Alliance College-Ready Public Schools is one of the largest and most successful nonprofit public charter school networks in the nation, operating 25 high-performing, middle and high schools that educate nearly 13,000 scholars who make up the heart of Los Angeles’ Latinx, Black, and recent immigrant communities. Alliance schools have been recognized as among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Newsweek, the U.S. Department of Education, and the California Department of Education. Since opening our first school in 2004, 95% of Alliance scholars have graduated from high school. We strive to uplift our scholars and their communities by fostering unparalleled educational opportunities that encourage scholarly thought, resilient learning, powerful communication, mind-body wellness, and community advocacy. To learn more, visit www.LAalliance.org.
For current vacancies by location, please click here.
ROLE SUMMARY
The Special Education Coordinator is an integral part of the school’s instructional leadership team and is responsible for overseeing programs that provide educational assistance to scholars with mental, psychological, learning, behavioral, or physical disabilities. With specialized expertise in the instruction of scholars with special learning needs within or outside the mainstream classroom, the Coordinator collaborates with the site administrators and teachers to ensure that the needs and learning outcomes of all scholars are met. The Coordinator works under the direction of the Principal, Director of Inclusion & Special Education, and Director of Diverse Learner Compliance to develop a comprehensive suite of resources and processes for the identification, placement, and support of scholars across the spectrum of academic ability. In addition, the Special Education Coordinator maintains and monitors special education data for the school site (e.g., CASAS, compliance timelines, service minutes) and prepares reports for school and Home Office leadership and district/SELPA oversight.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Maintain and develop knowledge of current Special Education regulations and best practices
Provide professional development, coaching, consultation, and resources to Special Education Teachers regarding placement, curriculum, and procedures.
Manage the school’s caseload and/or guide Special Education Teachers on the timely development of Individual Education Programs (IEPs) and Individual Transition Plans in accordance with federal, state, and district standards.
Analyze assessment results to drive instruction and IEP development.
Manage the school’s IEP caseload and scholar information in the district’s data management program (i.e., Welligent )
Schedule and facilitate IEP meetings collaboratively and professionally.
Support general education Teachers and administrators in the implementation of appropriate strategies to meet the needs of scholars with IEPs.
Create and maintain Special Education documentation as required by federal, state, district, and CMO regulations (and LAUSD).
Develop and assist with appropriate behavior management techniques for scholars with special needs.
Mentor Special Education Teachers at assigned school sites.
Complete monthly Alliance internal reporting documents for assigned site (e.g., 2939 report).
Manage relationships with outside vendors to ensure scholars receive all individually prearranged IEP services (i.e., Occupational Therapy, Language and Speech, etc.).
Develop positive relationships with parents and families to engage them in the IEP process and keep them updated on scholar progress.
Influence the Response to Intervention (RTI) and Student Support and Progress Team (SSPT) process.
Manage and/or assist with the development of 504 plans.
May teach a small number of designated Special Education classes.
Analyze Alliance achievement data to identify Special Education programs and service needs.
Support LAUSD/SELPA IEP data reporting and compliance audits as needed and requested.
Track and monitor grades and other achievement data for scholars in the Special Education program.
Perform additional related duties as assigned.
IDEAL CANDIDATES
Belief: Hold the belief that all scholars, regardless of their economic or social demographics, deserve a quality education and can earn a four-year college degree.
Social Justice: Desire to work in systemically underserved communities in Los Angeles and be a part of Alliance’s social justice mission by integrating anti-racist, pro-Black, student-centered instruction.
Culture: Demonstrate an ability to develop a positive, achievement-oriented, supportive, and collaborative culture of high expectations that motivates and inspires scholars to learn at college-preparatory levels.
Data: Know how to use data, technology, and innovative teaching methods to monitor growth and scholar progress toward Individual Education Program (IEP) goals, drive classroom learning, and prepare all scholars to succeed in life after high school.
Expertise: Have strong Special Education area expertise, instructional and classroom management skills, and in-depth knowledge of effective evaluation, assessment, and specialized instructional techniques to drive scholar learning. Thrive in an environment of high expectations and collaboration.
Mindset: Hold a growth mindset and commit to continuously honing their craft.
Relationship-Building: Have strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills with both children and adults.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
California Education Specialist Instruction Credential (Clear, Level II, Preliminary, or Level I). Applicants will be required to provide a copy of the credential, or, if in progress, a status letter from their credential program.
Equivalent Out-of-State Credential transferring to California, including a valid equivalent English Learner Authorization. Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their out-of-state credential. Note: If you do not yet hold a California-equivalent English Learner Authorization, you may qualify for a temporary permit while transferring your credential.
Master’s Degree in Special Education or a related field from an accredited college or university.
3+ years of experience working with students with special needs.
Preferred: 1+ years of experience coaching and observing teachers (leadership roles such as Department Chair, Mentor Teacher, etc.).
BENEFITS
In alignment with our commitment to equity for our scholars, Alliance is dedicated to promoting equity and transparency within our team, offering competitive salaries commensurate with experience, as well as generous retirement and health benefits. This position is Exempt.
We strive to be the best employer possible by offering excellent benefits for our employees and their families. Please click HERE for more information about our health benefits, retirement options, as well as our paid holidays and leave.
Professional Development: At Alliance, we believe in supporting school leadership growth and providing substantial school-based and network-wide professional development support.
Leadership Opportunities: Leadership opportunities are extensive at Alliance, and those interested in growing their leadership skills are invited to join our Emerging Leader Cadre program.
Recognition: Alliance provides special recognition to staff who demonstrate their dedication inside and beyond the school.
COMPENSATION
$91,125.00 - $135,000.00
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates should submit an application. If you advance to the next step, you will be contacted for a phone screen and/or interview. Only candidates who advance will be contacted.
If you would like to view the progress of your application, you can log in to your Candidate Home Account by signing in at the top right of our jobs page.
Unfortunately, we are not able to sponsor or support applicants on visas at this time or in the foreseeable future.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
Alliance College-Ready Public Schools is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, anti-racist, pro-Black community that celebrates diversity, equity, and the unique identities of all scholars and staff. Nearly two-thirds of our teachers and administrators identify as people of color, reinforcing our commitment to representation and the power of diverse role models. We recognize the richness of the cultures and communities we serve, and we believe that embracing and empowering these identities is essential to the success and pride of our scholars. Working at Alliance means joining a movement to drive transformative change, nurture resilience, and build lifelong, meaningful connections with scholars and their communities.
Champion Alliance’s Anti-Racist, Pro-Black Mission: The strongest candidates will bring a commitment to Alliance’s mission of building an anti-racist, pro-Black community that prioritizes the success and well-being of Black and Brown scholars. Candidates should have a passion for promoting equity through anti-racist, student-centered teaching practices that celebrate racial and cultural identities. This role is rooted in service to systemically underserved communities in Los Angeles, helping scholars graduate “college-ready” with pride in who they are.
This job description is subject to change at any time based on the evolving needs of the organization.
Alliance College-Ready Public Schools are tuition-free public charter schools that do not discriminate against any scholar, parent, community member, or staff member based on actual or perceived ancestry, age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
Alliance College-Ready Public Schools requires that all team members complete a LiveScan background check and TB clearance.
Research shows that while men apply to jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the requirements, women and other underrepresented people tend to only apply when they match every criterion. If you think you meet some of the qualifications, but don't necessarily check every box in the job description, we encourage you to still apply. If you have questions contact the Talent Acquisition Team at [email protected].
