Job Description for

Coordinator of Special Education Curriculum

Position Title:
Coordinator of Special Education Curriculum

Reports To:
Executive Director of Special Services

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Classification:
Licensed

Amount of Travel:
Minimal

Job Status:
Full-Time

Level:
District Support

Work Schedule:
245 Days

Date Created:
March 13, 2023

Salary Range:
$62,900 to $103,464

Position Summary

The NLRSD is seeking exceptional applicants for the leadership position of Coordinator of Special Education Curriculum. This position is to serve as a liaison between the principals and teachers ensuring that the special education curriculum is aligned with the literacy and math curricula that are implemented in the K-12 classrooms of NLRSD. The person in this position is responsible for coordinating and collaborating alignment with the elementary and secondary. in the development and implementation of the curriculum and aligning it vertically with elementary and secondary curriculums. Through a lens of equity, structures, culture, and leadership provides focus on improved student performance and building the professional capacity of classroom teachers and school-based leaders. The primary work of the coordinator will ensure a high level of instructional leadership to create systems, structures, and processes. and procedures to eliminate gaps in student learning through equity practices in elementary and secondary grades.

Essential Functions:
The following duties are representative of performance expectations. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The Coordinator of Special Education Curriculum for individuals with disabilities responsibilities will include, but are not limited to the following:

Conducts strategic planning of the grades K-12 reading and math through the use of data analysis; observes programs and evaluates instructional delivery. Serves on or chairs committees to review, modify, develop, and/or evaluate K-12 interventions and resources. Coordinates the articulation of curriculum between grades and school levels. Ensures curriculum is aligned with the Arkansas Curriculum framework. Reviews program and course materials; evaluate texts and materials offered by suppliers; selects materials of instruction and instructional technology and prepare specifications for purchase of materials. Visits schools to observe and evaluate teaching methods, counsels, and assists in curricular-related issues, program planning and implementation, and assessment development. Demonstrates effective teaching pedagogy and techniques; demonstrates multicultural diversity practices and facilitates pilot programs to test materials of instruction and instructional methods. Maintains knowledge of current research in the area of special education curriculums and makes it available to professional staff. Plans and conducts professional development for Special Education teachers in reading and math programs and interventions; counsels new personnel or student teachers as needed. Interprets Special Education Curriculum programs, curriculum policy, and instructional methods to stakeholders, including parents, school system personnel, and civic associations. Assist with course descriptions and program offerings. Assists in developing summer course offerings. Partners with colleagues to provide leadership and professional development for instructional staff in reading and math to assist them with innovative approaches for reading, math, and integrated instruction. Collaborates with the Department of Curriculum and Design and multiple central office services to design integrated strategies to target individual school needs. Supports school-based leaders in relation to providing support to teacher professional learning communities, curriculum and assessment writing, professional development, selecting materials of instruction, and other duties as assigned. Perform other related work as required and directed the Executive Director of Special Services. Performs other duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Special Services.

Competencies:
Comprehensive knowledge of reading and math curriculum instruction, and assessment; comprehensive knowledge of school district goals and outcomes, procedures, and organization of sound assessment management for reading and math education. Knowledge and ability to lead and coach school-based leaders and teachers on Special Education Curriculums methods and topics and aligned formative and summative assessments to improve teaching and learning. Ability to demonstrate strong internal and external support for the NLRSD. Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences. Knowledge and understanding of the change process, organizational development, conflict resolution, and facilitation skills. Highly effective organizational and consensus-building skills. Knowledge and understanding of all policies and procedures of the NLRSD. Ability to conceptualize, initiate, monitor, and evaluate new and/or current secondary math curricular programs.

Minimum Qualifications

Licensed Arkansas Teacher in Special Education K-12 or meets qualifications and requirements reciprocity or is eligible to hold appropriate licensure. Licensed Arkansas Curriculum/Program Administrator (P-12) preferred Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to job duties and responsibilities preferred. Have a minimum of five (5) years of successful teaching or related experience in Special Education K-12. Have a minimum of eight (8) years of successful job performance in education including teaching and leadership experience preferred. Experience with educational accountability measures including federal education reform efforts, state and local standards, and assessments, knowledge of systemic organizational thinking, organizational leadership, and change management. Experience working in a highly collaborative environment where teamwork, creative problem-solving, and self-motivation are necessary for success. Experience in an urban school district is preferred.

Skills and Abilities Required:
The following characteristics and physical skills are important for the successful performance of assigned duties.

Secondary Reading/Language Arts/English/Literacy Curriculum Leadership Knowledge and Expertise:

Knowledge of special education for reading and math development for children K-12. Knowledge of best instructional practices for reading/math and literacy development and intervention for all students grades K-12. Knowledge of topics related to the general field of special education reading and math curriculums. Capable of providing leadership with a vision of inclusive practices in Special Education K-12. Knowledge of local state and federal laws/regulations as they pertain to special education. Knowledge of Arkansas content standards and development guidelines, education theory, developmentally appropriate practices, and literacy and math programs. Knowledge of supervisory fundamentals, principles, and trends. Knowledge of state law and district administrative policies and procedures that are related to secondary reading, language arts, and integrated literacy education.

Work Environment:

Work is primarily conducted in an office or school setting. Prolonged stationary work and attention to a desk or computer tasks are required. This position is cognitively demanding and requires especially well-developed professional social skills and communication skills. Movement in and about schools and office buildings/grounds is a frequent requirement and the ability to carry or lift items 75 lbs. or less.

Empathy and Commitment to Cause:

Deep commitment to improving student achievement and employee performance. Passionately believes that all students can achieve at high levels. Demonstrates cultural competence, equity, and a deep understanding of and empathy for issues facing minority and economically disadvantaged families and students requiring special services.

Problem-Solving and Systems Thinking:

Understands how various systems and departments interact to achieve district goals. Makes decisions using data and technology. Takes initiative to solve problems and create stakeholder buy-in. Identifies and prioritizes mission-critical issues with alignment of people, time, and resources. Offer innovative solutions to seemingly intractable challenges. Exhibits a strong focus on goals and results. Sets clear metrics for success. Demonstrates excellent execution and project management skills, including attention to detail, and organizational skills.

Leadership Skills:

Motivates inspires and moves other adults to action to achieve ambitious goals. Use a collaborative approach in assisting teachers to envision the goals and ways to be successful. Builds and maintains positive relationships with individuals and groups. Moves groups to consensus and resolves conflicts. Exhibits willingness to have difficult conversations. Builds coalitions and works collaboratively with diverse stakeholders at all levels, including but not limited to district personnel, students, families, communities, and/or advocacy groups. Establishes clear expectations, deliverables, and deadlines. Sets clear agendas and facilitates effective meetings. Ability to train, staff from different cultural backgrounds and skill sets. Exhibits transformational and servant leadership characteristics in daily work.

Additional Responsibilities:

Performs such other tasks and assumes such other roles and responsibilities as the Executive Director of Special Education and or their designee may assign.