Special Education IDEA-DA Coordinator

Great Prairie Area Education Agency has an opening for an Special Education IDEA-DA Coordinator.

203-day contract 

Benefits: IPERS, generous paid leave package and monthly cafeteria allotment of $1,050.00.

Category: Administrative Support

Salary range to be determined based on experience.

Position Overview:

The IDEA Differentiated Accountability (IDEA-DA) Coordinator collaborates with agency staff and district partners to support the effective implementation of the IDEA Differentiated Accountability system and Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) within the agency and across school districts.  This position plays a key role in building educator capacity through practice-based coaching, facilitating coaching networks, engaging in systems-level coaching, and delivering high-quality professional development to both internal and external staff.  The IDEA-DA Coordinator is also responsible for the supervision and evaluation of AEA special education staff and serves as a critical leader in advancing the implementation of special education services within the agency and across partner school districts.  This role provides leadership with guiding implementation, supporting system-wide improvement efforts, and ensuring alignment with IDEA regulations and best practices in special education.  Travel across the agency is required.  

Preferred Qualifications:

The qualifications of the position shall include, but not be limited to the following requirements:

1. Iowa Evaluator Approval (190)
2. Appropriately licensed/certified by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners
3. Endorsement in an area of special education
4. Master’s level of professional training in the field of education
5. Experience organizing, planning, and facilitating professional development
6. In-depth knowledge of special education policies, procedures, and best practices
7. Strong interpersonal, teamwork, written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities:

• Support implementation of the State’s IDEA-Differentiated Accountability system and other statewide initiatives.
• Support the IDEA-DA continuous monitoring cycle and oversee the implementation of SDI professional learning and coaching within the agency and districts.
• Provide guidance and respond to inquiries from agency and district staff regarding IDEA-DA processes and SDI content strands.
• Plan, develop, coordinate, and facilitate professional development sessions, workshops, and training for AEA staff, educators, support personnel, and administrators on topics related to IDEA-DA.
• Foster collaborative relationships within the AEA, school districts, community partnerships, and state-level stakeholders to support IDEA-DA initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with state reporting requirements and submit required documentation in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with Great Prairie AEA Administrators of Special Education to align agency efforts with district needs and strategic goals.
• Represent Great Prairie AEA at local, regional, and state meetings and contribute leadership to statewide initiatives.
• Supervise and evaluate GPAEA staff members 
• Manage multiple projects effectively, demonstrating strong organization and problem-solving skills.
• Use technology to enhance communication, data analysis, and daily operations
• Promote and model cultural competence and a commitment to equity in all professional interactions.
• Maintain confidentiality of student, staff, and agency information.
• Comply with all applicable local, state and federal regulations, as well as AEA policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Great Prairie AEA’s mission and strategic priorities.

Physical Requirements:

1. Ability to travel between schools/sites served and outside of the service area.
2. Normal, routine levels of bending, carrying, climbing, reaching, sitting, standing, and walking. At times, the job may also involve above average levels of activity which can’t always be anticipated.

Working Conditions: 

Work is primarily performed in an office and school setting. Occasionally exposed to dust, noise, odors, and other irritants. Stress associated with work pace and pressure. Work involves irregular hours and days. Exposed to hazards and inclement weather when traveling.