Special Education Lead Coordinator (6-12)

Great Hearts Academies; Peoria (AZ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Exceptional Benefits

Matching 401K

Professional development

Job summary

Great Hearts Academies seeks an Academy Exceptional Student Services Lead Coordinator at Glendale Preparatory Academy in Peoria, AZ. You will oversee ESSCs, coordinate IEPs, and ensure compliant handling of data and transition processes for students with disabilities.

Strong leadership, collaboration across teams, and experience with ESEA/IDEA processes, data reviews, and service provider coordination are essential. Great benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 3 years experience as a special education coordinator.
• Experience with the special education evaluation process preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversees caseload distribution and assigns ESSCs to caseloads.
• Coordinates IEP meetings and ensures transfer procedures for new students.
• Reviews IEPs and evaluation reports for accuracy; supports ESSCs.
• Leads ESS team meetings and mentors ESSCs on pedagogy and collaboration.
• Manages relationships with related service providers and school psychologist.

Skills

Special education leadership

Data coordination

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Student Information Systems

IEP writing programs

MS Office Suite

Google

Job description

Position Title: Academy Exceptional Student Services Lead Coordinator

Location: Glendale Preparatory Academy (23276 N. 83rd Ave. Peoria, AZ 85383)

Reports To: Headmaster

FLSA Status: Salaried-Exempt

Compensation Type: Salary : $55,360-$71,750

Distinctive benefits for Great Hearts faculty

• Exceptional Benefits (medical, dental, vision etc.) with minimal employee cost
• Matching 401K program
• Uniquely valuable professional development offerings, fromgreat booksseminars with academy colleagues, to leadership and special education coursework/pathways, to reduced tuition graduate degree support with select partner universities

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Oversees the caseload distribution discussions, including final decision regarding assignment of students to the individual ESSCs' caseloads
• Ensures transfer procedure on all incoming students is complete.
• Coordinates, facilitates, and executes initial and triennial Review of Existing Data and Review of Additional Data meetings, including
• Conducting classroom observations
• Gathering data on students referred by student study team (SST)
• Facilitating transition of parent relationships to assigned ESSCs from initial evaluation to IEP development in the event that students qualify for special education services
• Coordinates, facilitates, and executes annual IEP meetings for students on their caseload.
• Observes the general education teachers' consistent implementation of student IEPs on their caseload.
• Manages related service provider relationships for students on their caseload
• Provides orientation to each service provider to our educational philosophy, school model, campus layout, etc.
• Coordinates with related service providers and school psychologist regarding evaluations, meetings, and services
• Reviews, codes, and signs invoices, then submits them for HM approval
• Follows up with service providers to generate IEP progress reports
• Serves as the academy lead of the ESS team, providing support to team members for the effective completion of individual and shared responsibilities.
• Assists the Phoenix Home Office in training the ESSCs on the pedagogy of special education work within Great Hearts.
• Partners with the headmaster to communicate the specifics of the ESS Lead and ESSC roles to the community before the start of the year and revisit as necessary
• Attends initial IEP meetings led by ESSCs to guide the relational hand-off from ESS Lead to ESSC and provide feedback to ESSCs on their execution
• Reviews IEPs and Evaluation reports written by the ESSCs for accuracy. (1 file per semester)
• Models and provides guidance to ESSCs on partnering with general education teachers
• Partners with the headmaster to provide written and oral evaluations to the ESSCs
• Updates program information in the school information system (SIS) for students receiving special education as students enter, change eligibility categories or exit.
• Leads the ESS team to complete all EOY responsibilities to prepare for the proper rollover to the next year

Required/Preferred Education:

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred

Required/Preferred Experience:

• Minimum 3 years experience as a special education coordinator Experience as special education (ESS) coordinator in Great Hearts school preferred Experience with special education evaluation process preferred

Certification:

• Valid Arizona Special Education Teaching Certificate (AZ Mild to Moderate or K-12 Cross-Categorical)

Required/Preferred Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of special education process, including state and federal timelines and compliance requirements Leadership, coaching, and mentoring skill/experience High level of emotional intelligence Humility and skill with collaboration between multiple teams Conflict resolution and mediation Strong verbal and written communication skill Experience and speed with multiple platforms and computer programs (Student Information Systems, IEP writing programs, MS Office Suite, Google)

Physical Functions:

• Requires but is not limited to standing, sitting, repetitious hand and body movements, bending, squatting, and reaching. May be required to move or position equipment up to 15 pounds approximately.

US work authorization isrequired, but we do accept OPT/CPT candidates.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal history background check and fingerprint clearance in accordance with state requirements.

Travel required: May need to travel locally for training and professional development opportunities.

Great Hearts Academies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We celebrate diversity and welcome individuals from all backgrounds—inside and outside education—who bring unique perspectives and ideas to enrich our community.

Great Hearts Academies leads the way in classical, liberal arts education. We are a growing network of charter schools and private Christian schools, expanding in existing and new regions across Arizona, Louisiana, and Texas. Whether you are seeking teaching, leadership, or campus support opportunities, we have established a mission-driven culture and emphasis on learning and growing, professionally and personally. At Great Hearts, we provide a calling to shape the future through an education that fosters human flourishing and academic excellence. Learn how you can grow both in mind and heart as an employee of Great Hearts.