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STRIDE Academy in St. Cloud, MN, stands out as a K-8 public charter school with a strong focus on the whole child, celebrated for fostering academic excellence and a nurturing learning environment. Our mission emphasizes individualized learning and innovative teaching, preparing students for future success. Notable for our community involvement and award-winning programs, STRIDE offers a unique, supportive educational experience that cultivates curiosity and character development, making a significant impact on our students and the wider community. POSITION DETAILS Position: Sped Coordinator Grade: K-8 Reports to: Director of Special Education Contract Year: July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027, 210 reporting days Full Time FTE: 1.0 ROLE OBJECTIVES The Special Education Coordinator works closely with the Director of Special Education to support the effective administration, implementation, and continuous improvement of STRIDE Academy?s special education programs and services. The Coordinator assists the Director in all areas of special education programming, including due process and compliance, evaluations, instructional programming, staff support and development, student services, behavior support, and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). While supporting special education programming across STRIDE Academy as directed by the Director of Special Education, the Coordinator has primary responsibility for providing day-to-day special education leadership and support at the Elementary School. The Coordinator works closely with special education teachers, paraprofessionals, related service providers, general education staff, building administration, students, and families to ensure students with disabilities receive appropriate, individualized, and legally compliant services. This position requires significant knowledge and experience supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including instructional programming, behavior and regulation needs, communication, sensory needs, environmental supports, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. KEY DUTIES Special Education Leadership and Program Support Work closely and collaboratively with the Director of Special Education in the administration and implementation of STRIDE Academy?s special education programs and services. Serve as the primary day-to-day special education support and resource for the Elementary School while assisting with district-wide special education responsibilities as directed by the Director. Support the implementation of high-quality special education programming consistent with students'' IEPs, applicable state and federal requirements, and STRIDE Academy policies and procedures. Collaborate with the Director, building administrators, special education teachers, related service providers, and general education staff to identify and address student, staff, and program needs. Assist with the onboarding and transition of incoming special education students, including reviewing records, identifying service and staffing needs, and coordinating supports. Support appropriate student programming and placement decisions in collaboration with the Director and IEP teams. Assist the Director with special education projects, initiatives, data collection, reporting, and other department responsibilities. Elementary School Special Education Support Provide consistent, visible special education leadership and support within the Elementary School. Work closely with Elementary School special education teachers and paraprofessionals to support effective implementation of student IEPs, services, accommodations, modifications, behavior plans, and instructional programming. Regularly observe special education programming and provide coaching, feedback, problem-solving, and follow-up support to staff. Assist staff in addressing complex student needs and identifying appropriate instructional, behavioral, environmental, communication, and regulation supports. Collaborate with building administration and the Director of Special Education regarding staffing, scheduling, caseloads, student needs, and allocation of special education resources. Assist with the development and coordination of paraprofessional schedules and assignments based on student needs and IEP requirements. Support communication and coordination among special education staff, general education staff, related service providers, administration, and families. ASD Programming and Student Support Provide leadership and expertise regarding programming and supports for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Support staff in understanding how characteristics associated with ASD may affect communication, social interaction, behavior, sensory processing, emotional regulation, transitions, independence, and access to instruction. Assist teams in developing and implementing individualized, evidence-based instructional and behavioral supports for students with ASD. Support the development and implementation of structured routines, visual supports, communication systems, sensory and environmental supports, transition strategies, and other individualized interventions. Collaborate with teachers, school psychologists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, behavior staff, and other service providers to address complex student needs. Provide coaching, modeling, and professional development to teachers and paraprofessionals working with students with ASD. Assist teams in analyzing student data and determining whether interventions and supports are effective and appropriately implemented. Support teams in responding to significant behavioral or regulation needs while maintaining student dignity, safety, access to education, and compliance with applicable requirements. Due Process, Evaluations, and Compliance Manage and coordinate special education evaluation procedures in collaboration with the School Psychologist, Director of Special Education, case managers, and other members of evaluation teams. Monitor special education due process timelines and documentation to support timely and compliant completion of evaluations, IEPs, progress reporting, and other required procedures. Review special education files and documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with state and federal requirements. Assist the Director with Minnesota Department of Education monitoring and compliance activities, including file reviews, data submissions, corrective action plans, documentation, and implementation. Assist staff in understanding and correctly implementing special education due process requirements, policies, procedures, and documentation practices. Identify potential compliance concerns and work with the Director and appropriate staff to resolve concerns promptly. Maintain knowledge of applicable federal and Minnesota special education laws, rules, regulations, and guidance. IEP and Evaluation Team Support