Special Education Coordinator / Teacher

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Hybrid Special Education Coordinator / Teacher serves as both the instructional leader of special education services and a direct service provider at WSTEM. This role ensures high-quality, compliant special education programming while fully aligning with WSTEM's five instructional pillars: Multi-Age Instruction, Interdisciplinary Learning, Science & Engineering Integration, Authentic Learning Experiences, and Collaboration & Community.

This hybrid position blends systems leadership with direct instruction. The Coordinator/Teacher oversees compliance with IDEA and Wisconsin DPI regulations while delivering specialized instruction, managing caseloads, and supporting inclusive practices within a STEM-integrated, Project-Based Learning (PBL) environment. The ideal candidate is a systems thinker, student advocate, and collaborative leader who believes deeply in inclusive, innovative education.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

a. Special Education Coordination & Compliance

• Serve as the school's Special Education Coordinator and LEA designee (as applicable).
• Ensure compliance with IDEA, Wisconsin DPI regulations, and charter authorizer requirements.
• Oversee IEP development, implementation, and progress monitoring.
• Coordinate and facilitate IEP meetings, reevaluations, and eligibility determinations.
• Maintain accurate, confidential student records and documentation.
• Ensure all timelines, documentation, and reporting requirements are met.
• Collaborate with related service providers (speech/language, OT, PT, school psychology, etc.).

b. Direct Instruction & Case Management

• Provide specialized instruction to students in grades 4K-8 through push-in and/or pull-out services.
• Design and implement individualized learning plans aligned to grade-level standards.
• Support executive functioning, self-regulation, and academic skill development.
• Monitor and document student progress toward IEP goals.
• Manage caseload responsibilities, including progress reporting and family communication.

c. Inclusive Practices & Teacher Support

• Partner with general education teachers to ensure effective accommodations and modifications.
• Provide coaching and guidance on differentiated instruction within a STEM/PBL framework.
• Support Universal Design for Learning (UDL) implementation.
• Assist in developing behavior intervention plans (BIPs) as needed.
• Promote inclusive classroom practices and co-teaching models.

d. Whole-Child & Social-Emotional Support

• Support students' social-emotional development and self-advocacy skills.
• Collaborate with families to ensure consistent support between school and home.
• Contribute to MTSS systems and intervention planning.
• Participate in student support or problem-solving teams.

e. Systems & Program Development

• Help build and refine WSTEM's special education systems within a charter setting.
• Analyze student data to inform programming and resource allocation.
• Contribute to charter reporting and accountability requirements.
• Support continuous improvement aligned with school goals and Wisconsin accountability standards.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Wisconsin teaching licensure in Special Education (Cross-Categorical or related).
• Strong knowledge of IDEA and Wisconsin DPI special education regulations.
• Experience developing and implementing IEPs.
• Experience working with elementary and/or middle school students.
• Strong organizational and compliance management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team-based environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a charter or innovative school setting.
• Familiarity with STEM and/or Project-Based Learning models.
• Experience with co-teaching and inclusive service delivery models.
• Leadership or coordination experience.
• CPI or other behavioral support training.

Why Join WSTEM?

• Lead Special Education in an Innovative Charter Model | Build and refine special education systems within a growing, mission-driven school.
• Balance Leadership & Direct Impact | Combine coordination and compliance oversight with meaningful instructional work.
• Promote Inclusive Excellence | Support co-teaching, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and differentiated instruction within a STEM/PBL framework.
• Shape Whole-Child Success | Ensure students with diverse learning needs fully access rigorous, authentic learning experiences.
• Collaborate in a High-Expectations Environment | Work alongside forward-thinking educators committed to equity, accountability, and innovation.

PARTNERSHIP WITH CESA 1

This position is in partnership with CESA 1, through which you would be a CESA 1 employee of record, giving you access to competitive compensation and benefits, licensure support, and an award-winning culture.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

CESA 1 provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, and prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, arrest or conviction record, military service, genetic information, use or nonuse of lawful products off CESA 1's premises during nonworking hours, and any other reason prohibited by state or federal law. CESA 1 complies with all applicable state and federal laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. CESA 1 will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement promotion, termination, layoff, leaves of absences, compensation and training.