Special Education Academic Program Administrator

Start Date: 2026-2027 School Year

Location:  St. Paul Elementary Academy (Grades 2-4)

Reports to: Principal

FLSA Status: Exempt

Updated: December 2025

POSITION SUMMARY

The Special Education Academic Program Administrator serves as an instructional leader responsible for supporting high-quality special education programming and improving outcomes for students with disabilities. This role provides coaching, supervision, and professional development to special education teachers and educational assistants while partnering with school leaders to ensure effective implementation of individualized education programs (IEPs) and evidence-based instructional practices.

The Special Education Academic Program Administrator uses student performance data, classroom observations, and progress monitoring information to strengthen instructional practices, support program implementation, and drive continuous improvement. This position collaborates closely with special education staff, related service providers, building leaders, and families to ensure students receive meaningful access to instruction and services aligned with their individual needs.

While this role supports compliance with federal and state special education requirements and serves as a resource to staff regarding special education practices, it is not primarily responsible for due process management or procedural compliance oversight.

ABOUT PRODEO

Prodeo Academy, a network of public charter schools serving the Twin Cities, is a meaningful education solution that is closing the opportunity gap through data-driven instruction in a culture based on a foundation of five core values: Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Development, and Engagement. Shared expectations around these values enhance the opportunity for our scholars to reach their full potential. We are looking for team members committed to helping our students access greater opportunities, achieve future success, and contribute to the vitality of our community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties represent the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Instructional Leadership and Coaching

• Provide ongoing instructional coaching, supervision, and professional development to special education teachers and educational assistants.
• Conduct regular classroom observations and coaching cycles focused on evidence-based instructional practices, specially designed instruction, and inclusive service delivery.
• Support teachers in the development and implementation of high-quality IEP goals, accommodations, modifications, progress monitoring systems, and service plans.
• Facilitate professional learning opportunities aligned to network priorities, special education best practices, and student needs.
• Promote collaboration between special education and general education staff to increase inclusive practices and student access to grade-level curriculum.

Program Coordination and Implementation

• Support the implementation of special education programs and services across assigned schools.
• Monitor the quality and effectiveness of service delivery models, including co-teaching, supplemental instruction, and specialized programming.
• Assist school teams in implementing behavioral, academic, and social-emotional supports for students with disabilities.
• Serve as an administrative designee at IEP meetings, when appropriate.
• Collaborate with related service providers and school staff to ensure coordinated service delivery.
• Support planning and implementation of Extended School Year (ESY) services and other specialized programming.

Data Analysis and Continuous Improvement

• Analyze student outcome data, including progress monitoring, universal screening, state assessment, and IEP goal performance data, to identify trends and guide instructional decision-making.
• Support teachers in the effective use of assessment platforms and data systems, including FastBridge and other network assessment tools.
• Lead data reviews focused on student growth, intervention effectiveness, and special education program outcomes.
• Conduct program evaluations and support continuous improvement initiatives aligned to network goals.
• Utilize data to inform staffing, service delivery, professional development, and resource allocation recommendations.

Special Education Compliance Support

• Support implementation of special education services in accordance with student IEPs and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Serve as a resource to staff regarding special education procedures, accommodations, modifications, and discipline considerations for students with disabilities.
• Partner with the Director of Special Education, DPCs, and evaluation staff to support compliant implementation of special education processes.
• Assist in monitoring service delivery and documentation practices to ensure fidelity and alignment with student needs.
• Participate in corrective action planning, monitoring activities, and compliance reviews as assigned.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Participate in hiring, onboarding, and evaluation processes for special education staff.
• Collaborate with building administrators and network leaders to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
• Build strong partnerships with families and community stakeholders.
• Support implementation of network strategic priorities and special education initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Special Education.

Other duties:

• Perform additional duties as determined by the School Principal, Network Director of Specialized Instruction or Special Education Director.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Prodeo Academy reserves the right to modify duties at any time.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Required: Active Minnesota teaching license. 
• Preferred:  Active Minnesota special education teaching license, or active Minnesota teaching license with eligibility to obtain an out-of-field permission in special education. 
• The ideal candidate will possess strong knowledge of special education instructional practices, service delivery models, and the implementation of individualized education programs (IEPs).
• Record of exemplary results with students.
• Demonstrated success coaching and developing special education teachers.
• Experience implementing inclusive service delivery models, including co-teaching.
• Experience analyzing student achievement, progress monitoring, and special education outcome data.
• Experience using assessment and data platforms such as FastBridge, NWEA MAP, or similar systems.
• Strong understanding of evidence-based practices in literacy, mathematics, behavior, and specially designed instruction.
• Experience supporting students with significant academic and behavioral needs.
• Knowledge of Minnesota special education regulations and IDEA requirements.
• Training in trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and restorative practices preferred.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Commitment to Prodeo Academy's mission and values.
• Able to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to build positive, trusting relationships and communicate and interact effectively with multiple stakeholders, including scholars, families, and school staff.
• Ability to differentiate instruction and support diverse learners.
• Data-driven mindset and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Professionalism, reliability, and strong ethical judgment.
• Strong leadership skills in facilitating group processes and team building
• Communication skills in a variety of settings and experiences.
• Ability to engage in problem-solving and conflict resolutions.
• Ability to prioritize and manage the volume of requests and responsibilities.
• Leadership in supervising the program and paraprofessionals.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to stand and move around the classroom for extended periods.
• Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 25 lbs (e.g., instructional materials, student supports).
• Ability to support students physically as needed, which may include kneeling, bending, or assisting with mobility.
• Ability to engage in crisis intervention or student safety procedures when necessary.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed in a school/classroom environment with typical levels of noise and activity.
• Exposure to students with varying emotional, behavioral, and academic needs.
• Occasional exposure to bodily fluids may occur as part of student support.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required for certain tasks.
• The role may require travel between classrooms, school buildings, and occasional off-site events.

COMPENSATION

Salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience and educational background. Prodeo's total rewards program offers benefits that are the best fit for you at every stage of your career including:

• Comprehensive healthcare options (Medical, Dental, and Vision).
• Retirement planning through Teacher's Retirement Association (TRA)/Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) and optional 403B plans.
• Generous Paid time off, federal holidays, and academic breaks throughout the school year.
• Leadership Development Opportunities including Grade Team Leadership, Instructional Coach, Data Team Leadership, and Extracurricular Coaching.

ADA & Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Prodeo Academy is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of this job, please contact Human Resources. Requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and will not be denied unless they present an undue hardship to the organization.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Prodeo Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic. Prodeo Academy is committed to hiring a diverse and multicultural staff and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented backgrounds.