About this role
Employer: The Arts & College Preparatory Academy (ACPA) (Columbus, OH)
Employment Type: Full-Time, 12-Month Contract
Reports To: Director of Student Services / Principal
Job Summary
The Arts & College Preparatory Academy (ACPA) is an arts-focused, independent public charter school in Columbus, Ohio, serving a diverse student population in grades 7 through 12. This unique 12-month hybrid position balances student-facing instructional support with critical administrative leadership. For the 9 months of the academic school year, the individual serves primarily as an Intervention Specialist, delivering specialized instruction, scaffolding academic and emotional growth, and managing a 7–12 grade caseload. During the summer months, the role transitions into the Special Education Coordinator, taking ownership of department-wide compliance audits, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) data prep, and
Extended School Year (ESY) management. Throughout the year, the individual may be the
District Representative for ETR & IEP meetings.
Phase 1: Academic Year – Intervention Specialist (Grades 7–12)
During the standard school year, the focus is on direct student support within ACPA's inclusive, creative, and safe learning environment.
? Instructional Support & Differentiation: Modify, scaffold, and deliver core middle and high school curriculum lessons to meet the diverse needs of students with mild-to-moderate disabilities.
? IEP Case Management: Write, update, and manage Individualized Education Programs
(IEPs) in total compliance with state and federal regulations. Convene and lead annual
IEP team meetings with families, specialists, and administrators.
? Collaborative Co-Teaching: Collaborate closely with ACPA's classroom teachers, counseling team, and arts faculty to ensure accommodations and modifications are seamlessly integrated into both academic and arts classes.
? Transition Planning: Work with high school students (grades 9–12) to formulate measurable post-secondary goals and comprehensive transition plans that align with
Ohio's graduation pathways and graduation seals.
Phase 2: Summer Months – Special Education Coordinator
During the summer term, the focus shifts to systemic administrative oversight, strategic department preparation, and compliance auditing.
? State Compliance Audits: Conduct comprehensive year-end file audits of all student records and IEPs to ensure absolute alignment with state Operating Standards and
IDEA regulations before autumn EMIS reporting deadlines.
? ESY Program Oversight: Coordinate and supervise ACPA's Extended School Year
(ESY) services, which includes managing staff, tracking student progress data, and coordinating logistical details.
? Roster Balancing & Resource Allocation: Balance caseload assignments for the incoming school year, audit incoming student records from transferring districts, and procure adaptive curriculum software, testing materials, or assistive technology.
? Staff Onboarding & Training: Develop compliance manuals and onboarding guides for new special education faculty, leading professional development sessions during August pre-service weeks.
Compensation & 12-Month Structure
? Salary Range: Anticipated salary ranges between $60,000 – $80,000 per year, fully annualized across a 12-month pay structure.
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Benefits
Includes comprehensive healthcare options, retirement contributions through the Ohio State Teachers Retirement System (STRS), and paid time off distributed through scheduled school calendar breaks.
Position Requirements & Qualifications
? Education: Bachelor's Degree in Special Education required (Master's Degree in
Educational Leadership or Special Education Administration is a plus).
? Licensure: Must hold a valid, current Ohio Resident Educator or Professional Educator
License as an Intervention Specialist (Mild/Moderate, Grades 7–12).
? Experience: Minimum of 3 years of successful classroom experience as an Intervention
Specialist at the secondary level. Prior experience with Ohio compliance software, IEP tracking platforms, or coordination roles is strongly preferred.
? Cultural Alignment: Strong commitment to working within a highly diverse, collaborative, and student-centered environment that champions creative expression and social-emotional growth.