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Start Your Online Application Now At Hopkins Public Schools, we believe that our strength lies in the diversity of our students, staff, and community. We are a proudly inclusive E-12 district serving approximately 7,200 students across the City of Hopkins and surrounding communities. Our district represents a rich mosaic of cultures, backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences; we value and celebrate that diversity in everything we do. As an academically rigorous and human-centered district, we are committed to fostering a welcoming environment where every student and staff member feels seen, heard, and valued. There is no "typical" Hopkins student, and we embrace this truth as a catalyst for innovation, growth, and equity in learning. We seek educators and staff who are equity-minded, culturally responsive, and deeply committed to creating inclusive spaces where all learners can thrive. We welcome candidates who are passionate about dismantling systemic barriers, advancing justice, and preparing students to become bold, collaborative, and compassionate global citizens. When you join Hopkins Public Schools, you are not just joining a district, you are becoming part of a community that honors difference, nurtures potential, and inspires remarkable achievement in every learner, from birth through graduation. You are welcome at Hopkins. You belong at Hopkins. Position Overview: The Special Services Lead at North Middle School (NMS) is responsible for organizing, facilitating, and coordinating due process requirements and implementing special education services in compliance with federal and state regulations. This role requires effective collaboration and leadership aligned with the Hopkins Leadership Framework Competencies. Programming Responsibilities: Advises and supports NMS leadership and academic support staff in developing student schedules. Assists case managers in reviewing IEPs, grades, credits, scores, and placement to ensure appropriate services and course alignment. Communicates and advocates for the needs of SPED staff with NMS leadership and district Special Services leadership. Advises school and district leadership on staffing based on IEP needs and due process compliance. Promotes team cohesion and capacity among NMS special services staff. Coaches and coordinates special education programming at NMS. Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to design or refine programming in response to evolving needs and best practices. Coordinates and monitors related services for students in collaboration with building-based teams. Oversees compliance and progress of due process procedures (IEPs and evaluations) in partnership with psychologists, clerical support, and other stakeholders. Works with district leadership on placement and service planning for current and incoming special education students. Acts as liaison between NMS and families of special education students, including for transitions and enrollment. Testing Support: Collaborates with testing coordinators regarding assessments (e.g., FASTBridge, MAPS, MCA, MTAS). Ensures testing accommodations are implemented as documented in students'' IEPs. Transitions & Scheduling: Partners with NMS special education staff to plan student transitions, ensuring services and supports are in place. Meets with incoming families to review student needs and NMS special education programming. Case Management & Student Support: Supports case managers with student crises or high-stress situations. Keeps school leadership informed about significant student concerns. Ensures timely communication between case managers and families regarding behavior plans and supports. Serves as SPED representative when case manager is unavailable for urgent matters. Supports Manifestation Determination processes as needed. Departmental Duties: Serves as Administrative Designee for IEP meetings when needed. Leads special education departmental meetings at NMS to communicate updates, gather feedback, and advocate with administration. Builds collaboration between special education and general education teams. Provides day-to-day support to case managers to foster a collaborative and supportive team culture. Participates in monthly meetings with Special Education Administration. Serves on MTSS teams to guide pre-referral and special education referral processes. Responds to SPED referral inquiries from staff and families. Other Responsibilities: Takes on additional duties as assigned by the Director/Assistant Director of Special Services or NMS school administration Embeds and models the 6 Hopkins Leadership Framework competencies: Culture Leadership Empathy Leadership Equity Leadership Innovation Leadership Learning Leadership Operational Leadership Maintains a strong commitment to anti-racist practices and systemic equity. Minimum Qualifications: Minimum of five years'' experience teaching in a special education setting or as a related service provider. Valid special education licensure. Demonstrated leadership skills in group facilitation and team development. Strong communication skills across various audiences and settings. Expertise in due process compliance and special education accountability. Knowledge of program development and evaluation. Familiarity with trends in IDEA and federal/state regulations. Excellent organizational skills and time management. Ability to manage ambiguity, follow through on commitments, and think creatively. Strong collaboration skills with students, staff, and families. Skilled in problem-solving and conflict resolution. Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and prioritize tasks effectively. Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations: Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation. Driver''s license. Minnesota Teaching License in Special Education Hours & Compensation: FTE: 0.667 (Potential to combine within the district to full-time), 124 Days HEA Union Contract Range: BA, Step 0: $51,000 MA, Step 0: $60,228 Position specific Benefits information is available HERE Union Contracts, Position Handbook/Agreements are located HERE Hopkins Public Schools uses the applicant tracking system from Frontline Education to manage employment applications online