Special Education Coordinator/Teacher 2025-26

POSITION:Special Education Coordinator TYPE:School-based LOCATION:Des Moines, WA SALARY:$75,000-$100,000 based on aligned years of experience up to 10 years STATUS:Full time year round, benefits eligible, exempt, in-person position START:July 1, 2025 REPORTS TO:Executive Director Who You Are • You are committed to dismantling systems of oppression and are actively anti-racist, with a deep belief in the power of education to close opportunity gaps.You are a dedicated advocate for students with disabilities and are passionate about equitable access to college, career, and life readiness for all learners. • You are a skilled collaborator and communicator who builds strong relationships with students, families, and staff. • You have strong organizational and time management skills and thrive in fast-paced, high-expectation environments. • You embrace a growth mindset and see feedback as a critical part of continuous improvement. • You are well-versed in special education law, inclusive practices, and are confident leading compliant and student-centered IEP processes. • You bring experience designing and facilitating professional learning opportunities for staff, grounded in instructional best practices. • You are a systems thinker who thrives in building and refining sustainable processes that improve student outcomes. Management and Leadership • Serve as a key member of the school’s leadership team with direct responsibility for the effective coordination and delivery of special education services and supports. • Lead the implementation of a comprehensive and compliant special education program, aligned to WNYA’s mission, including oversight of IEP development, progress monitoring, and service delivery. • Provide direct coaching and support to special education teachers and instructional aides, and collaborate with general education staff to ensure inclusive practices and access to the general education curriculum. • Plan and facilitate high-impact professional development on topics such as Universal Design for Learning, executive functioning strategies, inclusive instruction, and IEP compliance. • Oversee and manage the implementation of Section 504 Plans and ensure all plans are up-to-date and in compliance with federal and state regulations. • Partner with the Executive Director and School Leadership Team to implement a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for both academics and behavior. • Actively participate in school-wide duties, including student supervision and culture-building, to create a safe, inclusive, and joyful learning environment. Core Job Functions ● IEP + 504 PLAN MANAGEMENT: • Develop, case manage, and implement IEPs and 504 Plans aligned to student needs. • Coordinate evaluation and eligibility meetings, including scheduling and facilitating meetings with staff, families, and service providers. • Monitor and report student progress; ensure compliance with timelines and service delivery requirements. • Teach specialized instruction classes and provide support through push-in, pull-out, or small group interventions when needed. ● SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM OVERSIGHT: • Maintain and implement the WNYA Special Education Playbook, which outlines systems and protocols for service delivery, compliance, and internal communication. • Supervise and coach special education staff and related service providers. • Ensure proper documentation and reporting for all SPED-related services and supports. ● INTERVENTIONS + INCLUSIVE PRACTICES: • Collaborate with general education teachers to support differentiated instruction and accommodations/modifications. • Use data to inform tiered interventions and drive collaborative problem-solving with the MTSS and school leadership teams. • Lead initiatives to foster a school-wide inclusive culture and equitable access for all learners. ● ASSESSMENTS + COMPLIANCE: • Serve as the school’s Testing Coordinator for state and interim assessments (e.g., SBA, MAP, WCAS, SAT/PSAT). • Ensure compliance with all state and federal SPED regulations, timelines, and reporting. • Support budgeting related to SPED services and contracted supports, including behavior interventionists, nurses, or 1:1 aides, as needed. Required Qualifications • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university • Valid Special Education Teaching Certificate in the state of Washington • Minimum 3 years of experience in special education and IEP case management • Strong knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, and state SPED compliance requirements • 2+ years of experience with MTSS or PBIS implementation • Proven ability to write and manage compliant, student-centered IEPs • Ability to coach and supervise special education teachers and paraprofessionals • Ability to administer standardized academic assessments • Strong communication skills with students, staff, and families • Ability to meet with families in challenging situations with empathy and professionalism • Must pass fingerprint and background check • Must complete SafeSchools trainings Preferred Qualifications • Master’s degree in Special Education or related field • Experience in school leadership or systems-level program management • Bilingual in Spanish or Somali • Experience in a diverse, inclusive, and high-expectation school setting • Experience supporting Multilingual Learners (MLL endorsement preferred) What We Offer • Competitive pay and generous paid time off including holidays, vacation, and personal time • Medical, dental, vision, and long-term disability insurance • Retirement account with employer contributions • Weekly coaching and regular professional development • A collaborative team committed to equity, innovation, and excellence Equal Employment Opportunity Why Not You Academy is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. We do not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or use of a trained service animal. Application Process If you see yourself and your passion in what you’ve read, please submit the following [email protected]: • Your resume • A cover letter outlining your alignment to this role • Three professional references Job Type: Full-time Pay: $75,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year Benefits: • 401(k) • Dental insurance • Health insurance • Paid time off • Retirement plan • Vision insurance Schedule: • Monday to Friday Work Location: In person