Special Education Coordinator

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500 schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) works to support networks, schools, and families with all issues  related to special education including instruction, interventions, and legal and compliance support. OSD  provides the tools and resources to ensure that all students with disabilities receive a high-quality public  education that prepares students for success. OSD supports networks, schools, and families with all issues  related to special education, including instruction, interventions, and legal and compliance support.  

Job Summary: 

Reporting to the Manager of Instructional Supports in the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD), the  Coordinator will leverage expertise in special education pedagogy, compliance, and instructional leadership to  drive systemic improvements. The Special Education Coordinator plays a vital role in ensuring equitable,  inclusive, and effective instructional services for students with disabilities across Chicago Public Schools. This  is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.  

The Special Education Coordinator will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:  

• Plan and develop ongoing coaching and support for special education teachers and paraprofessionals, school administrators, and network leaders 

• Model and promote inclusive practices within and beyond the classroom 

• Design and facilitate professional learning sessions focused on research-based strategies that support Effective Instruction and Conditions for Learning 

• Serve as a consultant to teachers in strengthening instruction design and delivery 

• Assist in the continuity of the instructional program to ensure that students with disabilities have access to grade-level instruction 

• Analyze academic, functional, and behavioral data for IEP development and planning

• Develop strategic network action plans and partner with school-based teams to drive school improvement 

• Support cycles of improvement at the network level 

• Ensure implementation of IEPs in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations

• Support schools and networks with monitoring service delivery and instructional fidelity

• Monitor IEP development across the network to ensure compliance with federal and state law, state Board of Education policy and CPS policy 

• Collaborate with families, advocates, and community partners in building inclusive environments

• Promote parent engagement in the IEP process 

• Collaborate with district offices to implement initiatives and pilot programs 

• Support the alignment of special education with broader instructional and behavioral priorities 

• Implement systems of training, coaching, and supports for networks/schools to ensure they are provided with research-based, specially-designed instruction that meets the unique needs of students in their least restrictive environment 

• Other duties as assigned