Program Coordinator - Teacher Development Academy - Ex Ed (Effective 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR)

Tucson Unified School District (TUSD1.org); Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Tucson Unified School District (TUSD1.org) is seeking a SPED Pathway Exceptional Education Coordinator to support the Program Manager with day-to-day logistics, candidate tracking, and state compliance for the Special Education alternative teacher certification pathway.

You will be the primary contact for SPED candidates and course facilitators, ensuring alignment with Arizona Department of Education and federal requirements while coaching on evidence-based practices and providing non-evaluative

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in special education or closely related field with 2 years of K-12 SPED teaching experience, or
• Associate's degree in special education with 4 years of K-12 SPED teaching experience, or
• Six years of progressive administrative experience in education or public sector settings, or
• One year of supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of IDEA and IEP compliance and ADE SPED structures.
• Experience managing complex spreadsheets and data tracking systems; proficiency in MS Excel and LMS.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day logistics and candidate tracking for the SPED pathway.
• Ensure state compliance with ADE and federal mandates for SPED certification.
• Serve as primary contact for SPED candidates and course facilitators; provide coaching and feedback.
• Coordinate scheduling and assignments to support adult learners in the pathway.

Skills

Organizational skills

Data tracking

MS Excel

Google Sheets

LMS

Written/verbal communication

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree in special education

Associate's degree in special education

Six years of progressive administrative experience

Tools

MS Excel

Google Sheets

Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Data tracking systems

Job description

Now Hiring with Higher Pay! Thanks to community support, our posted rates now include increases funded through a community-approved override guaranteed through June 2031. Apply today!

Summary

The TDA Pathway Exceptional Education (SPED) coordinator supports the Program Manager by overseeing the day-to-day logistics, candidate tracking and state compliance for the Special Education alternative teacher certification pathway. This role serves as the primary front-line contact for Special Education candidates and course facilitators, ensuring alignment with both the Arizona Department of Education and federal mandates.

Directly supporting special education teacher development through non-evaluative observations, formative feedback, and coaching course facilitators on evidence-based practices for exceptional learners. Flexibility in scheduling, which may include night and weekend work to support adult learners.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in special education or closely related field. AND Two years of experience K-12 classroom teaching experience in special education (Mild/Moderate, Moderate/Severe, or Cross-Categorical). OR
• Associate’s degree in special education or closely related field. AND Four years of experience K-12 classroom teaching experience in special education (Mild/Moderate, Moderate/Severe, or Cross-Categorical). OR
• Six years of progressive experience administering or coordinating programs, project tracking or high-level administrative support (ideally within an educational or public sector environment).
• One year of supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Individualized Education Program (IEP) compliance, and Arizona Department of Education special education structures.
• Experience managing complex spreadsheets, data tracking systems, or student/candidate records.
• Advanced proficiency in data organization (e.g., MS Excel, Google Sheets) and Learning Management Systems (LMS).
• Exceptional organizational skills and event/session logistical planning capabilities and strong customer service and written/verbal communication skills for triaging candidate needs.

Requirements Prior To Start Date

• FBI fingerprint background check.
• Proof of immunity to rubeola (measles) and rubella (German measles), or proof of MMR immunization.

Preferred Requirements

• Master’s degree in Special Education or Educational Leadership, or Curriculum and Instruction with SPED focus.
• Valid Arizona Special Education Teaching Certificate (e.g., Standard Mild/Moderate, Standard Severe/Profound or Cross-Categorical).
• Working knowledge of Arizona Department of Education SPED teacher certification requirements, specific SPED alternative institutional pathways, and high-need endorsement processes.
• Experience working directly within an Educator Preparation Program (EPP), alternative teacher certification track, or a school district’s Special Education/Educational Student Services/Human Resources/Professional Development department.

COMMENTS

Effective: 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR

Location: Professional Development

Classification: Non-Bargaining

FTE : 1.0 - 8 hours per day

Work Calendar: 12 month

Positions less than 30 hours per week are not eligible for district benefits.

Salary will be prorated if the start date is after the first day of the work calendar for the position.

Internal candidates will transfer at a rate commensurate with their bargaining unit language.

For more information on salary schedule, please reference the Employee Agreements Webpage.

Tucson Unified School District is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination based on disability, race, color, religion/religious beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or national origin.