Special Education Coordinator / Director

Job Description MATCHBOOK LEARNINGWendell Phillips School 63 | Indianapolis, IndianaSpecial Education Coordinator / DirectorK–8 | Leadership | 18% of Special Education Population of 700 Total Students | Team of 1312-Month Position | Salary: Commensurate with ExperienceOur VisionAt Matchbook Learning, our vision is simple: every child is known, loved, and flourishing. We are a tuition-free public charter school rooted in the Haughville neighborhood of Indianapolis, serving K–8 students at Wendell Phillips School 63. Our students come with high needs and extraordinary potential — and our staff shows up every day to meet both.Our Special Education team is one of the most celebrated parts of Matchbook Learning — a well-built, deeply committed department that has produced remarkable outcomes for students. The leader who built it is passing the baton. We are not starting over. We are looking for someone who can carry what has been built, and help it grow.Are you ready to apply Make sure you understand all the responsibilities and tasks associated with this role before proceeding.About This RoleThe Special Education Coordinator/Director leads and supports a team of 13 — five special education teachers and eight instructional assistants — serving students in grades K–8, including a dedicated DREAM life skills program. This is a 12-month position that carries significant compliance responsibility, meaningful human leadership, and daily coordination across the school.This is a full-year role with the same paid breaks as our teaching staff (Thanksgiving week, fall, winter, spring, and summer breaks). Summer weeks are predominantly remote and light in nature, though some in-person time may be required. You will have flexibility in summer while remaining available to support compliance timelines, transition planning, and staff onboarding.You will be surrounded by a full leadership team: a Tier 1 Admin, Tier 3 Admin, MLL/MTSS Director, Dean of Students, Director of Competency-Based Learning, COO, Director of Data and Compliance, and the Head of School. You will not be alone. You will be supported, visible, and valued.Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Staff SupportFoster a positive, collaborative, student-centered Special Education culture across all subgroups: DREAM life skills, resource, and middle schoolProvide instructional coaching, real-time feedback, and meaningful individual check-ins with special education teachers and assistantsBuild strong, trusting relationships with students, staff, and families — be visible and approachable every dayAdvocate for appropriate staffing, manageable caseloads, and equitable workload distribution across the teamFacilitate regular full-team meetings and promote connection across DREAM, resource, and middle school groupsSupport staff during complex behavioral, academic, and compliance situations with a problem-solving mindsetCoordinate with third-party providers including Kids Count, BCBAs, and RBTsProtect and champion the integrity of the DREAM life skills program, including clear and documented placement criteriaCompliance & Case ManagementEnsure full compliance with IDEA, Indiana Article 7, and all Special Program requirements, timelines, and state reporting obligationsOversee IEP development, progress monitoring, manifestation determinations, evaluations, and case conference proceduresServe as the school’s primary contact at case conferences — attendance and reliability are essential to this roleMaintain accurate and complete special education documentation, schedules, communication logs, and student records in IIEP/Indiana IEP systemsCoordinate evaluation processes with school psychologists, related service providers, and MTSS teamsBuild systems for timely general education teacher input and feedback on case conferencesDevelop clear protocols for evaluation request review — including denial criteria — in partnership with MTSSResource & Program ManagementLead resource room restructuring and thoughtful caseload distribution across teachersSupport appropriate student placement decisions based on academic, functional, behavioral, communication, and cognitive needsCollaborate with general education staff to strengthen inclusion practices and cross-setting student supportAssist staff in identifying curriculum resources, assistive technology, and evidence-based practicesAdvocate for and help design sensory and calm-down spaces that support student regulationFamily & Community PartnershipMaintain proactive, compassionate communication with families — keeping them informed, respected, and included throughout the special education processSupport staff in navigating difficult parent conversations and high-stakes case conference meetingsBuild trusting partnerships with families and outside service providersOperational & Systems LeadershipDevelop and maintain systems for schedules, caseload tracking, compliance timelines, and service coordinationBuild and maintain an electronic operations manual for special education — including cheat sheets, case conference scripts, IEP prep tools, and protocols — so institutional knowledge is documented and transferableUse summer flexibility to advance planning, documentation, and systems so the team starts each year fully preparedAssist with professional development planning focused on evidence-based practices and inclusive supportsWhat Our Team Is Looking ForOur team was asked directly what they need in their next leader. These are their words:A problem-solving mindset — someone to think alongside them, not just above themReal-time coaching and classroom presence — not just compliance, but genuine instructional supportEmotional intelligence — the ability to hold space for hard situations with patience and careAdvocacy for both students AND staff — someone who fights for the right resources, caseloads, and conditionsApproachability and humility — a leader who can say “I don’t know” and model how to figure it out togetherFairness and consistency — clear expectations applied evenly across all roles and subgroupsVisibility and reliability — the team should never wonder where you are or whether you’re in their cornerUnderstanding of the distinct needs of DREAM, resource, K–2, grades 3–5, and middle school — with cohesion across all groupsRegular team connection — weekly or biweekly full-team meetingsQualificationsRequired:Valid Indiana Special Education teaching licenseStrong working knowledge of IDEA, Indiana Article 7, IIEP/Indiana IEP systems, manifestation determinations, evaluations, and compliance requirementsExperience supporting students with diverse academic, behavioral, functional, and communication needs, including students with autismDemonstrated organizational, communication, and problem-solving skillsAbility to build positive relationships and maintain professionalism in high-stakes and high-stress situationsPreferred:Indiana Administrator license or willingness to obtainExperience in special education leadership, case management, or instructional coachingFamiliarity with life skills programming and DREAM-model classroomsExperience with state-level compliance reporting and audit readinessYour Leadership Support TeamYou will not go it alone. Your support structure includes:Head of School — weekly 1:1 and strategic partnershipAssistant Principal of Academics & Tier 1 Instructional SystemsAssistant Principal of Student Supports & Tier 3 BehaviorMLL / MTSS DirectorDirector of Competency-Based LearningDean of StudentsCOODirector of Data & ComplianceTwo School CounselorsDedicated Restorative TeamInstructional Coaches embedded throughout the buildingInterim Coordinator (Sped Teacher) — knowledge bearer, available to support onboarding and transitionWhat We Offer 12-month position — salary commensurate with experience 5% 401(k) match — dollar for dollar, vested at 90 days Health & dental insurance Tuition reimbursement — up to $2,500 per semester 10 PTO days (prorated if mid-year start) $1,500 perfect attendance bonus PGP credits for license renewal Thanksgiving week fully off Fall (1wk), winter(2wks), spring (1wk) Summer flexibility — mostly remote & light; some in-person may be requiredWhat We ExpectA genuine growth mindset — you welcome coaching, honest feedback, and continuous improvementFull presence — this role demands attendance; your team, your families, and your compliance calendar all depend on you being hereTransparency and consistency — apply standards fairly across all staff and subgroupsProactive family communication — build real relationships with parents and guardians, especially during difficult momentsA commitment to documentation — build the institutional knowledge that outlasts any individualCollaboration, not isolation — you are a leader within a leadership team, not above itSummer availability for compliance timelines, onboarding, and transition — with the understanding that this is a lighter, more flexible seasonCommitment to preserving what works while having the courage to reimagine what could be betterApplication ProcessInterested candidates should apply online through the Matchbook Learning careers page: Matchbook Learning is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace for all staff and students. xaygatp We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences to apply.Powered by JazzHRGRpNSHCNC0