Reports to: Inclusive Education Executive Director and Assistant Directors

Unit Classification: KEA

Work Period: 9 Months

GRADE LEVEL/SUBJECT:   PreK – 12/Special Education

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The purpose of this position is to provide support for increasing teacher capacity and to assist schools in closing the achievement gap for special education students by implementing research-based instructional practices grounded in student achievement data.   This specialist will also provide guidance and direction in the collection, analysis and planning of instruction for students receiving special education based on student achievement data as well as assist in the development of the School Improvement Plan and in implementing curriculum and instruction programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed while in other cases other duties may also be assigned.

1. Consult, support and model effective academic, behavioral, adaptive and social instructional practices to struggling learners receiving special education instruction.
2. Develop curriculum and provide technical assistance on special education program standards and requirements.
3. Assist in collecting and analyzing student and building level data and utilize the data for instructional decision-making.
4. Serve as part of the District Support Teams throughout the district in conjunction with building administrators to implement comprehensive and powerful instructional programs and monitor results for struggling learners receiving special education instruction.
5. Plan, coordinate, and provide professional development training and technical assistance for certificated and classified staff and parents in a variety of special education topics, research-based methodologies for systematic, differentiated instruction (curriculum, assessment, instructional data collection, analysis, and decision-making), behavioral interventions and teaming.
6. Attend professional development activities and participate on assigned committees as appropriate to the position.
7. Collaborate with Individual Education Program (IEP) teams to ensure special education services are aligned with legally required procedures to provide students a free and appropriate education and to increase student achievement and independence.
8. Assist the Inclusive Education department in all activities to support students and building teams who work with students with disabilities.

OTHER JOB DUTIES:

1. Serve as member of the Inclusive Education team of the district; performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position as assigned.
2. Coordinate special programs as needed and work collaboratively with the instructional and student services departments to ensure a comprehensive and coherent continuum of services for students.
3. Serve as a program spokesperson to staff, parents, and community members; serve as liaison among parents, teachers, patrons, students, and district administration as needed.
4. Serve on a variety of committees and work on special projects.
5. Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:  

Must demonstrate a successful level of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:

1. Knowledge of effective researched-based strategies and instructional programs for students with special education needs.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state laws governing Special Education, Common Core State Standards and assessments, individualized data analysis and progress monitoring related to IEP goals, and significant experience with the special education eligibility and IEP process.
3. Knowledge of district goals and initiatives, including Professional Learning Communities, tiered intervention, and assessment best practices and requirements.
4. Knowledge of and ability to use computer software, IEP Online and technology resources related to word and data processing, telecommunication, the internet, and integration of technology in the classroom.
5. Successful completion of specialized trainings in a variety of areas of special education compliance.
6. Demonstrated ability to develop accommodations and modifications for student success in a variety of learning environments to help students achieve mastery of state standards.
7. Demonstrated ability to plan and present professional development for teachers and other staff.
8. Demonstrated ability to successfully implement and support intervention models and adult education.
9. Demonstrated ability or experience using current research-validated literacy, numeracy, curricula and materials (basic and supplementary).
10. Proven ability to collaborate with, mentor, and/or coach others who use varied learning/teaching styles.
11. Ability to be flexible, develop favorable relationships, and work collaboratively with co-workers, administrators, parents, students and the community.
12. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to manage ideas, time and materials to accomplish goals and monitor multiple projects at a time.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Master's degree and completion of an accredited certificated training program as determined by the Washington State Department of Education; minimum of five years of successful certificated teaching experience (three of which afforded the incumbent successful educational experience working with special education needs students), or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that would provide the applicant with the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the work and to meet certification requirements.

Successful classroom experience is preferred.

LICENSING & CERTIFICATION:

Valid Washington State Teaching or ESA Certificate and endorsement(s) in Special Education

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

The incumbent in this position collaborates with and supports central office administrators, principals and staff in the oversight of Special Education program compliance, program development and the selection of appropriate supplies, materials, equipment, hardware, and software to support the program. Working with administrators, principals, department chairpersons, and staff is also required in the implementation of curriculum programs and instructional strategies. This specialist may also interact with parents, patrons, staff, and students through service on various committees to receive recommendations for the development and revision of related programs.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The daily activities are performed in an office or school setting with visits to schools and classrooms. The work may require moving, lifting, and storing of materials and equipment. Frequent interruptions occur; visual and mental concentration on details and precision is required. Frequent early morning and late afternoon/evening meetings occur.

EVALUATION:

Evaluation responsibilities are assigned to the Inclusive Education Executive Director and/or Assistant Directors.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.