Job Description
The Special Education SDI SPED Academic Coordinator designs Professional Development and delivers high-quality training, courses, and professional learning systems that support effective instruction for students with disabilities. This role ensures training is aligned with federal, state, and local policies, and that educators have access to timely, research-based strategies and tools. The PD Coordinator collaborates with campus and district staff to build instructional capacity and ensure compliance through structured, engaging professional development.
Responsibilities Coordinator 2 - Specially Designed Instruction - Responsibilities body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; color: #333; margin: 16px; } .section-label { font-weight: bold; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 16px; } ol { margin-top: 0; padding-left: 24px; } li { margin-bottom: 4px; line-height: 1.5; }Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver professional learning opportunities for general education and special education staff, administrators, and related service providers, focusing on evidence-based instructional strategies and compliance with IDEA and state requirements.
- Create online and in-person courses aligned with adult learning principles, integrating district systems (Canvas, Cornerstone, or similar LMS) to ensure tracking and accessibility.
- Design job-embedded learning tools including micro-courses, self-paced modules, and coaching guides for implementation support.
- Collaborate with coordinators and instructional leaders to create a yearlong PD calendar, aligned with district priorities, IEP implementation, inclusive practices, and progress monitoring.
- Develop and maintain training materials, facilitator guides, videos, and resources that support teachers in providing specially designed instruction (SDI), accommodations, and behavior supports.
- Support new and returning teachers through onboarding sessions, certification training, and ongoing instructional coaching as needed.
- Collect, monitor, and analyze data on training participation, feedback, and implementation to guide adjustments and report outcomes.
- Coordinate compliance-based training, including those related to ARD/IEP processes, LRE decision-making, and state assessments.
- Respond to campus needs by designing targeted PD based on walkthrough trends, SPED folder reviews, or academic data.
- Collaborate with state/regional partners, curriculum departments, and HR to ensure certification of pathways, resources, and training align with evolving instructional demands.
- Other duties as assigned.
Job Qualifications
EDUCATION
Bachelor's Degree required; Master's Degree preferred.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Minimum 3-5 years of teaching experience in general or special education. Experience in coaching, training, or developing curriculum (required). Leadership or district-level instructional design experience (preferred).
TYPE OF SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION
Software Microsoft Outlook; standard office equipment Certifications/Licensure Valid Texas teacher certification (Special Education certification preferred) Bilingual Skills: Preferred - Spanish. Knowledgeable of federal, state, local laws, and regulations. Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Must be able to function in a team environment.
LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic oversight for implementation of dyslexia state compliance; provides project management or team leadership to a group of employees. Leadership and supervision involve monitoring work and providing guidance on problem-solving and implementation issues. Most of work time is spent performing many of the same duties they are leading.
WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT
-Work is substantially complex, varied, and regularly requires the selection and application of technical and detailed guidelines. Independent judgment is required to identify, select, and apply the most appropriate methods as well as interpret precedent. Position regularly makes recommendations to management on areas of significance to the department. Supervision received typically consists of providing direction on the more complex projects, issues, and new job priorities.
BUDGET AUTHORITY
-Advises on budget development for department.
PROBLEM SOLVING
-Decisions are made with greater freedom and discretion, including recommendations that are subject to approval on matters that may affect multiple departments across HISD. Job is frequently expected to recommend new solutions to problems, to improve existing methods/procedures/services and generate new ideas. May also review decisions made by other individuals on more routine matters.
IMPACT OF DECISIONS
-Decisions have minor, small and possibly incremental impact on the department or facility. Errors are usually discovered in succeeding operations where most of the work is verified or checked, and are normally confined to a single department or phase of the organizational activities resulting in brief inconvenience.
COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS
-Collaborate and solve problems. Works with others to resolve problems, provide clarity or interpret complex information/policies. Interactions are typically with service providers, professional staff, and parents.
CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS
-Responds promptly and accurately to customer complaints, inquiries, and requests for information. Coordinates appropriate follow-up. Takes routine or required customer actions to meet customer needs. May manage escalated issues passed on from coworkers or subordinates.
WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
-Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements. Ability to carry and/or lift less than 15 pounds.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree
- Three to five years of teaching experience in general or special education
- Experience in coaching, training, or curriculum development
- Valid Texas teacher certification
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to function in a team environment
- Master's degree
- Leadership or district-level instructional design experience
- Texas Special Education certification
- Spanish bilingual skills
What We Do
Houston Independent School District (HISD) is a public school district serving students from prekindergarten through grade 12 in Houston, Texas. As the largest public school system in Texas, it provides comprehensive K–12 education and works to prepare students for life beyond the classroom. Its mission emphasizes high-quality, student-centered education, critical thinking, leadership, community participation, and equitable opportunities for success.
