Job Description
Title: Special Education Coordinator
Minimum Qualifications:
- 1.Master's Degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership or related field Master's degree
- 2.Five years of experience and certification as a Special Education Teacher
- 3.Hold or be eligible for NH Certification as a Special Education Administrator
- 4.Experience and knowledge of IDEA, NH Regulations for Children with Disabilities and Compliance Indicators.
Desired Attributes:
- 1.Strong leadership and organizational skills with a proven record of positive outcomes within program management and staff leadership.
- 2.Overall compassionate, strengths based, and collaborative approach to students, families and staff with the ability to manage Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), support diverse student needs, and foster positive relationships
- 3.Experience in public schools setting with experience as a Special Education Coordinator
- 4.Well developed communication skills and interpersonal skills across multiple modalities.
Reports To: Director of Student Support Services in collaboration with the respective building Principal.
Supervises: Special Education teachers and related support staff in collaboration and consultation with the School Principal
SAU 34 Strategic Plan Priority Areas:
Student Success:
- SAU 34 is committed to preparing students for success in postsecondary education and the workforce by providing every student with a high-quality education rooted in purpose, self-determination, meaningful relationships, and regular feedback.
- Students will develop critical academic skills and the key competencies outlined in our Portrait of a Graduate: adaptive perseverance, responsibility, a learner's mindset, global citizenship, communication, critical thinking, and collaboration.
Culture:
- SAU 34 fosters a responsive and high achieving culture by prioritizing a welcoming, positive environment, grounded in the tenets of the Portrait of a Graduate.
- This environment allows students and staff to feel physically, psychologically, and emotionally safe, supported, connected, and empowered with a strong sense of purpose.
Learning Environments:
- SAU #34's physical environment and resources for learning have a direct impact on student success and culture, reflecting the community's values.
- SAU #34 will provide and maintain future focused facilities that support high quality and diverse educational opportunities for every student.
Job Goal: Through strategic, strengths-based leadership the Special Education Coordinator provides oversight, and direction for all special education programs and services. This role ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, supports high-quality instruction, and fosters collaboration among staff, families, and stakeholders to promote positive student outcomes.
Performance Responsibilities:
Program Leadership & Oversight
- Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of special education programs.
- Monitor program effectiveness and use data to drive decision-making to identify areas of need and monitor progress of district and department goals/initiatives.
- Conduct needs assessments and support long-range planning efforts.
- Oversee building-level special education programs to ensure alignment with district goals.
Compliance & Regulatory Management
- Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local special education laws and regulations.
- Implement and monitor policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Prepare and submit required reports to district and state agencies.
- Stay current on legal updates and provide guidance to staff and administrators.
IEP & Student Services Coordination
- Fulfill the LEA responsibilities by overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
- Provide leadership and guidance to IEP teams across the district.
- Monitor student progress and ensure appropriate supports and services are delivered.
Staff Supervision & Human Resources
- Supervise, support, and evaluate special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers.
- Assist in recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and assignment of special education personnel.
- Conduct observations and provide actionable feedback to improve staff effectiveness.
Professional Development & Training
- Plan and deliver ongoing professional development aligned to district goals and student needs.
- Lead training on instructional strategies, compliance, and special education best practices.
- Develop and oversee onboarding and mentoring programs for new staff.
- Provide targeted training for paraprofessionals and special education instructional staff.
Instructional Leadership
- Provide technical assistance for specially designed instructional strategies, and assistive technology.
- Evaluate and recommend research and evidence based instructional materials, programs, and services.
- Ensure alignment and continuity of special education practices across grade levels and departments.
- Promote the use of evidence-based instructional practices.
Collaboration & Family Engagement
- Collaborate with school leaders, teachers, and district personnel to support student success.
- Facilitate meetings with families to discuss student progress and address concerns.
- Develop and expand parent engagement initiatives and support networks.
- Respond to and resolve stakeholder concerns in a timely and professional manner.
Resource & Budget Management
- Coordinate allocation of staffing, materials, and services to maximize student outcomes.
- Assist in the development and management of the special education budget.
- Plan for and manage instructional resources, supplies, and equipment.
Communication & Outreach
- Develop and disseminate special education materials and communications.
- Coordinate outreach and public relations efforts related to special education services and NH BSES Indicator requirements.
- Promote understanding of special education programs within the school and community.
Additional Responsibilities
- Participate in district-wide initiatives and required training (e.g., de-escalation, CPR/AED).
- Attend meetings and provide leadership support as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Work Environment:
Requires prolonged sitting or standing. Occasional stooping, bending, and reaching. Requires some travel. May work in noisy and crowded environments.
Evaluation:
Annual evaluation to be completed by the Director of Student Support Services in collaboration with building Principal.
Contract:
220 day contract with duties performed from July 1 to June 30 including designated days during July and August.
Approved: JLC 4-6-2026