TITLE: Special Education Liaison
REPORTS TO: Principal or Designated Administrator
JOB SUMMARY:
Special Education Liaisons are case managers who provide qualified students, with varying disabilities, with the proper support necessary to help them achieve their individual and academic potential. The services provided are in accordance with the Individualized Educational Program (IEP), and when appropriate follow the general education curriculum. Special accommodation is typically implemented in addition to those already in place and being utilized by the classroom teacher. At times, the general education teacher and special education liaison may need to modify the general education curriculum to best meet diverse learning needs.
Special education teachers manage all aspects of a student's case. The responsibilities include and are not limited to:
•Sending team meeting invitations
•Chairing team meetings
•Taking team meeting notes
•Consulting with teachers and other therapists
•Providing parents with the relevant information
•Creating open lines of communication
•Tracking and reporting student progress
•Keeping to Massachusetts Department of Education timelines and regulations
•Following up on any correspondences
•Helping to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and implement amendments when necessary.
•Helping to provide the appropriate service delivery method.
•Coordinating and facilitating the entire IEP process
Special education teachers can work in a variety of settings depending on the IEP and the needs of each student. Some work within the general education classroom and provide the classroom teacher with support in teaching lessons. Some work within their own classroom settings and deliver specialized instruction to the students. And others co-teach with the general education teacher and collectively design lesson plans to teach in classrooms composed of both general and special education students.
The IEP contains specific and individualized goals for each student which is created around their personal learning styles and ability, and is in accordance with the Massachusetts State Frameworks. Special education teachers design and teach appropriate curricula, assign work geared toward each student's ability, help general educators adapt curriculum materials and teaching techniques to best meet the needs of students with disabilities. They coordinate the work of teachers, teacher assistants, and related personnel, such as therapists and social workers, to meet the requirements of inclusive special education programs. Special education teachers use various teaching techniques to promote learning, such as individualized instruction, systematic and multisensory approaches, problem-solving activities, and provide small-group work.
Annually, the special education liaisons and classroom teachers meet to review the IEP with the student's parents and school administrators. Students on IEPs are closely monitored and parents are informed of their child's progress on a consistent basis, as determined by the Department of Education. Suggestions and techniques to promote learning at home are also discussed. If needed, or requested by the parent or general education teacher, special education liaisons attend general education parent teacher conferences twice a year.
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