Teacher Coordinator of Special Education

The Teacher Coordinator of Special Education (TCOSE) is a Teacher on Assignment position serving as an instructional coach / teacher leader who provides coordination, support, coaching, modeling and professional development to classroom teachers / teams and special education teachers / teams serving students with disabilities.

Salary Range: Current RCSD salary/RTA salary guidelines

Responsibilities

TCOSE will form a networked and collaborative team with school and district leaders, with the goal of providing classroom teachers with additional assistance, support, resources and helping to create collaborative professional proactive and innovative learning models. TCOSE will support curriculum and unit planning, lesson study, and effective best practice models for serving all students with disabilities through participation in action research with local and regional university and clinical partners. TCOSES must be prepared to improve skills and knowledge in the service of students with significant learning needs, social/emotional behavioral needs and within a trauma-informed, culturally relevant inclusive community of practice. The TCOSE must be confident teaching in demonstration classrooms, in facilitating case studies / management, and in the leadership of action research. The position also serves up to 15 days annually as a building or district CSE chairperson in accordance with the RTA Contract. One Thursday per month will be designated as Professional Learning Day. These duties will be scheduled annually by August 1st of each year. Spend the majority of time in supporting classroom practice. Draw out the pedagogical leadership of colleagues. Infuse expertise into our schools, systems and classrooms. Enhance the career-in-teaching (CIT) model of practice. Build instructional capacity across classrooms. Enhance pedagogical instructional change to ensure best practice in special education classrooms. Advance continuous learning in high quality, culturally informed practice. Develop a standard for professional learning for those serving students with disabilities.

Qualifications

Knowledge of Special Education laws, regulations, CSE processes and District Programs. Demonstrated ability to work successfully with students who have the greatest needs. Demonstrated effective written and oral communication skills. Utilized professional growth opportunities, including leadership and participation in a wide range of significant professional development activities. Employed/studied a variety of classroom environment, interpersonal interaction and instructional techniques. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with colleagues, administrators and other professional staff members. Demonstrated effective leadership skills. Demonstrated involvement with students, their families and the community. Willingness to accept assignments in low-performing schools. Demonstrated effective time management and organizational skills.Permanent or professional special education certification. Dual Certification in general education or bilingual education desirable. Five (5) years classroom teaching experience (Special Educational experience strongly preferred).

The Rochester City School District (RCSD) is at the heart of Rochester, New York—a city known for its rich history, cultural vibrancy, and strong sense of community. Nestled in the Finger Lakes region, Rochester offers the best of both worlds: a welcoming, mid-sized city with easy access to major destinations. We are a short drive from Buffalo, Syracuse, and the breathtaking Niagara Falls, with Toronto and New York City just a few hours away. Residents enjoy world-class attractions such as the Eastman Museum, the Strong National Museum of Play, and the scenic shores of Lake Ontario.

RCSD serves nearly 23,000 students across 48 PreK sites and 39 schools, reflecting the diversity and spirit of our community. With a deep commitment to equity, academic excellence, and student empowerment, we offer a range of specialized programs, including bilingual education, alternative learning pathways, and innovative college and career readiness initiatives.

We are driven by a mission to cultivate a culture of academic excellence, empathy, and accountability, ensuring every student is prepared for success beyond graduation. Led by a dedicated team of educators and staff, we embrace forward-thinking strategies to inspire critical thinking, creativity, and lifelong learning.

Join us in activating dreams and unlocking potential—because in Rochester, we’re building brighter futures together.