Special Education Coordinator
Leads a special education program or department within a school or across a district, including knowledge of learning needs, social and emotional needs, and instructional approaches for learners with special needs. Additional activities include leading curriculum, professional, and team development; providing teacher support, development and evaluation; completing department business, budgeting, and reporting; and coordinating external activities such as participation in student organizations. Will often also teach students with a reduced class load.
Annual openings
718
BLS median wage
n/a
Typical education
A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree is required, though a minimum of a Master’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university is expected for many of these jobs.
10-year growth
+12%
Career requirements
What does this career require?
The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.
Typical education
A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree is required, though a minimum of a Master’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university is expected for many of these jobs.
Credential requirement
No specific credential listed yet
Credential detail
In addition to a Teacher license and Special Education Generalist (ages 5-21) endorsement, a Special Education Specialist (ages 5-21) endorsement is valued by employers. For information on CTE roles, please see the Specialty Areas section.
Experience detail
At least 2-5 years of experience as a Licensed Special Education Teacher is expected.
Employer competency information
- Able to lead Teachers in utilizing the following competencies — ● Communication - Be perceptive and responsive listeners, able to communicate with students in a variety of ways; help students to articulate their thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively ● Instruction - Know and demonstrate knowledge of the content being taught, making the instruction and content relevant to students while fostering a positive learning environment and adjusting instructional approaches as needed ● Teamwork - Working collaboratively with other educators, the students, and the families to achieve learning outcomes ● Psychology - Engage students with different learning styles and abilities by using a variety of models of inclusive and effective practices ● Reading - Able to develop reading skills in students while also utilizing these skills to facilitate their own lifelong learning
Is this work a fit?
What the work actually feels like
How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.
A typical day
- Develop or implement strategies to meet the needs of students with a variety of disabilities.
- Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification or positive reinforcement.
- Modify the general elementary education curriculum for students with disabilities.
- Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, or administrative regulations.
- Prepare classrooms with a variety of materials or resources for children to explore, manipulate, or use in learning activities or imaginative play.
- Coordinate placement of students with special needs into mainstream classes.