WATERTOWN UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT - VACANCY NOTICE
SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM MANAGER (Coordinator)
JOB LOCATION: WUSD Districtwide position
CERTIFICATION: DPI License – Special Education, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Speech & Lang. Path., School Psychologist, Principal, Dir. of Special Education, DSEPS
START DATE: July, 2026 (211 day contract)
JOB DESCRIPTION: This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate seeking to take the next step in their leadership journey! We are seeking a dedicated Special Education Program Manager (coordinator) to join the Watertown Unified School District. As the Special Education Program Manager, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the implementation of high-quality special education services to our diverse student population, spanning preK-12. This position requires knowledge in various areas, including IEP review, Headstart and parochial school consultation and evaluation, child find, early childhood special education, and most importantly - WUSD staff and parent/guardian support. Understanding that not everyone knows it all - the WUSD is dedicated to providing PD and ongoing support to the right candidate.
Responsibilities will involve the following, but not limited to, under the supervision of the Director of Special Education and Student Services:
● Oversee the Individualized Education Program (IEP) review process, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
● Collaborate with special education teachers and related service providers to develop and revise effective IEPs that meet students' unique needs.
● Monitor the implementation and progress of IEP goals and objectives.
- Early Childhood Child Find and Special Education:
● Lead the EC team through the child find process to identify children with disabilities in the early childhood population.
● Collaborate with early childhood educators and service providers to develop and implement individualized services and supports for children with disabilities and Peer Model Program.
- Private School & Headstart Consultations and Evaluations:
● Coordinate and conduct evaluations for students attending private schools within the district.
● Provide consultation and support to staff regarding special education processes, referrals, and services.
● Communicate with WUSD staff and the transportation company when new or adjusted transportation needs of students with disabilities arise.
● Ensure transportation services align with students' IEP requirements and adhere to applicable laws and regulations.
- Teacher, Para, Administrator Support:
● Provide guidance and professional development opportunities for special education teachers and paraprofessionals to enhance their instructional practices.
● Collaborate with general education teachers to support the implementation of inclusive practices and accommodations for students with disabilities.
● Be the “administrator on call” for building administrators as well as the Director of Special Education in their absence.
● In collaboration with special education staff, ensure accurate and timely Medicaid billing for eligible services provided to students with disabilities.
● Collaborate with Kompas Care staff and department staff to ensure continuous professional development of medicaid billing and regulations.
● In partnership with District Administration, prepare and deliver ongoing professional development for certified and non-certified staff.
QUALIFICATIONS:
● Bachelor's degree in Special Education or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
● Valid state certification in Special Education, Administration, School Psychology or related areas.
● Extensive knowledge of federal and state special education laws, regulations, and best practices.
● Experience in program management or leadership roles within a special education setting.
● Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
● Ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
● Proficiency in using technology for data management, IEP tracking, and assistive technology tools.
● Familiarity with Medicaid billing processes and regulations is desirable.
● Knowledge of early childhood and transition special education programs and processes is a plus.
THE DISTRICT: Selected candidate will help to further the WUSD mission to serve our students by providing educational opportunities to promote academic excellence and a lifelong love of learning and to lead families, students and staff in realizing the WUSD vision of inspired learners through student-centered education strengthened by community involvement.
TRADITION. INNOVATION. TRANSFORMATION.
The Watertown School District has an enrollment of approximately 3,000 students taught in seven buildings.
THE COMMUNITY: The Watertown community has 24,000 residents and is located on the Rock River approximately halfway between Madison and Milwaukee, at the junction of Highways 16, 19, and 26.
APPLY BY: Applications will be reviewed until the needs of the district have been met. Applications accepted only on Wisconsin Education Career Access Network (WECAN) (https://wecan.education.wisc.edu/#/) Vacancy # 266709.
The Watertown Unified School District does not discriminate in its education program, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, marital status, or disability status.
Pay: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
Education:
Experience:
- special education : 3 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- teaching license with the Dept. of Public Instruction - Wis. (Required)
Work Location: In person
