Job Description

The Academy ESS Lead (Special Education Lead Coordinator) is a leadership role on campus and is the “Team Lead” of the Exceptional Student Services (Special Education) department. While their supervisory role does not replace the supervision from the headmaster, their role does extend leadership in the specific areas where they have experience and expertise, namely:

● Supporting ESS Coordinators in the preparation for and execution of IEP meetings

● Guiding the development of ESS Teachers, teachers in residence, and ESS Assistant Teachers

● Compliance (IEP paperwork) and the first level of advisement in challenging situations with students or parents.

● Representing the final decision at the ESS departmental level in terms of organizational logistics and strategy

The Academy ESS Lead must model the core virtues of the academy and pursue a deeper understanding of what it means to provide a classical, liberal arts education. They also lead the ESS team’s pursuit towards our north star: in our daily work with people, we earn and maintain faith and confidence in our good will, judgment, knowledge, and skill.

Duties & Responsibilities

Exceptional Student Services (ESS)

● Serves as the academy lead of the ESS team, providing support to team members for the effective completion of individual and shared responsibilities.

● Assists the Phoenix Home Office in training the ESSC's (ESS Coordinators) on the pedagogy of special education work within Great Hearts

● Reviews IEPs and Evaluation reports written by the ESSC's for accuracy (1 file per semester)

● Partners with the headmaster to provide written and oral evaluations to the ESSC's

● Oversees the caseload distribution discussions, and assignment of students to the individual ESSCs’ caseloads

● Ensures transfer procedure on all incoming students is complete

● Coordinates, facilitates, and executes initial and triennial Review of Existing Data and Review of Additional Data meetings

● Coordinates, facilitates, and executes annual IEP meetings for students on their caseload

● Collaborates with the general education teachers to ensure consistent implementation of student IEPs on their caseload

● Manages related service provider relationships for students on their caseload

● Updates program information in the school information system (SIS)

● May be required to provide specially designed instruction as academy caseload and student needs dictate

General Education

● Partners with academy leadership team to provide guidance and recommendations to team members across the campus on effective instructional and behavioral practice

● Partners with the SST Coordinator to ensure effective transition of support for students moving from SST through evaluation for special education

● Provides general leadership and guidance related to service to all students on campus as needed

Qualifications, Competencies & Strengths

Education: Minimum Bachelor’s degree, MA preferred. Valid Arizona Special Education Teaching Certificate

Experience:

● Minimum 3 years' experience as a special education coordinator/case manager

● Experience as special education (ESS) coordinator in Great Hearts school preferred

● Experience with special education evaluation process preferred

Special Skills:

● Extensive knowledge of special education processes, including state and federal timelines and compliance requirements

● Leadership, coaching, and mentoring skill/experience

● High level of emotional intelligence

● Humility and skill with collaboration between multiple teams

● Conflict resolution and mediation

● Strong verbal and written communication skills

● Experience and speed with multiple platforms and computer programs (Student Information Systems, IEP writing programs, MS Office Suite, Google)

Additional Requirements

Type of fingerprint clearance: Must possess or obtain valid Arizona Department of Public Safety IVP fingerprint clearance card.

Physical functions: Requires but is not limited to standing, sitting, repetitious hand and body movements, bending, squatting, and reaching. May be required to move or position equipment up to 15 pounds approximately.

Travel required: May need to travel locally to the various academies within the Phoenix metro area.

This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions, it does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Great Hearts Academies is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

● 401(k)

● 401(k) matching

● Dental insurance

● Flexible spending account

● Health insurance

● Life insurance

● Paid time off

● Professional development assistance

● Referral program

● Relocation assistance

● Vision insurance

Education:

● Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

● Leadership: 2 years (Preferred)

● Special education: 3 years (Required)

License/Certification:

● Teaching Certification (Required)

Work Location: In person

● SPED Coordinator- 23276 N 83rd Ave, Peoria, AZ 85383

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