Job Abstract

Our 100% tuition free K-8th Grade campus in the Cleveland Central Neighborhood emphasizes academic expectations that promote a sense of worth, personal responsibility, civic engagement, and a “no excuse - every child can succeed” attitude. Stepstone Academy has the “whole child” “whole family” “whole community” mindset. We are changing more than just the narrative around urban education. Stepstone Academy is Changing Lives.

Stepstone Academy, situated in Cleveland Central Neighborhood, seeks a Special Education Coordinator. This role drives compliance with laws, develops tailored education plans, and fosters teacher collaboration. Utilizing RTI models, you'll adapt instruction, analyze data, and engage parents for optimal student growth. Your proficiency in education, communication, and organization is vital, as is your passion for urban student success. Physical agility and flexibility are required. Join us to shape a brighter future for diverse learners in a dynamic, supportive environment.

Professional Responsibilities:

• Supports, oversees, and provides an educational program for students as defined by special educations laws.
• Ensures the compliance of the special education department.
• Develops and implements an Individualized Educational Program of each child, complimentary to his/her educational strengths and needs as defined through the multifactor evaluation and I.E.P. process, and Regular Education Curriculum.
• Assess the accomplishments of students in a variety of ways on a regular basis and provides progress reports as required.
• Oversees and facilitates 504 evaluations and plans as applicable.
• Serves as the department liaison for facilitating the multi-factor evaluation with various department staff (i.e. psychology, speech therapist, etc.)
• Works cooperatively with regular classroom teachers, interpreting the abilities and disabilities of these students, assisting in classroom intervention strategies, modifying general education curricular as necessary, and assisting the student with regular class assignments.
• Communicates regularly with parents and professional staff regarding the educational, social, and personal needs of students.
• Assists in assessment of abilities and in establishing educational and occupational goals.
• Responsible for push-in and pull-out support in planning instruction and/or adaptation of the instructional program using the Response to Intervention (RTI) model to facilitate student learning in accordance with corporation policies and state guidelines.
• Oversees and completes necessary reports and record keeping as required by state and local policies and procedures for all specialists in the department.
• Engage the learners in differentiated learning experiences for the range of skill levels and developmental needs found in the classroom.
• Use data to help teachers identify and group children who need additional supports.
• Participates as a member of the Student Support Team as directed by the building principal.
• Design and implement specific strategies designed to promote intellectual, social, and physical growth in all identified intervention students.
• Evaluate and measure the effectiveness of specific RTI strategies and interventions in order to refine Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 levels of support.
• Help teachers develop and implement classroom-based, developmentally appropriate interventions for individual children and groups of children to enhance their acquisition of social/emotional and cognitive skills.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, school policy, and administrative regulations.
• Administer and analyze standardized testing data and adjusts instructional strategies, as needed, to maximize probability of student success..
• Participates in professional growth activities through staff development, in-services, workshops, and higher education.
• May be involved in the planning, organization, and implementation of special events or department specific projects or seasonal program changes.
• Exhibit positivity, flexibility and a willingness to take on new responsibilities as requested or required.
• Demonstrate positive leadership, promote a team-based work environment and present the agency in the most positive light with all internal and external contacts.
• Assume responsibility for all students within the school, beyond those specifically assigned, supervising in a fair and constructive manner to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Computer literacy skills, including Windows applications, Microsoft Office Suite, and basic database usage, as well as moderate level typing and the ability to operate computerized office equipment.
• Strong critical thinking and communication skills to problem solve and interact verbally with staff, representatives from outside agencies and families.
• Strong work ethic coupled with an enthusiastic and passionate approach to one’s work.
• Multi-faceted, multi-skilled, resourceful and willing to do whatever it takes to help the school reach a level of academic excellence.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, feedback and facilitation skills.
• Articulate, professional demeanor with strong self-confidence and initiative.
• Outstanding organizational skills and high attention to detail; outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Proactive problem solver who demonstrates initiative and teamwork.
• Passionate about changing the way urban students are educated.
• Ability to demonstrate inspiration, persistence, motivation, drive at exceptional levels.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment with a proven ability to meet and complete multiple deadlines and tasks with meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop productive working relationships with stakeholders across functional and organizational lines.

Performance/Physical Requirements:

• Work consist of walking, bending, stooping, ascending/descending stairs, lifting up to 30 lbs. and remaining in a stationary position 50% of the time, including positioning self to an equal level in order to assist children of all ages.
• Available by phone and work flexible hours, in and outside of school setting including but not limited to: planning, tutoring, extra-curricular activities, home visits and events.
• Must be able to clearly and confidentially communicate with other employees, students, and other stakeholders.
• Must be able to verbally exchange information in a confidential manner with students and/or families in various settings regarding performance of students.

Applicants will be required to complete a pre-employment screening process upon receipt of an offer of employment. We require and cover the cost of a fingerprint background screening, physical, Tuberculosis test, and drug screen after an employment offer is made. Any employment offer is contingent upon receipt of all satisfactory pre-employment screenings.

Stepstone Academy is committed to creating a more diverse community. We encourage candidates from historically underrepresented groups to apply. EEO/M/F/H/V