Specialist - Special Education

Days per Year: 198

Min: $62,677

Mid: $75,513

JOB TITLE: Specialist - Special Education

REPORTS TO: Campus Coordinator

WAGE: Exempt

PAY GRADE: AI 2

PRIMARY PURPOSE: 

The Specialist - Special Services under the direction of the Campus Coordinator primary purpose is to provide professional development to classroom teachers to meet the behavioral and academic needs of students receiving special education services. The Instructional Specialist provides both job-embedded professional development at the campus level and district level training through workshops with the purpose of building teacher capacity and efficiency. 

All employees of Spring ISD are expected to act with integrity, support organizational goals, demonstrate the ability to inspire, grow and motivate others, utilize feedback, drive for results and commit to championing the needs of the students, employees and overall district. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in education or related field from an accredited college or university.  
• Three years of experience as a special education teacher and/or in a campus special education role

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Education and/or related field (preferred)
• Valid driver’s license with good driving record and available transportation to travel to within Spring ISD sites.
• Evidence of previous success in improving outcomes for students in special education

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS: 

• Extensive knowledge of best practices and research-based programs for students receiving special education, specifically for students Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emotional Disabilities, Behavior Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, and Low Incidence populations)
• Extensive knowledge of effective instructional programs, teaching strategies, resources, practices and classroom environments
• Skill in successfully coaching and training teachers and staff on critical attributes of instruction, student engagement with diverse populations and evaluating instructional programs and teaching effectiveness.
• Skill in technology, assistive technology areas and Google Suite, MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) programs
• Ability to model best practices in general education and special education
• classrooms and organize, manage multiple complex tasks simultaneously and independently to meet deadlines
• Maintain confidential information, display attention to detail, speed, accuracy, follow-through, courtesy, cooperativeness and work with minimal supervision.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Professional Development:

• Support teachers with the implementation of instructional strategies and model teaching strategies (behavior and academic) through lessons and provide pre-conferences and debriefing with teachers and administrators. 
• Provide coaching and support for classroom teachers on IEP implementation.
• Develop, coordinate and/or deliver training as needed by campus administration and the district.
• Conduct assessments for in-home parent training and functional behavioral assessments (FBAs) as determined by ARD/IEP committee meeting

Instructional & Program Management

• Provide technical assistance to students of all disability levels (including Low Incidence), campus personnel including teachers, administrators and support personnel
• Participate in campus staffings and ARD/IEP committee meetings, as needed
• Implement procedures to guide campuses in accessing resources and support for special education
• Facilitate the successful transition of students between campuses and/or instructional environments per IEPs
• Assist the Special Education Coordinators to develop and implement ESY/Summer programming and services
• Create and monitor the implementation of action plans and instructional feedback based on data to meet the needs of students

Compliance and Accountability

• Prepare for and participate in mediation hearings as needed
• Monitor compliance with district policy and procedure for assigned special education programs

 Compliance and Accountability

• Monitor compliance with district policy and procedure for assigned special education programs

Public Outreach and Support

• Be highly visible, approachable, and accessible to students, staff, parents and community
• Participate in community events and activities as needed and provide support to  questions and concerns from parents/community regarding special education.
• Pursue opportunities for continued professional growth in the area of special education programs specific to Curriculum & State Assessment
• Plan, present and facilitate parent education workshops and/or in home parent training

Conflict Resolution and Crisis Management

•  Manage and provide support and service to parents, community members, district and campus staff members, and students in problem resolution
•  Respond to campus crisis events involving physically aggressive/significantly disruptive students.

Fiscal Management

• Utilize best practices and good stewardship of available funds

Technology

• Participate in Technology/Computer Applications related training

Communication:

• Promote communication with parents and others in the community concerning the mission of the district and the accompanying products and services.
• Provide for two-way communication with principals, teachers, staff, parents, and community.
• Demonstrate skill in conflict resolution with administrators, parents, teachers, staff, co-workers and community.

School/Organizational Climate:

• Maintain a positive and effective relationship with all stakeholders.

Policy, Reports, and Law:

• Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, Board of Education rules and local board policy and regulations.
• Compile, maintain and file all reports and other documents as required.

Other:

• Maintain confidentiality of privileged and sensitive information when received and distributed to appropriate designees as approved by the Executive Director of Special Services.
• Attend professional growth activities to maintain awareness of current research and issues in assistive technology. 
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom or adaptive equipment. May be required to lift and position students with physical disabilities; control behavior through physical restraint; and assist non-ambulatory students. Must be able to lift at least 50lbs.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required. 

Salary : $62,677 - $75,513