Attend IEP and evaluation meetings as requested or appropriate. Support case managers in developing legally compliant, individualized, and educationally appropriate IEPs. Review IEPs, evaluations, behavior plans, and other special education documentation and provide feedback and technical assistance to staff. Assist with complex or challenging IEP meetings in collaboration with the Director of Special Education. Support effective collaboration and communication with parents and guardians regarding special education services and programming within the scope of the position. Elevate significant parent concerns, disputes, compliance concerns, or other complex matters to the Director of Special Education as appropriate. Staff Coaching, Training, and Development Coach and mentor special education teachers in instructional practices, behavior support, classroom programming, data collection, IEP implementation, and due process procedures. Provide ongoing coaching and support to special education paraprofessionals in collaboration with teachers, building administrators, and the Director. Model effective instructional, behavioral, and student-support practices when appropriate. Assist in identifying professional development needs within the Special Education Department. Develop and facilitate training and in-service opportunities related to special education programming, ASD, behavior support, due process, legal requirements, instructional practices, and other identified areas. Support new special education staff during onboarding and throughout their transition into their roles. Promote consistency in special education practices, expectations, and programming across classrooms and programs. Collaboration and Professional Responsibilities Maintain effective and professional working relationships with students, families, staff, administrators, and outside service providers. Communicate regularly with the Director of Special Education regarding student needs, staffing concerns, compliance matters, program needs, and other significant issues. Maintain confidentiality of student, family, and employee information in accordance with FERPA, applicable law, and STRIDE Academy policies. Participate in special education department meetings, building leadership or student-support meetings, and other meetings as assigned. Maintain regular and prompt attendance. Follow all STRIDE Academy policies and procedures. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Special Education. REQUIREMENTS Educational Qualifications: Master?s Degree required in Special Education or related field. Licenses/certification required upon hiring: ? Valid Minnesota Teaching License required. ? Minnesota Administrative License preferred. Experience: Minimum of five years of professional experience in special education preferred, including experience as a special education teacher or in another role involving significant responsibility for special education programming. Demonstrated professional experience working with and developing programming for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) required. Experience supporting elementary-aged students with disabilities strongly preferred. Experience with special education due process, evaluations, IEP development, compliance, and progress monitoring required. Previous experience providing leadership, coaching, mentoring, or professional development to special education staff preferred. Skills and Competencies: Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of a Special Education Teacher. Comprehensive knowledge of special education laws, rules, regulations and procedures; Thorough knowledge of computerized IEP program; Thorough knowledge of intervention development and data collection methods; Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with students, teachers, parents, and administrators; Ability to handle a variety of assignments or problems independently; Ability to apply a variety of procedures and policies; Ability to collect, read, summarize, compare and collect data; Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with students, teachers, parents, and administrators; Ability to present to small groups; Ability to write clearly and concisely; Ability to use modern office equipment, technology, and related software. Essential knowledge and specialized subject knowledge required to perform the essential functions of the job: Comprehensive knowledge of federal and Minnesota special education laws, rules, regulations, and due process requirements. Strong knowledge of the principles and practices of special education instruction and programming. Strong knowledge of ASD and evidence-based practices for supporting students with autism in educational settings. Knowledge of instructional, behavioral, communication, sensory, and environmental supports for students with complex needs. Knowledge of IEP development, special education evaluations, progress monitoring, intervention development, and data collection. Ability to analyze student needs and assist teams in developing appropriate individualized programming. Ability to coach, mentor, and provide constructive feedback to teachers and paraprofessionals. Ability to facilitate collaborative problem-solving among multidisciplinary teams. Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities, timelines, and responsibilities. Ability to identify compliance concerns and work collaboratively toward timely resolution. Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion. Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills. Effective verbal and written communication skills with staff, students, families, administrators, and outside professionals. Ability to navigate difficult or sensitive conversations professionally. Ability to work independently while maintaining close communication and collaboration with the Director of Special Education. Proficiency with computerized IEP systems, student information systems, data systems, and other technology used in special education programming. BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION Salary Range: Starting salary of $80,000 or higher based on experience Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement, and professional development opportunities. APPLICATION PROCESS Application Materials: Submit a resume, cover letter, references, and complete online application Apply here: https://www.strideacademy.org/employment Application Deadline: Until Filled Contact Information: Niki Krier, Director of Special Education, nkrier@strideacademy.org Kate Hill, Director of Human Resources, khill@strideacademy.org EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT STRIDE Academy is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. CALL TO ACTION Join our dedicated team at STRIDE Academy and make a difference in the lives of our students. Apply today to contribute to our vibrant learning community where every child is encouraged to reach their full potential. We look forward to welcoming you to our team!