Special Education Coordinator at Maya Angelou Academy (DoC) SY 25 - 26

Description

The Organization

Maya empowers opportunity and justice-involved youth to transform the trajectory of their lives. We do this by engaging each of our scholars in a restorative, relevant school experience that prioritizes personalized academic support, well-being, and preparation for the post-Maya pathway of their choice. With an education in our network of schools, our scholars will do more than succeed – they will thrive!

If you would like to learn more about Maya Angelou Schools and See Forever Foundation, please visit Seeforever.org.

Site Description

The Maya Angelou Academy at the DC Department of Corrections is an alternative school serving incarcerated men and women ages 18-22 with individualized education plans. Located within the Central Treatment Facility, the school also supports students housed in the Central Detention Facility. Designed to meet the unique needs of justice-involved students requiring special education, the academy provides educational opportunities regardless of their academic history or current standing.

Position Overview

The Special Education Coordinator will be responsible for the coordination of eligibility and the development of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students with identified special needs; coordinating with related service providers, and monitoring progress toward IEP goals.  The incumbent will work in a complex system and respond appropriately to multiple official and unofficial partners, including adult students, staff, state and local agencies, schools, and advocacy groups.

Requirements

 Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:  

Program Implementation and Evaluation

• Participate in and/ or lead various interdisciplinary team meetings, including eligibility, IEP, progress updates/adult-student conferences, and/or administrative planning meetings related to special education
• Coordinate eligibility and the development of IEPs for students with identified special needs
• Design and implement testing accommodations schedules for school-wide assessments (e.g., STAR Renaissance, DC CAPE, ACCESS) as well as classroom-based and individual assessments
• Coordinate with related service providers and monitor progress toward IEP goals
• Prepare special education reports and collect data required by the District to assure school compliance, including state-required Power School Special Programs (PSSP)
• Prepare and submit documentation through PSSP and to the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) promptly and comprehensively
• Oversee student programming and provide training to support IEP development, teaching practices, and accurate data collection

People Development 

• Collaborate with other campus leaders to lead professional development sessions, provide input to department meetings, and coach teachers on case management
• Manage special education staff to write high-quality Present Levels of Performance, annual IEP goals, and quarterly progress report comments for students on caseload

Administrative Duties 

• Participate in working groups of staff and teachers to plan, problem-solve, and support one another on an ongoing basis
• Attend and participate in staff and other school activities and meetings as appropriate
• Liaise with organization senior staff in carrying out organizational goals as necessary
• Communicate regularly with key stakeholders about the student population, the evolution of the special education program, and professional development needs
• Other appropriate tasks as needed

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in a related field required, and/or a  master’s degree in a related field is preferred
• 2+ year’s experience in special education leadership 
• Knowledge of special education programs and special education laws and reforms, as they pertain to the District of Columbia
• Experience working with opportunity or justice involved youth (preferred)
• Familiarity with research-based instructional strategies

The Touchstone 

At the Maya Angelou Schools, the key to our success is rooted in building trusting, respectful and nurturing relationships with each other.  We strive to create safe spaces for all to be able to reach their limitless potential.  We are at our best when we work together to ensure the unique needs of our community are met.  We empower each other to grow successfully so we can see forever!  This is how we live the Maya Way, even when no one is watching. 

Salary and Benefits

Maya Angelou Schools and See Forever Foundation salaries are comparable to those of other public charter schools in the District of Columbia area. In addition, we offer a robust benefits plan, including health care coverage, HSA/FSA and dependent care accounts, voluntary dental and vision, employer-paid short-term and long-term disability options, commuter benefits, a 401k retirement savings plan with employer contribution offered after 1 year of service, along with the opportunity to positively impact students with a broad range of experiences and backgrounds. 

See Forever is an equal-opportunity employer. We believe a diverse staff is a better, more effective staff.