EC Instructional Specialist (Elementary)

Chapel Hill- Carrboro City Schools

Job Description

Job Title: Instructional Specialist - Exceptional Children

Salary Schedule: State Salary Schedule; CHCCS Salary Page

Reports To: Director of Instructional Services for EC

Salary Grade:  Certified Teacher with Supplement

Work Location: Lincoln Center

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Schedule: 12 Month

Position Summary

The function of this position is to provide training, professional development, coaching, and general supervision for teachers and staff at all grade span levels to ensure the implementation of data-based individualized education program (IEP) goals and objectives through the implementation of high-leverage strategies and best practices in teaching students with a wide range of disabilities.  The EC Instructional Specialist supports the teaching staff in identifying and designing specially designed instruction, including supports and curricula that implement the Individual Educational Plan for students with disabilities and close achievement gaps through rigorous grade-level work and individualized specially designed instruction. They assist school administrators in verifying that staff members are appropriately implementing the IEP as written for students with disabilities across the continuum of educational placements, including instruction in the general education classroom. The incumbent will provide administrators and teachers data-driven feedback on individual, schoolwide, and system-wide intervention implementation. The EC Instructional Specialist also oversees the successful implementation of IEP services for students who transfer into the district over the summer and coordinate summer ESY and compensatory services.

Essential Duties

• Understand and align instruction and coaching with district program goals, design, and expected outcomes

• Coach and assist teachers with reflective dialog, curriculum development, classroom management, instructional strategies, assessment of student performance

• Collaborate with District Instructional Services in providing professional development in specially designed instruction and classroom management

• Take a leadership role in delivering or facilitating professional development on high-leverage practices, co-teaching, and inclusive practices for school staff

• Develop effective scheduling plans to visit and support each teacher during the year

• Provide regular, on-site classroom-based coaching support to each teacher following a coaching cycle, including model and demonstration, lessons, and co-teaching to include planning and assessing

• Facilitate PLCs and provide opportunities for peer reflection, collaboration, and coaching about student access to and progress in  the general curriculum and IEP goal progress

• Maintain current and professional expertise in special education, individualized educational program implementation,

• Attend and facilitate meetings (e.g., Individual Educational Programs, Program Planning Meetings, etc.) as needed

• Provide feedback on exceptional children instructional program effectiveness to school and district leaders

• Prepare reports, and maintain program files and record-keeping systems for accountability

• Collaborate with compliance specialist to complete the summer checklist activities to prepare student records for the school year

• Develop collaborative partnerships at the school and district levels to close the achievement gap and maximize learning for students with a variety of disabilities. 

• Performs other related duties as assigned

• Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures 

Education/Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in special education or related services with 5-7 years of effective special education teaching experience, preferably in general curricula programs or an administrative capacity, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities required

• Master's degree in special education administration, psychology, or a related service preferred                                    Expertise and experience in teaching and coaching adult learners preferred

• Possess a comprehensive understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the North Carolina Policies Governing Services for Children with Disabilities.

• Exceptional Children Teaching License (K12): General Curriculum, Specific Learning Disabled or Cross Categorical (mildly/moderately disabled) or equivalent or a related service license required

• Reading Research to Classroom Practice, Foundations of Math, or Direct Instruction programs Trainer Certification preferred

• Ability to apply critical thinking skills in rendering solutions to various issues

• Ability to plan and implement short and long-range goals and objectives

• Experience with providing instruction for students with disabilities. 

• Assist with collecting and analyzing data needed for planning, reporting, and decision making                                                                                                                                                                    

• Conduct comprehensive evaluations of individuals with exceptionalities and translate data for programmatic purposes 

• Evaluate and adjust intervention plans based on data 

• Document and interpret program evaluation data and make recommendations

• Domain-specific knowledge of academic content and associated pedagogical practices 

• Differentiated instructional practices that promote and enhance the learning of all individuals 

• Culturally responsive content and pedagogical practice

• Evidence of problem-solving and scheduling skills needed to achieve State Accountability System

• Knowledge of coaching models and resources focused on support of specially designed and standards-based instruction

• Skills in effective oral and written communication

• Ability to impart knowledge and understanding about effective teaching practices to others

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Ability to express ideas and concepts clearly and concisely in oral and written form

• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and professional working relationships with individuals, groups and public and private agency personnel.

• Knowledgeable of the North Carolina Content Standards and K-12 Frameworks

• Ability to use principals, practices, methods, and strategies applicable to instruction, general curriculum, adult learning, and learning activities to plan and deliver effective professional develop

• Knowledge of best practices in students with disabilities, assessment practices, instructional strategies, IEP development, progress monitoring, and state requirements for special education teachers

• Knowledge of effective teaching, mentoring, coaching, and learning-focused supervision strategies

• Knowledge of diverse learning styles and cultural influences on learning

• Knowledge of federal and state laws, codes, regulations, and state policies related to services for children with disabilities

• Ability to utilize reflective coaching in content and pedagogy

• Ability to plan, organize and conduct coaching activities

• Ability to maintain and improve professional skills and knowledge

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards

• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards

Disclosure

This document provides descriptive information about the above Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School position. Work actually performed by incumbents in this position may vary.  Although this document may be used for recruiting, staffing, or career planning, the information contained herein should only be used as a guideline or recommendation for the content of and qualifications for this position. An individual’s ability to meet the qualifications and capabilities described in this document is not a guarantee of employment or promotion.  Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School reserves the right to make changes to this document as deemed necessary without providing advance written notice.

Approved By: _____________________                                           Date Created/Revised: 1/9/2024