Special Education Instructional Coordinator

Special Education Instructional Coordinator

The SouthWest Metro Intermediate District #288 has a full-time opening for a Special Education Instructional Coordinator, based at the Dean Lakes Education Center in Shakopee, MN, and supporting special education programs district-wide.

SouthWest Metro serves students in 11 member districts and 8 associate member districts across the southwestern Twin Cities metropolitan area with programs in Special Education, Career and Technical Education, Care & Treatment, Adult Education, and Alternative Education. We invite you to embrace your own value, potential, and ability at SouthWest Metro, while empowering others to discover theirs. We work to empower ALL learners to realize their self-worth through personalized educational instruction, connection to resources, and access to a supportive learning environment.

Description

Special Education Instructional Coordinator, 8 hours a day for 260 Contract Days, year-round. 2026-27 contract days are prorated based on start date; 1.0 FTE

Summary

Under the leadership and support of the Executive Director of Special Education and/or Executive Director of Teaching & Learning, the Special Education Instructional Coordinator builds the skills of SouthWest Metro's current special education workforce, with a focus on probationary and early-career teachers. The Coordinator provides job-embedded instructional coaching, behavioral consultation, onboarding, and mentoring for special education teachers and paraeducators across programs. The goal of this role is to support our current educators with instruction and behavior management and ultimately increase retention of our teachers and paraeducators.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Instructional Coaching

• Provide job-embedded instructional coaching to special education teachers and paraeducators through observation, modeling, co-teaching, and timely feedback
• Lead individualized coaching cycles (goal-setting, observation, feedback, reflection) based on classroom observations and student data
• Model evidence-based instruction, specially designed instruction, differentiation, and classroom management
• Help teachers plan lessons that align with state standards, district curriculum, and students' IEP goals
• Support teachers in using assistive technology and instructional tools
• Ensure that curriculum and instruction incorporate the experiences, culture, history, and perspectives of people from various cultures and backgrounds

Behavioral Support

• Consult with teachers, paraeducators, and program teams on student behavior, social-emotional, and mental health needs
• Assist teams with functional behavior assessments (FBAs), positive behavior support plans, and behavior intervention plans (BIPs)
• Help teachers design and implement classroom-wide behavior systems, routines, and de-escalation strategies
• Train staff in district-approved positive behavior supports, de-escalation, and crisis prevention practices
• Support classrooms during and after behavioral crises, and facilitate staff debriefs
• Support compliance with Minnesota law and district policy on restrictive procedures, including documentation and debrief requirements

Onboarding & Mentoring

• Lead onboarding for new special education teachers and paraeducators across programs
• Provide ongoing mentoring and check-ins for probationary and early-career teachers
• Coordinate with building and program leaders so new staff receive consistent support during their first years
• Connect teachers with colleagues, resources, and professional learning that reduce isolation and burnout

Professional Development

• Design, deliver, and evaluate professional development aligned to student needs and program goals
• Facilitate professional learning communities (PLCs) and team problem-solving meetings
• Train paraeducators on instructional and behavioral strategies, and on their role in implementing IEPs
• Share updates on special education law, policy, and best practice with staff

Data-Informed Problem Solving

• Use student academic, behavior, and progress-monitoring data to guide coaching and recommend targeted interventions
• Facilitate data-informed problem-solving with program teams
• Collect and report coaching participation, staff feedback, retention, and student behavior data to measure the impact of the role
• Contribute to the progress update to the Board on coaching and retention outcomes

Special Education Compliance

• Support teachers in writing quality IEPs, progress reports, and due process paperwork that meet state and federal requirements
• Help teachers implement IEPs, accommodations, and modifications with fidelity
• Collaborate with the Enrollment Coordinator, related service providers, and program leaders to meet student needs

Communication & Collaboration

• Communicate in a timely and effective manner with staff, administrators, families, member districts, and community partners
• Serve as a liaison between program leadership and teaching teams on instructional and behavioral needs
• Foster collaboration among teachers, paraeducators, related service providers, and administrators to create a cohesive experience for students

Other Duties

• Assist in the recruitment, interviewing, and selection of special education staff
• Continue professional growth through seminars, workshops, research, and professional networks
• Support district and program operations as needed
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Current Minnesota special education teaching license issued by PELSB, or the ability to obtain one
• Minimum of 5 years of successful special education teaching experience, including work with students with significant behavioral, emotional, or developmental needs
• Demonstrated expertise in evidence-based instructional and behavior management practices
• Experience with functional behavior assessments, positive behavior support plans, and de-escalation
• Knowledge of current state and federal special education law, including IDEA and Minnesota rules on due process and restrictive procedures
• Motor vehicle operator's license or ability to provide own transportation to multiple sites

Preferred

• Master's degree in special education, curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, or a related field
• Experience as an instructional coach, mentor, lead teacher, or teacher on special assignment
• Experience coaching adults, including probationary teachers and paraeducators
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential, or training in applied behavior analysis
• Certification as a trainer in a nationally recognized de-escalation or crisis prevention program
• Enrolled in or completed a Minnesota Principal or Director of Special Education licensure program
• Experience in a setting IV, intermediate district, or other center-based special education program

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to build trusting, non-evaluative coaching relationships with teachers and paraeducators
• Ability to design and facilitate engaging professional learning for adults
• Ability to collect, analyze, and use student and staff data to guide decisions
• Knowledge of disability categories, children's mental health, and trauma-informed practices
• Demonstrated understanding, promotion, and support of culturally responsive teaching and behavior management practices
• Strong verbal and written communication, organization, and problem-solving skills, including under stress
• Ability to manage multiple priorities across sites and work with limited supervision
• Ability to use computer systems and software applications as needed, including IEP and data platforms

Pay & Benefits

The pay range for this position is 90,000–120,000 annually. Competitive and comprehensive benefit package available:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA/FSA options
• Dependent Care FSA
• Vacation and Sick Time
• Personal Time Off
• Basic Life Insurance and AD&D
• Voluntary Life Insurance and AD&D
• 403(b) with a District dollar for dollar match
• TRA/PERA (Pension Plan)
• Long Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pet Insurance

Application Procedure

Apply Online at https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/swmetro288

Selection Procedure

Applications will be reviewed beginning immediately until the position is filled. Those selected for interviews will be contacted.