Summary
Reporting to the Head Teacher through the Director of Studies, The Special Needs Education (SNE) Coordinator will further develop and implement the school’s special education strategy. He/she shall advocate for students with identified Special Needs, educate the teaching staff, and model Christlike character.
The SNE Coordinator role is essential to the Amazima School mission of providing an excellent education in a caring, well-resourced environment where every child can thrive. The SNE coordinator, therefore, will work closely with students, teachers and other staff to foster a student-centered approach that ensures that students with special education needs receive the support they need to succeed.
The SNE Coordinator must be a committed Christian who is willing and able to promote a biblical lifestyle and the school values in all aspects of life.
Qualifications
- Must be a committed Christian who is in full agreement with the Statement of Faith of The Amazima School.
- Professional and personal references must demonstrate observed manifestation of godly character and spiritual maturity.
- Must be committed to the mission of The Amazima School.
- Must demonstrate humility, teachability, and a desire for professional growth.
- Must be willing to make a minimum two year commitment.
- Must have a teaching license in your specific subject/grade level, or equatable qualifications.
- Preferred experience living or working in a third world country.
- Preferred experience leading or coordinating special education programs.
- If married, candidate’s marriage and parenting must demonstrate Christian character and maturity.
Duties & Standards
Duty #1 (35%): Develop and Implement the TAS-S Special Education Strategy
• Design and implement a screening process and assessment practices for students with special needs.
• Ensures that all support plans and accommodations align with TAS – Secondary commitment to a Christ-centered, student-focused environment.
• Prepare periodic reports and submit to the Head Teacher indicating student progress, program effectiveness, and recommendations to enhance student support.
• Conduct one-on-one sessions with students with special needs.
• Identify SNE training needs for the secondary school teachers
Standards
• Draft of implementation plan for screening and assessment
• Periodic reports submitted to Head Teacher
• One on one sessions conducted
• Professional Development Training plan for Teachers
Duty #2 (20%): Identify, support, and follow-up with students who require Special Needs Education
- Collaborate with teachers to Identify students who require academic testing, and recommend students to school counsellor for intervention.
- Work with Director of Studies office to develop assessment schedule and academic testing support plan for students with special needs education.
- Track and document student progress, ensuring that identified SNE students receive the appropriate support and adjustments over time.
- Support and inform teachers for those with identified SNE challenges.
- Draft transcription schedule for students who may need transcribers for their assessment.
Standards
• Maintain files of students recommended for and receiving academic testing.
• Organize transcription schedule.
• Maintain SNE Progress reports files.
• Determine (with Head Teacher) all Annual targets
Duty #3 (15%): Growth and development
- Adhere to all school policies and seek to live a life that reflects the Amazima’s mission.
- Organize and lead training sessions on key topics such as differentiated instruction, behavior management, and inclusive classroom practices.
- Provide teachers with ongoing resources and tools to enhance their understanding of special education.
- Offer one-on-one coaching for teachers, particularly those working with students with special education needs to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all.
- Attend professional development training sessions with TAS-S faculty.
- Attend one on one sessions with Head Teacher during probationary period or performance Improvement Plan (PIP) period. (this applies to new staff and PIP staff)
- Attend regular faculty meetings.
- Adhere to special needs education profession certification code of conduct, and comply with regulations of the Government of Uganda Ministry of Sports and Education.
- Attend discipleship sessions (staff life Bible studies, faculty devotions, Bible Doctrine).
- Attend external workshops that are recommended by the school administrator.
Standards
- SNE Training reports
- PD sessions attendance list.
- Staff meetings attendance list.
- Discipleship sessions attendance list.
- End of Probation and PIP reports.
Duty #4 (15%): Students welfare and talent naturing
- Monitor SNE student participation/classwork and provide feedback to teachers.
- Work with teachers as they discipline SNE students ( not provoking them to anger, but bringing them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Eph. 6:4).
- Support student engagement in extracurricular activities like games & sports, Music Dance & Drama (Performing Arts).
- Provide guidance and counseling to SNE students and make recommendations to school counsellor.
- Establish rapport with the students.
- Support the process of growing and developing student leaders (Prefects) in school by encouraging SNE learners to apply for student leadership positions.
Standards
- Extra-curricular reports.
- Prefects open air campaigns, elections and swearing in ceremony conducted.
Duty 5 (10%): Information & other Resource Management
- Prepare periodic reports and share them with Head Teacher.
- Draft a plan and budget for SNE activities that require special attention.
- Use JIRA service management system to ask for repairs and new new fixtures in your office.
- Submit requisitions and accountabilities with in set timelines set by finance department.
Standards
• Budget submitted.
• Requisitions and Accountabilities submitted.
• Periodic reports submitted
Duty 6 (5%): Stakeholder Engagement and relationship building
• Communicate with parents, and guardians of SNE students on Academic Day and offer feedback concerning students’ academic progress.
• Conduct one on one meetings with teachers to discuss their experiences, challenges, and needs related to supporting students with special needs.
• Work closely with school counselor to align counselling and Special Needs Education efforts, ensuring a comprehensive approach to student weel-being.
• Engage with other departments under AMI for support services where necessary.
Standards
• Parent – coordinator conferences.
• One on one sessions with teachers conducted.
The job description may be changed by the Head Teacher or Principal to reflect or anticipate changes in the requirements of the position that are commensurate with the job title and subject area.
