Job Description

FirstLine Schools:  SPECIAL EDUCATION (SPED) COORDINATOR

Creating and inspiring great, open admissions public schools in New Orleans

About FirstLine Schools

In 1998, FirstLine Schools started the first charter school in New Orleans. FirstLine now operates several (Pre)K-8th grade schools.  Our mission is to create and inspire great, open admissions public schools in New Orleans.  Our faculty is a diverse and talented group dedicated to our students’ success and to their own growth as teachers.  Our schools are led by leaders who hold themselves accountable for student achievement and teacher development.

Position Summary:
The Special Education Coordinator, under the supervision of the school leader, is responsible for ensuring the academic success of students in special education by providing leadership that ensures services and supports according to the applicable laws and the mission of FirstLine Schools.  

Position Responsibilities:
Driver of compliance

• Ensures compliance with Federal and State rules and regulations, including developing, updating, and ensuring compliance with Special Education policies and procedures that comply with laws
• Maintains special education files that include documentation of collaboration and involvement from students, teachers, parents, outside agencies, and pupil appraisal team members, as needed
• Develops and maintains a calendar of deadlines, including Federal, State, and network, to ensure that all meetings and reports are completed according to rules and regulations.  This includes, although is not limited to, the following: data maintenance in SER, annual reviews, triennial re-evaluations, monthly compliance reporting through SER, manifestation determination review (MDR),  Extended School Year eligibility and planning, and evidence of collaboration

• Coordinates with network and itinerant staff to ensure that high quality service delivery occurs in accordance with student IEPs
• Conducts integrity checks to ensure the implementation of IEPs, behavior support plans, and the delivery of accommodations and modifications in the general education classroom
• Coordinates accommodations and alternative testing for statewide assessments 

Driver of outcomes

• Observes, coaches, supports, and provides job training and professional development to school-based staff members

• Collaborates with parents, teachers, and service providers to develop academic and behavioral support plans (IEPs, FBA/BIPs)
• Collaborates with school-based academic leaders, teachers, parents, and paraprofessionals  to ensure that students  with disabilities are making progress towards their goals and accessing the general education curriculum to the greatest extent possible as determined by the IEP team

Other duties as assigned

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required, MA or MEd preferred 
• Louisiana Teacher Certification in Special Education
• Minimum of three years of teaching experience 
• Demonstrated success working with students in an urban, open admissions school 
• Demonstrated success coaching and leading adults
• Knowledge of current federal and state guidelines and reporting procedures
• Believe deeply in the mission and values of FirstLine Schools.

Desired Qualities & Characteristics:

• Believe in every student’s ability to achieve in a rigorous college or career prep curriculum
• Achieve results based on agreed-upon expectations
• Take personal responsibility 
• Highly detail-oriented 
• Collaborate effectively with a range of stakeholders 
• Share a commitment to creating great schools in New Orleans
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Model the FirstLine values of Service, Learning, Collaboration and Results

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to perform all required job functions with reasonable accommodations, if necessary.

SPED COORDINATOR reports to: School Director/Principal  

How to Apply : Please apply online via:  

Base Salary: $65,000 is competitive and commensurate with experience. FirstLine Schools offers a comprehensive benefits package with a generous 403b plan.

FirstLine Schools provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

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