Personnel Services in providing FAPE,
LRE, and specialized instruction and services for students with disabilities, and differentiated instruction for all students
9. Review student assessment data, including but not limited to: MCAS, district-wide
assessment programs, various interim assessment data results, and analyze/interpret result
trends for students with disabilities (SWD) in order to facilitate IEP meetings.
10. Works with respective principals to monitor various special education services as well as
review protocols regarding the interface between regular and special education support models/frameworks (i.e. MTSS, IST, Tiered Instructional Models, regular education intervention programs, etc).
11. Analyze enrollment data, parent program interest, and projected population growth trends to
inform Northbridge Public Schools administration regarding program and staffing needs
12. Attend monthly Team Chair meetings with Director of Pupil Services
13. Plan and conduct relevant and ongoing professional development for department staff,
including instructional assistants
14. Complete or assist in completing and reviewing data for state reports
15. Perform other duties that are consistent with his/her professional training that the Director of
Pupil Services and Building Principals may require.
Evaluation: Performance will be evaluated by the Director of Pupil Personnel Services and/or Building Administration
Salary & Benefits: To be negotiated with the Superintendent
Employment Terms: The work year shall consist of the school year plus 10 additional days outside of the school year
for purposes of preparing for the upcoming school year, closing out the school year, and attending summer leadership planning/retreat days
