Special Education Coordinator

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500 schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students - student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) works to support networks, schools, and families with all issues related to special education including instruction, interventions, and legal and compliance support. OSD provides the tools and resources to ensure that all students with disabilities receive a high-quality public education that prepares students for success. OSD supports networks, schools, and families with all issues related to special education, including instruction, interventions, and legal and compliance support.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Manager of Instructional Supports in the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD), the Coordinator will leverage expertise in special education pedagogy, compliance, and instructional leadership to drive systemic improvements. The Special Education Coordinator plays a vital role in ensuring equitable, inclusive, and effective instructional services for students with disabilities across Chicago Public Schools. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

The Special Education Coordinator will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Plan and develop ongoing coaching and support for special education teachers and paraprofessionals, school administrators, and network leaders

• Model and promote inclusive practices within and beyond the classroom

• Design and facilitate professional learning sessions focused on research-based strategies that support Effective Instruction and Conditions for Learning

• Serve as a consultant to teachers in strengthening instruction design and delivery

• Assist in the continuity of the instructional program to ensure that students with disabilities have access to grade-level instruction

• Analyze academic, functional, and behavioral data for IEP development and planning

• Develop strategic network action plans and partner with school-based teams to drive school improvement

• Support cycles of improvement at the network level

• Ensure implementation of IEPs in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations

• Support schools and networks with monitoring service delivery and instructional fidelity

• Monitor IEP development across the network to ensure compliance with federal and state law, state Board of Education policy and CPS policy

• Collaborate with families, advocates, and community partners in building inclusive environments

• Promote parent engagement in the IEP process

• Collaborate with district offices to implement initiatives and pilot programs

• Support the alignment of special education with broader instructional and behavioral priorities

• Implement systems of training, coaching, and supports for networks/schools to ensure they are provided with research-based, specially-designed instruction that meets the unique needs of students in their least restrictive environment

• Other duties as assigned

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Special Education Coordinator must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field is required

• Masters degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field is strongly preferred

• PEL with Special Education endorsement (e.g., LBS1, LBS II, and/or ECSE) is required

• General Administrative Endorsement (Type 75) is preferred

Experience Required:

• Minimum of five (5) years of professional classroom teaching, case management, and/or clinician experience supporting special education is required

• Experience facilitating professional development and coaching is strongly preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Deep understanding of students with disabilities and effective instructional strategies

• Ability to influence school- and network-level practices

• Knowledge of IDEA, ADA, and relevant policies and regulations

• Expertise in instructional leadership and UDL

• Strong interpersonal, collaborative, and communication skills

• Ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Cultural competency and commitment to equity and high expectations for all students

Benefits:

Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice

CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:

Medical Plan Options

Pharmacy

Dental

Vision

Behavioral Health & EAP

Employee Wellness Program

Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow

We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:

Basic Life Insurance

Life and Disability Insurance

Pension Plans

Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Spot Pet Insurance

Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life

CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:

Paid Leave

Sick Leave

Vacation Days

Parental Leaves

Short-Term Disability

Religious Holidays

Leaves

Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.