Lead Teacher - Special Education 2025-2026

Position Title: Lead Teacher – Special Education Job Status: Full Time Reports To: Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Classification: Teacher on Special Assignment Amount of Travel: 25% - 50% Date Created: March 2025 Level: District Level Position Salary Range: Salary Schedule 2025-2026 Work Schedule: 220 Days POSITION SUMMARY: The function of the Lead Teacher for Special Education is to provide support and services outlined in the standards legally and professionally and support an organizational framework efficiently and appropriately within the special education programs including students with exceptional educational needs. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: The Lead Teacher for Special Education will be responsible for supporting the planning and monitoring of the services in Special Education, 504, and any additional Student Support Services provided by the District. The Lead Teacher will assist with the planning, development, organization, management, implementation of all programs, and compliance with all laws, regulations, and state and district procedures. The responsibilities will include, but are not limited to the following: The Lead Teacher for Special Education will serve as a Building Designee who will serve at each Watson Chapel School District school. The Lead Teacher will assist for the development, placement, implementation and evaluation of programs and services for students with disabilities and shall articulate special education with general education teachers. The Lead Teacher must maintain appropriate levels of confidentiality related to work and information handled by the Office of Special Education. The Lead Teacher will assist in the planning, supporting, developing, and teaching of students who need special services in a program. The Lead Teacher will assist in the coordination of the day-to-day operation of special education programs. The Lead Teacher recommends changes and/or modifications to various special education programs. The Lead Teacher will conduct special education faculty meetings as needed. The Lead Teacher will recommend materials, approaches, and methodology to teachers of students with special education needs. The Lead Teacher will serve as a liaison between special or regular education teachers involved in programming for individual children with disabilities. The Lead Teacher will assess the needs for staff development and provide recommendations to the Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction regarding professional training on specific education topics as needed. The Lead Teacher will assist in record keeping that are required in pupil services/special education programs and will maintain a system of uniform record keeping for various disability areas. The Lead Teacher will assist, if needed, in preparation of all reports concerning pupil services/special education. The Lead Teacher will submit monthly reports concerning pupil services and special education to the Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction. The Lead Teacher will communicate and collaborate with the Executive Director on legal matters, parent/guardian concerns, student issues, and concerns from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. The Lead Teacher will collaborate with the District Testing Coordinator to assess the students with Individual Educational Plans and 504 plans in the appropriate assessment. The Lead Teacher will collaborate with Dyslexia and 504 staff to ensure appropriate services. Other duties as assigned by the Superintendent. COMPETENCIES: Knowledge in systemic organizational thinking, organizational leadership, and change management. Knowledge of current trends and research in eliminating the achievement gap, school and curriculum innovation. Knowledge of current trends and research in data analysis, curriculum design and development, pedagogy, assessment, online instructional design, and professional development delivery models. Comprehensive knowledge of the ethical guidelines applicable to the position as outlined by professional organizations and/or federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations. Knowledge of the Professional Learning Communities Model. Ability to effectively present information to management, public groups, and/or boards. Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and make recommendations for improvements. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS: Master’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in educational administration, supervision, special education, or curriculum and instruction. Three (3) years of successful teaching or related experience required. Experience with educational accountability measures including federal mandates, and state and local assessments, curriculum development, and managing a variety of program and initiatives. Demonstrates strong leadership and management qualities and the ability to set priorities and supervise the work of others. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Knowledge of current trends and research in school leadership, data analysis, professional development delivery models, eliminating academic and behavioral achievement gaps Exceptional writing, editing, and oral communication skills. Ability to work independently, prioritize work, and complete work in a timely and accurate manner. Ability to deal effectively with students, teachers, administrators, support staff, central office staff, parents and the community. Demonstrates strong leadership and management qualities and the ability to set priorities and supervise the work of others. COMPUTER SKILLS: Experience with Google Operations System, Windows Server OS (Ex.2003, 2008, 2012, 2016), LICENSES/ CERTIFICATIONS: An Arkansas professional teaching license is required, in Special Education. Possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license and have daily access to a car. PROBLEM SOLVING and SYSTEM THINKING: Understands how various systems and departments interact to achieve district goals. Makes decisions using data and technology. Identifies and prioritizes mission-critical issues with alignment of people, time and resources. Offer innovative solutions to seemingly intractable challenges. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical Demands: Lift/ Carry , Stand C (Constantly) 10 lbs. or less F (Frequently) Walk C (Constantly) 11-20 lbs. F (Frequently) Sit O (Occasionally) 21-50 lbs. O (Occasionally) Handling/ Fingering C (Constantly) 51-100 lbs. O (Occasionally) Reach Outward C (Constantly) Over 100 lbs. O (Not Applicable) Reach Above Shoulder F (Frequently) Climb O (Occasionally) Push/ Pull Crawl O (Occasionally) Squat or Kneel F (Frequently) 12 lbs. or less F (Frequently) Bend F (Frequently) 13-25 lbs. F (Frequently) 26-40 lbs. O (Occasionally) 41-100 lbs. O (Occasionally)