Special Education Technology Coordinator
The SouthWest Metro Intermediate District #288 has an opening for a Special Education Technology Coordinator at the Dean Lakes Education Center in Shakopee, MN.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.DescriptionSpecial Education Technology Coordinator, 8 hours a day for 260 Contract Days.SummaryThe Special Education Instructional Technology Coordinator is a strategic partner responsible for optimizing teaching and learning through the expert integration of educational technology and specialized data systems. This role bridges the gap between instructional practice and technical infrastructure, with a specific focus on supporting Special Education staff and students. The Coordinator manages the full lifecycle of instructional tools, ensuring the seamless operation of Learning Management Systems (LMS), SPED Forms, and Student Information Systems (SIS). By providing targeted training and technical leadership, this position ensures that technology serves as a powerful catalyst for personalized instruction and compliance within specialized education programming.Instructional Technology IntegrationProvide guidance in the development, implementation, and coordination of effective technology integration strategies for both teaching and learning across all grade levels and content areas.Support school improvement efforts by strategically building the technology capacity of students, teachers, and staff.Research, evaluate, and recommend new and emerging educational technologies, software, and digital resources that enhance teaching and learning and align with instructional goals.Act as a positive liaison and advocate between the district's technology and teaching & learning departments, fostering collaborative relationships with administrators, teachers, and member districts.Develop and deliver targeted professional development for teachers, administrators, and staff on the effective, innovative, and responsible use of technology in the classroom and for administrative tasks.Provide ongoing coaching and individualized support to educators, collaborating with them to integrate hardware, software, and technology resources in support of student learning.Create diverse learning resources for staff, such as engaging websites, interactive tutorials, helpful guides, and searchable databases that empower teachers in integrating technology seamlessly into their practice.Assist in the selection, implementation, and optimization of digital curriculum resources and online learning platforms.Independently resolve routine and less complex user problems related to instructional technology, and coordinate efficiently with the broader technology team to resolve more complex issues.Review and evaluate educational technology materials, equipment, programs, and services, collaborating on strategies to meet specific program needs.Collaborate with the Instructional Leadership Team (Teaching & Learning and Special Education) to integrate technology into curriculum, ensuring alignment with state standards and district goals.Technical Systems & ComplianceSupport the implementation and daily administration of the district's Learning Management Systems (e.g., Canvas, Google Classroom) to support hybrid and personalized learning.Serve as the primary district expert and administrator for SPED Forms, ensuring the system is optimized for due process compliance and efficient reporting.Provide specialized training and technical support to Special Education staff on the use of digital tools for Individualized Education Program (IEP) management.Support the integration of Assistive Technology (AT) solutions into the classroom to support student access and participation.Coordinate with the Instructional Leadership Team to ensure that data systems accurately reflect student placement, services, and progress monitoring.Technical Leadership & SupportProvide high-level troubleshooting and technical assistance for software applications, remote learning platforms, and specialized hardware.Participate in district-wide technology planning to advocate for the specific needs of Special Education and innovative instructional practices.Perform other comparable duties of a like or similar nature as assigned by district leadership.QualificationsBachelors' degree in information technology, education, computer science, or a related field; and two to three years of computer support experience. (Equivalent combinations of education and/or experience will be considered.) Preferred Qualifications Experience or understanding of alternative education, career & technical education, and/or special education; holds or is interested in obtaining an administrative license is desired. Proven experience with school-based information systems for data retrieval and reporting (e.g., SPED Forms, Infinite Campus, etc.)Knowledge of district hardware and software such as Microsoft Office and ChromebooksKnowledge and experience with Google Suite, Zoom and other remote learning softwareEvidence of familiarity with integrating technology into curriculum and instructionAbility to troubleshoot techniques; diagnose, and resolve problems associated with information technology equipment and softwareAbility to train in the areas of technology, applications, and systemsAbility to prioritize tasks and meet deadlinesAbility to work independently and as part of a teamAbility to communicate technical information to a non-technical audienceAbility and willingness to learn; demonstrate flexibilityEvidence of an understanding of school culture and environmentPay & BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $80,000-$110,000 annually. Competitive and comprehensive benefit package available:Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA/FSA optionsDependent Care FSAVacation and Sick TimePersonal Time OffBasic Life Insurance and AD&DVoluntary Life Insurance and AD&D403(b) with a District dollar for dollar matchTRA/PERA (Pension Plan)Long Term DisabilityEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Pet InsuranceApplication ProcedureApply Online at https://www.swmetro288.org/departments/human-resourcesSelection ProcedureApplications will be reviewed beginning immediately until the position is filled. Those selected for interviews will be contacted.