Special Education Program Monitor (Principal Consultant #1656)

Illinois State Board of Education; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 64,322 - 109,467; Full time

Job summary

Illinois State Board of Education seeks a Special Education Program Monitor to lead monitoring and support for designated districts, coordinating with cooperatives and state departments. The role reports to the Director and advances SPED services and data reporting.

The ideal candidate holds a SPED-related advanced degree, several years of experience in education services for students with disabilities, and strong knowledge of applicable laws and best practices.

Qualifications

• Requires mastery of federal and state laws regarding students with disabilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Familiarity with monitoring and support services for districts.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a liaison between school districts and agencies on SPED services.
• Lead monitoring and support teams for assigned districts.
• Develop training and coaching supports for districts and data-driven improvement plans.
• Evaluate non-compliance and advise corrective actions.
• Support data collection for State Performance Plan and board goals.

Skills

Communication skills

Knowledge of laws

Best practices in SPED

Education

Master's degree in Special Education or related field

Bachelor's degree + 2 years relevant experience

Job description

Special Education Program Monitor (Principal Consultant #1656)

Inventory #

1656

Location

Springfield or Chicago

Union

IFSOE

Department

Special Education

Anticipated Starting Salary Range

$64,322 - $81,284

Full Salary Range

$64,322 - $109,467

Office Hours

Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Posted Date

July 28, 2026

Closing Date

Reporting to the Director, provides a point of contact for school districts regarding special education services and programming by developing a partnering relationship; serves as a team lead for monitoring and support services for assigned school districts; serves as a team member for monitoring and support services for school districts across the state; serves as a liaison for assigned districts with other departments and agencies.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as a liaison between school districts and cooperatives and the department regarding special education services and the support of students having or suspected of having a disability.
• Provides a point of contact within the Agency regarding assigned school districts.
• Connects and follows up regarding questions and needs.
• Identifies trends and provides proactive support.
• Leads and participates in monitoring and support teams.
• Researches, develops, and provides training, technical assistance and coaching supports to school districts.
• Develops and supports data analysis, improvement planning, and effective evaluation to improve results.
• Makes findings and evaluates corrective action to address non-compliance.
• Participates in the department's regulatory functions of general supervision.
• Serves as an Agency representative and provides technical assistance regarding collection and reporting of data, including the development and implementation of activities associated with the State Performance Plan and Board goals including field based supports.
• Participates in the development and ongoing review/revision of publications, documents and other materials.
• Serves as a contact within the Agency for assigned school districts and cooperatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Special Education, Education, Educational Administration, or Pupil Personnel Services (school counselor, school psychologist, school social worker), or, a Bachelor's degree in one of these areas plus two years of relevant professional experience.(COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION)
• Two years of experience (in addition to education requirements) providing education, special education, or pupil personnel services to students with disabilities in public or non-public elementary and/or secondary schools, state or university level, within the last five years.
• Working knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations regarding students with disabilities.
• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of current issues and best practices in the field of special education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Illinois educator and/or administrative license.
• Experience in a variety of educational settings preferred.
• Experience working with students from diverse social and cultural backgrounds.