Special Education Program Coordinator

Special Education Program Coordinator 

Hiawatha Academies is a network of college-preparatory schools focused on closing the opportunity gap in Minneapolis. We seek to create a K-12 school experience for scholars that empowers them with knowledge, character, and leadership skills. At Hiawatha Academies, we are committed to making our city and our world a more inclusive, equitable, and just place. 
Our equity vision: to honor the humanity of all people, we actively disrupt systemic inequity in pursuit of an equitable world. Hiawatha Academies permanently disrupts educational inequity by ensuring a great school for every child. 

Hiawatha Leadership Academy – Northrop, a K-4 elementary school, seeks a dedicated Special Education Program Coordinator and teammate to join our team in July 2024.

Role Description:
The Special Education Program Coordinator at Hiawatha Academies serves as a pivotal member of the special education team, ensuring adherence to due process requirements while facilitating the development and implementation of individualized education programs (IEPs) for students with diverse needs. This role combines leadership in special education practices with meticulous attention to compliance and family engagement.

The Special Education Program Coordinator reports directly to the School Principal. The Special Education Program Coordinator will work collaboratively with the campus-based leadership team and teaching staff as well as the Network Special Education Team to create a school community where ALL Hiawatha Academies scholars are empowered with the knowledge, character and leadership skills to graduate from college and serve the common good.  

Responsibilities
Special Education Leadership:

• Serve as the campus-based leader of the Special Education vision and supports.
• Define approaches to assessment, goal setting, and data analysis to support data-driven instructional practices.
• Lead weekly meetings for special education staff (teachers and paraprofessionals) to collaborate on student support, analyze data, and engage in professional development.
• Provide site-based development for teachers and collaborate with the network special education team to ensure that appropriate staff members are trained in Crisis Intervention Prevention.
• Provide coaching and support to campus special education teammates
• Collaborate with school leaders to ensure high-quality special education service delivery.
• Support the hiring and onboarding of new Special Education Teachers, School Social Workers, and paraprofessionals.
• Manage the special education schedule to ensure all students receive appropriate services and provide contingency plans when staff is absent.
• Support staff with accommodation walkthroughs, teacher feedback, and culturally relevant pedagogy.

Special Education Student Support, Behavior, and Discipline:

• Collaborate with Discipline and Culture staff on discipline decisions for students with IEPs.
• Lead the development of Behavior Intervention Plans in conjunction with students’ case managers.
• Co-plan and lead discipline and culture professional development to ensure inclusivity of students with IEPs.
• Support teachers and case managers in developing progress monitoring systems.

Due Process Management:

• Collaborate with students’ teachers, related service providers, and families to develop annual IEPs.
• Schedule and facilitate IEP and evaluation meetings, ensuring timely development and compliance.
• Support teachers in identifying appropriate services, accommodations, and modifications for IEPs.
• Communicate with families on upcoming meetings and changes to students’ IEPs.
• Coordinate with campus leadership to ensure students receive all services identified in their IEPs.
• Maintain special education data and conduct periodic folder audits to ensure accuracy.
• Identify opportunities to streamline due process systems and data collection.
• Collaborate with campus Due Process Facilitators at other campuses to ensure network alignment in processes

Other Duties:

• Perform additional duties as required and assigned by the Principal.

Hiawatha Employment Logistics
 

• The Special Education Program Coordinator is a member of the Hiawatha Leadership Academy – Northrop campus team.
• Staff’s work day is from 7:30am – 3:30pm, Monday-Friday.  
• Professional development sessions are held each Friday from 1:00pm – 3:30pm.
• All Hiawatha staff are expected to attend and participate in relevant evening family events to be held at the school.

Skills & Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Teaching licensure in special education or related service area such as special education by disability, school social worker, or school psychologist or the ability to obtain such license
• At least 3 years of experience as a special education teacher and/or leader in a K-8 setting.
• Knowledge of special education law and compliance.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Explicit commitment to equitable experiences and outcomes for students of color.

Preferred:

• Experience evaluating special education and  instructional programs
• Bilingual or multilingual (Spanish and/or Somali preferred)
• Master’s degree in a relevant field

Compensation
Salary for this position is competitive and based on prior experience.  Hiawatha offers a collaborative and committed team of colleagues, and a comprehensive benefits plan including medical, dental, life, and retirement.
 
Anti-Discrimination Policy and Commitment to Diversity
We believe that diversity is strength, and we are committed to maintaining an inclusive, multicultural network. We are an equal-opportunity employer and welcome all qualified applicants.