Special Education Coordinator - Minnesota Connections Academy

Company Summary:

Minnesota Connections Academy (MNCA) is a tuition-free, online public charter school for students in grades K-12 throughout Minnesota. MNCA is a member of the Minnesota Transitions Charter School (MTCS), a K-12 academic community. MNCA is a state-approved online program operated through a contract with Connections Academy of Minnesota, LLC, to provide the educational program and other services. MNCA is accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, an accrediting division of AdvancED.  MNCA also partners with Pearson Virtual Schools to enhance curriculum and instruction.

Position Summary and Responsibilities:
Working remotely from their home office, the Special Education Coordinator helps lead due process, coaching, instruction, student support, and staff evaluation. The Special Education Coordinator will help lead the management of the Special Education Department and will be a point of contact for families of students with disabilities. The Special Education Coordinator will be an expert in Federal and State Special Education regulations as well as Minnesota Connections Academy policies and procedures.

The Special Education Coordinator will be responsible for the successful completion of the following tasks:

• Assists department and MNCA leadership with monitoring compliance with special education due process requirements; staff caseloads; paraprofessional assignments; continuum of services; child find; child count; and program planning                                                                                                                                                                                           
• Manages the oversight of due process timelines and records                                                                                                                                                                                            
• Provides due process assistance and guidance to special education teachers 
• Serves as district representative at IEP meetings                                                                                                                                                      
• Facilitates grade band meetings  
• Coaching and modeling to support implementation of academic and social/emotional/behavioral strategies     
• Assists administrators with paraprofessional and teacher evaluations 
• Communicates effectively verbally, and in writing; in person, and online, with parents, school staff and representatives of outside agencies and organizations on special education topics 
• Promotes and exudes positive climate, establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships to facilitate a culturally proficient school system
• Assists the Director of Special Education in analyzing, developing and modifying special education programs to meet the needs of students, Supports and lead continuous improvement efforts at the school and organizational level          
• Conduct interviews for prospective special education teachers, case managers, and support staff to evaluate qualifications, experience, and fit for the school’s programs. Collaborate with leadership to select the most suitable candidates.
• Oversee special education staff by meeting regularly with individuals to collaborate, create shared understanding, and problem-solve. 
• Organize and assign case managers to student caseloads, create class sections, and ensure balanced distribution of responsibilities. Monitor assignments to maintain efficiency and effective student support.          
• Other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned

Requirements

• Minnesota Director of Special Education licensure preferred
• Minnesota teacher certification or Minnesota related service certification (social worker, speech language pathologist, etc)
• 3+ years of Educational Leadership Experience
• Experience with multi-categorical disabilities across all grade levels
• Experience providing transitional skills and opportunities for students with disabilities
• Strong technology skills (especially with Microsoft Office products)
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Customer focused approach
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
• High degree of flexibility
• Team player with demonstrated leadership skills
• Demonstrated ability to work well in fast-paced environment
• Willingness to travel on occasion for marketing and state testing events (may require occasional overnight travel)
• Please note 2-step authentication is required to set-up to login to all systems if given a job offer.

Note: The anticipated starting salary for Minnesota-based individuals expressing interest in this position begins at $44,000 per year.

Prospective Employee Benefits Page - HUMAN RESOURCES SERVICES

Minnesota Connections Academy strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.