Special Education Lead Teacher (K-12)

Special Education Lead Teacher (K-12)

Supervisor: Building Administrator
Contract Length:190 days
Job Classification: Certified Teacher
FLSA Status: Exempt

TheSpecial Education Lead Teacher serves as the cornerstone of our Special Education department bridging the gap between administrative compliance and classroom excellence. This role is designed for an expert educator who thrives onmentorship data-driven results and systemic improvement. You will not only support K-12 students directly but will also act as a primary coach for teachers and paraeducators to ensure our service delivery is second to none.

Key Responsibilities

1. Instructional Coaching & Staff Development

• Mentor & Train: Lead onboarding and training for new teachers with a focus on mastering IEP writing classroom management and restorative conversations.
• Paraeducator Excellence: Provide direct training and side-by-side coaching in the classroom to ensure cohesive support.
• Professional Development: Collaborate with the Director of Special Education to design and implement PD plans that directly correlate to improved student achievement.
• Real-Time Support: Offer live in-classroom assistance to school leaders and teachers to sustain school improvement initiatives.

2. Compliance & IEP Management

• System Oversight: Keep campus-based staff and administrators informed of critical timelines regarding annual reviews evaluations reevaluations and Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDR).
• Quality Assurance: Conduct monthly IEP audits to ensure 100% compliance with federal state and district policies.
• Service Delivery: Facilitate and support the implementation of service delivery plans to ensure every student receives the exact support outlined in their IEP.

3. Data & Student Achievement

• Academic & Behavioral Support: Oversee the implementation of academic and behavioral interventions to ensure they meet each students unique needs.
• Data Analysis: Collect and analyze student data to monitor progress against IEP goals and district-wide assessments.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in a field applicable to special education teaching.
• License issued by Iowa BoEE for special education teaching.
• Educational Leadership: Proven experience in a Special Education setting with a deep understanding of K-12 requirements.
• Expert Compliance Knowledge: Mastery of the IEP process including development timelines and federal/state regulations.
• Strong Collaborative Skills: Ability to build a coaching relationship with staff to improve teaching and learning outcomes.
• Communication & Organization: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; must be able to manage multiple timelines and lead training sessions effectively.
• Data Literacy: Ability to collect interpret and present data to inform instructional decisions.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy enabling differentiation
• Knowledge of special education law Department of Education requirements and best practice.
• Knowledge of data information systems data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Ability to use computer network system technology devices and software applications.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students parents coworkers and the greater community.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.

Travel Requirements

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

WORKING CONDITIONS:

It is the policy of Fort Dodge Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race color national origin sex disability religion creed age (for employment) marital status (for programs) sexual orientation and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs services and its employment practices. If you have questions or grievances related to this policy please contact Roger Porter Director of School Safety and Security rporter@ located at Fort Dodge Middle School 800 N 32nd Street Fort Dodge IA 50501 or contact the Office for Civil Rights Midwestern Division for U. S. Department of Education Office John C. Kluczynski Federal Building 230 S. Dearborn St. 37th Floor Chicago IL 60604 (Alternate for Section 504 is Branwyn Greathouse Director of Special Education/Special Needs Central Administration Office 109 North 25th Street Fort Dodge IA 50501). Affirmative Action Compliance Coordinator The Districts Compliance Coordinator for Affirmative Action is Kimberly Whitmore Director of Human Resources 109 North 25th Street Fort Dodge IA 50501. The school district will respond promptly to allegations of abuse of students by school district employees by timely reporting to all relevant agencies as required by law. The Districts coordinator for abuse reporting is Roger Porter Director of Safety and Security located at Fort Dodge Middle School 800 North 32nd Street Fort Dodge IA 5050 Harassment Complaints and Allegations The Districts Officers for Harassment Complaints and Allegations Roger Porter Director of School Safety and Security located at Fort Dodge Middle School 800 North 32nd Street Fort Dodge IA 50501. Sex Discrimination and Harassment (Title IX) The Districts Coordinator for Sex Discrimination and Harassment is Kimberly Whitmore Director of Human Resources located at Central Administration Office 109 North 25th Street Fort Dodge IA 50501. The Deputy Coordinator is Roger Porter Director of School Safety and Security located at Fort Dodge Middle School 800 North 32nd Street Fort Dodge IA 50501.Rev. 7/2025

Fort Dodge Community School District is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer.