Benefits:
401(k)
Competitive salary
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Tuition assistance
Vision insurance
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