ESE SPECIALIST

Overview: Under the direction of the Assistant Principal, the ESE Teacher is responsible for planning coordinating, and implementing a comprehensive ESE program, training and coaching staff in using effective, research-based methodologies leading to the development and the academic success of ESEs participating in problem-solving programmatic determinations. Identifying staff developmental needs of the school providing staff development and follow-up coaching related to ESE proficiency development as part of the problem-solving process, and expanding relationships with school and community groups to help ESEs reach their highest potential.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Administrative
• Overseeing/managing a caseload of special education students and implementing their IEP/504/Gifted plans in inclusive and pull-out sessions.
• Overseeing special education inventory of equipment/materials
• Coordinating with the student’s special education team to ensure all documents are completed on time (according to state, local, and school policies and procedures) before the MDT meeting.
• Identifying and developing appropriate curriculum and school-based assessments to support the academic growth of students with IEPs/504 plans.
• Ensuring that services provided by contractual personnel are of high quality, provided in the

LRE, and are aligned with students’ IEPs/504 plans. Ensuring IEPs are developmentally appropriate, curriculum/standards-based, strength-based, and relevant to individual students

• Professional Development
• Provide professional development sessions for all faculty.
• Providing training and technical assistance to case managers, teachers, related service providers, and support service professionals on all aspects of case management: use of computer systems for the special education process, writing of goal writing, progress reports, annual reviews and parent communication.
• Maintaining a high level of knowledge regarding developing special education issues such as changes in federal and local special education policy
• District Compliance
• The ESE Staffing Coordinator is responsible for scheduling and conducting a change of placements, eligibility staffings, and Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings.
• Assisting with the District, State, and Federal record reviews
• Monitoring the District's compliance with rules and regulations.
• Maintaining student files (paper and electronic) according to school and state standards. Working to maintain school and LEA tracking and data system that includes student information related to IEPs, services, service hours, evaluations, MDT referrals, timelines in which evaluations were completed and discipline incidents documented
• Serves as LEA representative for IEP meetings; has a working knowledge of the policies and procedures for the Provision of Specially Designed Instruction and Related Services for Exceptional Students (SP&P) and School Board Policy
• Satisfies all LEA and IDEA requirements, ensuring legally compliant eligibility by conducting proper IEP meetings (includes being aware of LEA Standards and Benchmarks; being familiar with ESE Quality “Look Fors” to ensure a successful and compliant IEP meeting)
• Student/Parent Service
• Interpreting programs and placements to parents.
• Effectively communicating to parents and guardians the special education process, including referrals, evaluations, annual IEPs/504 plans, re-evaluations, and parental rights granted by IDEA.
• Coordinating with the special education team to complete quarterly IEP progress reports and provide quarterly IEP progress reports to parents/guardians.
• Facilitating workshops/meetings for parents, as well as identifying resources for parents of students with special needs (monthly videos)
• As appropriate, connecting with students’ outside providers, pediatricians, and therapists to support student’s needs in the classroom.
• All other duties as assigned by the Principal.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Follows and maintains knowledge of all District policies and procedures related to activities.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm and commitment towards the job and the school's mission.
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills including oral presentations, written skills, active listening skills, and ability to negotiate and influence.
• Establishes excellent interpersonal skills between all constituents: being courteous, professional, and helpful; demonstrates high interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects.
• Ability to be at work consistently, arrive on time, follow instructions, respond to management direction, and solicit feedback to improve performance.
• Problem analysis and problem resolution at both a strategic and functional level.
• Seeks ways to improve and promote quality and demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness. Strives to research, evaluate, and implement best practices.
• Strong customer orientation.
• Strong track record for analyzing complex problems/issues, identifying patterns, and recommending creative solutions.
• Proactive and takes initiative. Thinks creatively. Drives project to completion. Insists on the highest level of quality.
• Establishes and maintains professional and cooperative working relationships with all stakeholders: parents, students, staff, neighbors, and partners.