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

Sylvania; Tucson, Northern (AZ, KY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Tucson Unified School District is hiring a SPED Pathway Exceptional Education coordinator to support the Program Manager with day-to-day logistics, candidate tracking, and state compliance for the SPED pathway. This role acts as the primary contact for SPED candidates and course facilitators, ensuring alignment with IDEA/IEP and AZ ED requirements.

The role includes coaching course facilitators, conducting non-evaluative observations, and providing formative feedback.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in special education or closely related field.
• Two years of K-12 classroom teaching experience in special education (Mild/Moderate, Moderate/Severe, or Cross-Categorical).
• Associate’s degree plus four years of K-12 SPED teaching experience.
• Six years of progressive admin/coordination experience.
• One year of supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of IDEA and IEP compliance; AZ ED SPED structures.
• Experience managing spreadsheets/data tracking/candidate records.
• Advanced proficiency in data organization and LMS.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day logistics for the SPED pathway.
• Serve as primary frontline contact for SPED candidates and course facilitators.
• Ensure alignment with Arizona DOE and federal mandates.
• Provide non-evaluative observations and coaching on evidence-based practices.
• Coordinate scheduling, including potential night/weekend work.
• Support candidate tracking and state compliance.

Skills

Communication skills

Data organization

Event/logistical planning

Customer service

Written/verbal communication

Team coaching

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Special Education

Associate’s degree in Special Education

Master’s degree in SPED or Educational Leadership (preferred)

Tools

MS Excel

Google Sheets

Learning Management Systems (LMS)

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.

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.

See full job description here!

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.