Special Education Coordinator

Company Description

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing, public charter schools providing an outstanding K-12 education in historically under-resourced communities. We have proudly built schools that reflect our student population, with more than 60% of our teachers and staff across our network identifying as a person of color. Uncommon currently manages 55 schools serving more than 21,000 students in six cities: Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, Rochester, and Troy. We are proud that Uncommon graduates persist in and graduate from college at five times the rate of their peers nationally. We achieve this by offering strong academic, co-curricular, and social-emotional learning that prepares students for success in college and beyond.

North Star Academy currently manages fourteen schools in Newark, NJ serving students in grades K through 12. We believe in strong authentic relationships between teachers and students, supported by effective school systems and an engaging instructional model that enables students to flourish academically and personally. North Star Academy is NJ's #1 highest performing public charter school and has served Newark families for over 20 years.

Job Description

Uncommon Special Education Coordinators are passionate, fierce advocates for their students, who manage all aspects of the school's Special Education programs. They also provide crucial academic, emotional, and physical support to students with disabilities and believe they are capable of high academic achievement.

Responsibilities

• Instruction
• You will review intake assessments to ensure that all students receive the educational services and instructional methods that they need to succeed aligned with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
• You will use standards-based assessment data to refine and differentiate curriculum and instruction.
• You will maintain student records regarding special education issues and prepare reports for regulatory agencies while also ensuring compliance with all City, State, and Federal special education laws and regulations.
• You will work closely with families in all grades of the school to address their needs throughout the IEP process and support their student's academic and social-emotional growth.
• You will partner with general education teachers and advocate for all classroom accommodations required by 504 plans and IEPs.
• You will manage all aspects associated with the evaluation process, including conducting classroom observations and testing.
• You will schedule, coordinate, and facilitate Special Education team, IEP, and pre-referral meetings.
• You will coordinate and provide pull-out, push-in, small group, and one-on-one instruction.

2. Special Education Coordinator-Specific Responsibilities:

• You will teach pull-out, push-in, small group, and one-on-one instruction.d implement strategies to differentiate instruction for all learners in your classroom.
• You will gather academic growth data and write goals to prepare for annual IEP meetings.
• You will collaborate with general education teachers, school leaders, and families to analyze and respond to trends in student work samples and assessments and ensure compliance with IEPs.
• You will conduct annual IEP and 504 meetings with students and their families.
• You will oversee the writing and implementation of IEPs and 504s to ensure that students are receiving services.

3. School Culture

• You'll partner with your grade level team to develop academic goals and practice instructional strategies.
• You'll participate in weekly, school-wide meetings to cultivate community, model our core values, and encourage student achievement.
• You'll engage in practice-based professional development, mentorship, and coaching sessions.
• You'll partner with students' families to ensure appropriate resources are available to support their child's learning needs.
• You'll build positive relationships with students to ensure they feel seen, loved, and heard.

Qualifications

• A self-directed learner who solicits and implements feedback to improve outcomes and achieve objectives
• An enthusiasm for collaborating with internal and external partners in the best interest of students
• A demonstrated commitment to supporting students' social emotional and academic development
• A commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools and investment in our vision for being an anti-racist organization
• Required Experience:
• A demonstrated interest in impacting K-12 students in urban schools and communities (1-2 years experience preferred).
• Academic expertise in Special Education, the Humanities, Social Sciences, STEM, or related fields of study.
• Prior to the start of employment, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Teacher certification is not a prerequisite for consideration at Uncommon Schools in the state of NJ, but you do need to meet NJ state certification eligibility require…