Special Education Specialist

Primary Purpose:

Facilitate and manage district Special Education programs to meet the needs of students. Serve as the leader in the development and improvement of programs provided a variety of settings. Collaborate with district staff and outside personnel to formulate, develop, implement, and evaluate research-based interventions in Special Education. 

Education / Certification:

1. Valid Special Education Teaching Certificate required.
2. Master’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred.

Special Knowledge / Skills:

1. Knowledge of curriculum and instruction.
2. Knowledge of special education programs, regulations, and specific areas of disability.
3. Knowledge/familiarization of Assistive Technology devices, services, regulations and procedures relating to IDEA/Federal/State mandates.
4. Ability to interpret individual assessment data (FIE) with regards to program planning and implementation.
5. Ability to evaluate program effectiveness, and program compliance.
6. Ability to interpret policy, procedures, and data.
7. Strong organizational, communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills.
8. Ability to establish and maintain relationships with CISD, other districts, state and federal agency personnel who are involved with the research, administration, and coordination of Special Education programs.

Experience / Other Requirements:

1. Minimum of three years teaching in a Special Education classroom.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Program Management

1. Provides continuous and systematic procedures for professional growth for classroom teachers through workshops and demonstrations pertinent to methods and materials that will ensure success for students.
2. Consults frequently with classroom teachers on matters relating to instruction.
3. Recommends adoption and use of varied instructional materials.
4. Assists building principals and other administrators and/or supervisors in implementing the Special Education program.
5. Assists in the development and evaluation of ongoing programs and makes recommendations for changes.
6. Assists teachers in developing systems of support for Students with Disabilities.
7. Works with campus support staff and administrators to facilitate the coordination of programs for students with disabilities.
8. Attends appropriate professional meetings and workshops to maintain proficiency and acquire new ideas for improvement. Informs administration of the effects of current and impending legislation.

Policy, Reports, and Law

1. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, Commissioner’s Rules, and local board policy.
2. Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.
3. Responsible for properly maintaining district records, adhering to all policies set forth by the district for records maintenance, and learning the records retention schedule for department records.
4. Orients beginning teachers and paraprofessionals as to the philosophy, procedures, and materials for the special education/student program.
5. Compiles, maintains, and files all reports, records, and other documents required.
6. Assists administration in the resolution of parent concerns and complaints with regards to Special Education programming.
7. Demonstrates awareness of district-community needs and initiates activities to meet needs.
8. Performs additional tasks and duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.