Special Populations Coordinator

Special Populations Coordinator, Brooklyn, New York

In-Person Work Required/Preferred

WHO WE ARE

Explore Schools is a network of public charter schools providing 2,000 students in Brooklyn with the outstanding education they deserve. Our goal is to provide students with curriculum and instruction that is both standards-aligned curriculum and culturally responsive. Our approach is designed to provide the conditions to nurture students as critical thinkers and natural problem-solvers. As an organization we are committed to engaging in work that disrupts and roots out systems and structures that perpetuate white supremacy. We intentionally seek to build and maintain a diverse and talented team that reflects the backgrounds and experiences of our students and creates an inclusive environment for all employees. 

WHAT WE BELIEVE

We believe that all children can learn when immersed in a rich environment full of high expectations, rigorous academics, and caring, committed adults. We believe equity and excellence are not mutually exclusive—we can meet the needs of all students in our schools, while actively engaging parents and driving toward excellent academic results. We believe it is both our privilege and responsibility to help close the opportunity gap in the Brooklyn community.

WHO YOU ARE

Explore Schools seeks an experienced education professional who is dedicated to serving special populations to lead as a Special Populations Coordinator. You have experience teaching special education and managing or coordinating services in support of all learners. You are committed to student success and adept at fostering collaboration between internal and external service providers. You have a track record of success when it comes to relationship-building and communicating sensitive and direct information. Additionally, you possess the following:

• Dedicated to working in communities that have historically been underserved and under-resourced
• Committed to thoughtfully engaging in identity work necessary to take a culturally responsive approach to pedagogy and relationship-building with students and colleagues
• A proven record of inspiring growth amongst special populations students taught
• Flexible: willingness to provide support as needed, and ability to provide strategic solutions when faced with changes
• Exceptional communication skills: you effectively share information in a direct and sensitive way
• Detail-oriented, and highly organized
• Bachelor’s degree; required, Master’s in education; preferred
• At least three years of experience teaching special populations; preferred
• Two years of service coordination or three years of management; preferred

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The school-based Special Populations Coordinator (SPC) is responsible for the coordination and support of services for all special populations, including students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), students who are designated English Language Leaners (ELLs), and students who are deemed academically at-risk. The SPC will be the primary liaison with the Committee on Special Education (CSE). Additionally, the SPC will be responsible for strategically scheduling all services and classes for students receiving services to maximize learning time while ensuring that the school is in compliance. The SPC may supervise teachers providing services to students directly. Your responsibilities would include but are not limited to:

• Managing and supporting the provision of all services for students with IEPs, students at-risk of academic failure, and students designated as ELLs.
• Creating strategic service and class schedules ensuring that the school is in compliance with all mandates while maximizing learning time.
• Creating and implementing a school wide plan for Response to Intervention (RTI) and training teachers as necessary.
• Coordinating with the Committee on Special Education (CSE) in the following ways:
• Attending meetings (e.g., initial evaluations, IEP annual reviews, triennials, MDRs, etc.)
• Arranging for related services
• Initiating Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs)
• Holding the CSE accountable for their responsibilities as they relate to students and families
• Supporting with tracking the following data:
• Service provision for billing
• IEP goals
• Student achievement
• MDRs and suspensions
• Compliance timelines
• Coordinating progress monitoring and reporting for all students with IEPs, students at-risk of academic failure, and students designated as ELLs
• Teaching SETSS groups and/or ICT, depending on the leadership structure and Special Populations caseload at school
• Coordinating the creation and implementation of 504 plans with families and staff
• Implementing and monitoring a school-wide plan for Response to Intervention (RTI) and training teachers as necessary
• Coordinating all required family communication and create best practices around family engagement for the families of the school’s special populations
• Coordinating IEP writing for annual reviews (teachers write, SSC reviews)
• Advising on class placements/schedules based on services
• Managing Learning Specialists and Special Education Teachers; depending on the leadership structure and Special Populations caseload at school
• Actively engage in identity work and necessary conversations in order to dismantle white supremacy culture 

BENEFITS AND PERKS

Explore Schools staff members receive a competitive salary, vacation including network shutdown days, considerable matching of retirement contributions, and more. Additionally, you can expect:

• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance
• Professional development: teachers participate in weekly PD, year-round retreats and trainings, and on-going coaching by professionals
• Continued education support: staff are eligible to receive some scholarship towards qualifying certification costs or higher education tuition
• Flexible and reflective leadership: dedicated to staff development, and committed to direct and sensitive communication
• Driven and passionate colleagues who contribute to a professional and collaborative work environment

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

• We’ll be accepting applications for this position from mid-November until June of next year, 2021

LOCATION

Explore Schools is a network of 8 charter schools located in Canarsie, Crown Heights, and Flatbush communities of Brooklyn, NY. Our network office is located in DUMBO, Brooklyn. For this specific role, in-person work is required/preferred. Our schools are currently operating with a hybrid model of both remote and in-person instruction.  We'll be able to share more specifics around work expectations if you are to move forward in the interview process

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Explore Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran or military status.