Job Description: Special Education Team ChairpersonPosition Title: Special Education Team Chairperson
Reports To: Director of Special Education
Work Year: Full-Time, School Year (with additional days as assigned)
Salary range: $80,000-$100,000 depending upon experience
Position Summary The Special Education Team Chairperson serves as the instructional and compliance leader for special education services within the school. This position coordinates the special education evaluation and eligibility process, facilitates Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team meetings, ensures compliance with federal and state special education regulations, and supports staff in the implementation of high-quality special education programming. The Team Chairperson collaborates closely with educators, families, service providers, and administrators to promote positive outcomes for students with disabilities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities Leadership and Program Coordination - Coordinate and oversee special education processes for assigned students and grade levels.
- Serve as the chairperson and facilitator for eligibility, annual review, reevaluation, manifestation determination, and other special education meetings.
- Ensure the timely development, implementation, and review of IEPs.
- Support the implementation of co-teaching/ inclusive practices and the provision of services in the least restrictive environment.
- Collaborate with school leadership to ensure alignment between special education services and the school's educational mission.
- Assist in developing and maintaining systems for monitoring student progress and service delivery.
Compliance and Case Management - Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and charter school regulations related to special education.
- Maintain accurate and confidential student records.
- Monitor timelines for evaluations, reevaluations, annual reviews, progress reports, and other legal requirements.
- Review IEPs and related documentation for accuracy, quality, and compliance.
- Coordinate referrals and oversee the special education evaluation process.
- Support staff in implementing accommodations, modifications, and specialized instruction outlined in students' IEPs.
Student Support Services - Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including special education teachers, general education teachers, school psychologists, counselors, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and other related service providers.
- Analyze student performance data to identify needs and recommend appropriate interventions and services.
- Participate in problem-solving and intervention support teams.
- Monitor student progress toward IEP goals and recommend program adjustments as needed.
Family and Community Collaboration - Establish and maintain positive relationships with families.
- Communicate procedural safeguards, eligibility determinations, IEP recommendations, and student progress to parents and guardians.
- Respond to family concerns and facilitate collaborative problem-solving.
- Coordinate with outside agencies and service providers as appropriate.
Staff Support and Professional Development - Provide guidance and technical assistance to staff regarding special education procedures and best practices.
- Facilitate professional development related to special education compliance, inclusion, differentiated instruction, and disability awareness.
- Promote a collaborative culture among special and general education staff.
Additional Responsibilities - Attend leadership, department, and school-wide meetings as required.
- Support state reporting and compliance monitoring activities.
- Assist with program evaluation and continuous improvement efforts.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Special Education or Director.
Qualifications Required - Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
- Valid state licensure in Special Education.
- Minimum of three years of successful experience in special education.
- Demonstrated knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, and applicable state special education regulations.
- Experience facilitating IEP Team meetings and managing special education processes.
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Preferred - Team Chairperson, Special Education Administrator, or Program Specialist certification (where applicable).
- Experience in a charter school setting.
- Experience with inclusive educational practices and multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS).
- Experience with co-teaching
- Experience in an urban setting
- SEI Endorsed
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities - Strong understanding of special education law and compliance requirements.
- Ability to facilitate collaborative meetings and build consensus among team members.
- Skilled in data analysis and educational decision-making.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and student-centered practices.
