Special Services Middle School Department Chair/Instructional Mentor (Gentry Middle School) 2025-26

(Using a computer is suggested to complete application. Phones are not always compatible.)

POSITION PROPERTIES 

PURPOSE

This position will serve as the liaison between the special education and curriculum and instruction departments at the district and building level. Additionally, this person will be responsible for the coordination, articulation and implementation of effective compliance, curriculum and instructional strategies for special educators at their building. They will work collaboratively with their administrators, curriculum coordinators, district-level support coordinators and other district instructional mentors to support quality, effective special education service delivery by providing professional development, resources, and support.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Collaborates with coordinators, mentors, and teachers on program design and student achievement.
• Support and engage in district-level initiatives as it pertains to curriculum and instruction.
• Organizes and facilitates district-level collaboration and professional development.
• Plan and provide professional development around compliance, curriculum design and implementation, and effective instructional supports at the building level.
• Provides ongoing mentorship to teachers to aid in the implementation of evidence-based practices to achieve positive student outcomes.
• Meets on a regular basis with the building leadership to support the school improvement goals and problem-solving process.
• Monitors the development and implementation of IEPs for students with disabilities.
• Supports the building to ensure compliance with statutes, rules and regulations relating to IDEA.
• Assist with student-level analysis of appropriate goals, services, and instructional practices relative to the student’s skill deficits identified through the evaluation.
• Assists with the scheduling of courses and classes for students on IEPs.
• Monitors schedules and conducts all aspects of state and district assessments in the building’s special education department.
• Project, manage, and monitor curricular inventory for the building.
• Assists the principal in the selection, support, and evaluation of special education personnel.
• Adhere to and understand Board policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Performs other duties as necessary to support the mission and vision of Columbia Public School District.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports To:  Assistant Director of Special Services and the Building Administrator

Supervises: None

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum:  Missouri teaching certificate in special education; 5 years of special education classroom experience

Preferred:  Knowledge of State Standards, strong knowledge of IDEA compliance and evidence-based academic interventions  

DISTRICT EXPECTATIONS

All employees of the District are expected to adhere to the policies and regulations of the Board of Education, maintain appropriate certification and competencies necessary for the position, and demonstrate the values of the district at all times. For information on polices, regulations and values, visit http://www.cpsk12.org.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

ADA REQUIREMENTS 

Language: Read and interpret documents such as instructions and procedure manuals; Write reports and correspondence; Answer telephone calls and direct callers to appropriate personnel; Demonstrate strong listening skills; Demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills; Present information to teachers, staff, other administrators, families, and the Board of Education; Keep information confidential when required by law, policy, or the nature of a situation. These are essential functions of the job.

Reasoning: Interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form; Solve problems when such problems have a variety of concrete variables. Manage multiple tasks simultaneously. These are essential functions of the job.

Technology: Demonstrate strong computer skills including word processing, and working with spreadsheets and databases; understand and submit online reports; Learn new systems and software.  These are essential functions of the job.

Other Skills: Demonstrate interpersonal skills and ability to work closely with a variety of staff members; Safeguard confidential information. Be a self-starter and work independently. These are essential functions of the job.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this position, an employee is regularly required to move about, talk, and hear; Close vision ability to look at a computer screen for long periods of time is required.  These are essential functions of the job.

Attendance: Consistent and regular attendance is an essential function of this position.

Conditions and Environment: The work environment is consistent with a typical office environment; at times, many staff members may be present and speaking simultaneously. These are essential functions of the job.

Prospective and current employees with disabilities are encouraged to contact human resources to discuss reasonable accommodations to perform the essential job functions. 

Equal Opportunity Employer