What are the responsibilities and job description for the Learning Specialist position at Ferris Independent School District?
Position Type :
Student & Special Services / SPED Teacher
Date Posted : 3 / 5 / 2025
Location :
Ferris Administration Building
Date Available : 07 / 15 / 2025
Closing Date :
06 / 20 / 2025 Ferris ISD Job Descriptions HR Dept.
Job Title : Learning Specialist (SpEd) Exemption Status / Test : Exempt / Administrator
in an Educational Establishment
Reports to : Director of Special Populations Date Revised : 4-12-22
Dept. / School : SpEd
Primary Purpose :
- To improve the quality of service and instruction for Special Education students by providing support and guidance to district teachers and administration.
- Work directly with teachers to plan lessons, create assessments, and provide instructional coaching.
- Provide leadership and support IEP implementation.
- Develop and train instructional staff to effectively incorporate the use of technology into instructional programs and curriculum.
- Positively impact student achievement through support, training, coaching, and mentoring.
- Provide teachers with support on utilizing effective instructional accommodations in the classroom.
- Oversee the implementation of IEP softwares for all stakeholders.
- Knowledge of curriculum design and
- Support the transition of students from ECI to school-based services and from high school to 18 programs
Qualifications :
Education / Certification :
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree from accredited university (preferred)
Valid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsements for subject assigned (SpEd)
Special Knowledge / Skills :
Ability to interpret data and evaluate instruction programs and teaching effectiveness
Ability to develop and deliver training to adult learners
Knowledge of instructional software applications
Knowledge of curriculum and technology used in instructional setting
Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Knowledge of curriculum design and implementation
Respected by peers
Contributes to a positive culture of high expectations and increased rigor
Desires to be part of a team and builds trusting relationships
Passionate about ongoing development and learning
Skilled in instructional planning
Communicates effectively
Experience :
3-5 years teaching experience in subject area / grade level assigned
3 years as a master or mentor teacher (preferred)
Ferris ISD Job Descriptions HR Dept.
Major Responsibilities and Duties :
1. Approximately 80% of the work week will be campus-based documented activities and support (facilitating IEP implementation, supporting classroom instruction needs, sharing successful programs and practices, providing feedback to teachers and principals, and supporting PLCs). Approximately 20% of the role will involve administrative tasks, including platform support, IEP reviews, and related office duties.
2. Assist with designing effective and engaging instruction for students with disabilities.
3. Model effective and engaging instruction.
4. Act as the transition contact person for administrators, teachers, parents and community partners
Training
1. Design, develop, and present effective campus- and district-level staff development on the use of technology-based instructional strategies in the classroom. Assess participant acquisition of skills using a variety of evaluation procedures and conduct follow-up training based on results.
2. Design individual instructional modules, instructional materials, and training aides that incorporate the use of technology into the existing curriculum.
3. Work with district technology staff and outside vendors to ensure that teachers and administrators have the support, equipment, and materials needed to implement technology-based instruction.
4. Monitor and evaluate implementation of technology-based curriculum at the campus level.
5. Provide training and technical assistance to teachers and other staff to assist them in planning for and delivering effective transition services.
Instructional and Program Management
1. Work cooperatively with directors and campus principals in developing and supervising the instructional programs in assigned area.
2. Support teachers with all platforms. (Frontline, ULS, Goalbook, etc)
3. Oversee testing programs for the assigned subject area.
4. Coordinate the ordering and use of departmental instructional aids and materials for assigned subject area.
5. Evaluate the curriculum and instruction program effectiveness for the assigned area based on evaluative findings (including student achievement data) and recommend changes as needed.
6. Maintain a resource library of publications, supplementary materials, and supplies relevant to the assigned area.
7. Ensure teachers / administrators are provided Individual Education Plans and appropriate paperwork within the first week of school.
Ferris ISD Job Descriptions HR Dept.
8. Conduct learning walks and classroom observations focused on student success. Provide supportive feedback to the teachers.
9. Report back to the Principals and the Special Education Director with regular updates on staff and programs.
10. Recommend and monitor instructional practices pertaining to students with disabilities.
11. Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop Individualized Educational Plans (IEP) through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
12. Coordinate activities / documentation for transition with outside agencies (TWC, Quest, area colleges)
13. Work closely with community businesses / local colleges to help procure employment / continuing education for students enrolled in special education.
Staff Development
1. Plan and provide staff development for teachers, administrators, and staff in designated subject area.
2. Disseminate information regarding current research and significant developments on the state and national levels in area assigned.
3. Observe classroom instruction and provide feedback and assistance to classroom teachers to facilitate improvement and innovation. Demonstrate teaching strategies with students in classroom.
4. Provide ongoing professional development and support for the integration of strategies and methodologies for meeting the needs of students with disabilities in all areas.
Budget and Inventory
None.
Other
1. Convey information to parent and community members about school programs.
2. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.
3. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.
Supervisory Responsibilities :
None.
Mental Demands / Physical Demands / Environmental Factors :
Tools / Equipment Used : Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals; standard
instructional equipment
Posture : Prolonged sitting; occasional bending / stooping, pushing / pulling, and twisting
Ferris ISD Job Descriptions HR Dept.
Motion : Repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching
Lifting : Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)
Environment : Frequent district wide travel; occasional statewide travel
Mental Demands : Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress