2026-27 Special Education Teacher

Job Description

Department/Location: Special Education
Reports To: Assistant Director of Special Education; Director of Special Education
Work Schedule/Term: School Year
FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Special Education Coordinator provides consistent, daily, in-building support to ensure district expectations and Individualized Education Program (IEP) requirements are implemented effectively and consistently. This position serves as the first line of support for special education staff and case managers, offering real-time coaching, compliance oversight, and instructional guidance. The Coordinator develops strong relationships with building staff, maintains a visible and responsive presence, and ensures high-quality instructional practices and compliant service delivery across assigned buildings.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Building-Based Leadership & Program Implementation

• Is assigned to buildings based on staff-to-coordinator ratios and program alignment.
• Provides daily, in-building support for staff and students.
• Maintains a consistent presence and demonstrates responsiveness to building needs.
• Develops strong, collaborative relationships with building administrators and staff.
• Demonstrates knowledge of building-specific programming, staffing, schedules, and student needs.
• Ensures that District expectations and special education procedures are consistently implemented across assigned buildings.
• Monitor IEP Implementation at the building level to ensure service fidelity.

Instructional Coaching and Curriculum Support

• Coaches and models effective instructional strategies for special education staff.
• Supports curriculum alignment and instructional programming.
• Models inclusive practices and supports integration of students with disabilities into general education settings when appropriate.
• Conducts classroom walkthroughs to support instructional quality.
• Provides real-time coaching and feedback to improve student outcomes.
• Assists staff in implementing curriculum with fidelity and troubleshooting instructional concerns.

IEP Development, Compliance, & Case Manager Support

• Serves as the first-line support for case managers.
• Monitors IEP quality, compliance, and progress monitoring practices.
• Supports adherence to timelines for evaluations, re-evaluations, and IEP meetings.
• Assists with meeting preparation, documentation, and coverage when necessary.
• Provides guidance on goal development, service minutes, accommodations, transition services, and alignment with student-specific data.
• Supports problem-solving related to scheduling, service delivery, and progress monitoring.
• Assists with behavior concerns, including follow-through on student-specific behavior plans and strategies.
• Ensures documentation meets District, State, and Federal requirements.
• Communicates regularly with the Assistant Director and Director regarding building-level concerns and compliance matters.

Collaboration & Communication

• Works closely with building principals to support effective program implementation.
• Communicates with families as needed regarding student programming and services.
• Supports onboarding and mentoring of new special education staff.
• Assists with facilitating professional development aligned to District goals.
• Promotes consistency in practices across assigned buildings.

Data & Operational Oversight

• Reviews and analyzes student data to support instructional decision-making.
• Assists with State and Federal reporting requirements.
• Supports compliance systems and documentation processes at the building level.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree to include endorsements for Special Education; Master’s degree preferred.
• Valid South Dakota Teaching Certificate required.
• Minimum of three years of successful special education teaching experience required.
• Experience serving as a case manager is required.
• Leadership and mentoring experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of federal and state special education laws and regulations (including IDEA).
• Knowledge of District policies and procedures related to special education compliance.
• Knowledge of instructional best practices and inclusive education models.
• Knowledge of IEP development, goal writing, service delivery models, and progress monitoring systems.
• Ability to interpret and apply regulatory requirements accurately.
• Ability to analyze data and use it to drive instructional and programmatic decisions.
• Ability to build strong professional relationships and maintain trust with staff.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to compliance timelines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple buildings and responsibilities effectively.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, sit, and move throughout school buildings.
• Ability to use hands and fingers for writing, typing, and handling materials.
• Ability to lift, carry, or move up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to visually and audibly monitor students and school environments.
• Ability to travel between assigned buildings.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Environment

• School building environment.
• Frequent interaction with students, staff, and families.
• Exposure to moderate to high noise levels typical of a school setting.
• May involve working with students and adults experiencing emotional, behavioral, or conflict-related challenges.
• Work may involve stressful situations requiring sound judgement, emotional control, and professionalism.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive.

Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.