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
