Special Education Coordinator

Job Description Job Description New Leader Academy
Streamwood, IL Position: Special Education Coordinator
Salary: $80,000 - $120,000 (commensurate with experience and qualifications)
Reports To: Principal
Employment Type: Full-Time, 12-Month Position
About New Leader Academy

New Leader Academy is a specialized therapeutic day school serving students with emotional, behavioral, mental health, and autism spectrum needs. We provide a supportive, trauma-informed learning environment where students receive integrated academic instruction, therapeutic services, and social-emotional skill development. Our mission is to help every student become a confident, capable leader in their own life.
Position Summary

We are seeking a dedicated, experienced, and compassionate educational leader to serve as Special Education Coordinator. The Special Education Coordinator will work closely with the Principal to support all aspects of daily school operations, ensure high-quality instruction and therapeutic programming, maintain regulatory compliance, and create a positive school culture that prioritizes student growth and staff development. ISBE Director of Special Education certification required.
Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Principal with daily school operations and decision-making
• Support curriculum development, implementation, and continuous improvement of academic and therapeutic programs (with emphasis on autism and behavioral needs)
• Lead staff training, professional development, and coaching initiatives
• Ensure compliance with all state, federal, and local regulations (ISBE, IDEA, etc.)
• Ensure IEP compliance and attend IEP meetings
• Oversee staffing needs, including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and performance management
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, and support staff to create individualized student success plans
• Manage student behavior support systems and crisis intervention protocols
• Monitor and analyze student academic and behavioral data to drive improvement
• Build strong relationships with families, community partners, and external service providers
• Support a safe, inclusive, and therapeutic school climate for all students and staff
• Handle disciplinary matters and due process procedures as needed
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Principal

Qualifications

• lllinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with Director of Special Education Endorsement (required)
• Illinois PEL with Administrative Endorsement (Type 75 or Principal Endorsement) (required)
• Master's Degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Special Education, or related field (preferred)
• Minimum of 3-5 years of successful teaching or clinical experience, with significant experience working with students with autism spectrum disorders, emotional/behavioral disorders, and other special education needs
• Prior administrative or leadership experience in a therapeutic or special education setting strongly preferred
• Strong knowledge of special education law (IDEA), autism-specific interventions, trauma-informed practices, and restorative approaches
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to remain calm and decisive in challenging situations
• Passion for working with students who have significant emotional, behavioral, and autism-related needs

What We Offer

• Competitive salary ($80K-$120K)
• Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision, retirement)
• Professional development opportunities
• Supportive leadership team and collaborative work environment
• Meaningful work that changes students' lives every day