Special Education Consultant (2026-2027)

Green Hills AEA is recruiting for an anticipated Special Education Consultant for the 2026-2027 year. This position is a full time position for a 190 day contract.

Applicant must be eligible for Iowa licensing through the Board of Educational Examiners. 

Green Hills AEA employs employees across the southwest region of the state, serving all public and non-public schools in our service area.

Starting salary will be between $55,924 - 86,358 and increased for each year of experience in an educational setting for all others, for a 190 day contract. Additional paid professional development days are available. We offer a competitive starting wage and excellent benefits, including IPERS. Green Hills pays 100% of employee single coverage for medical, dental and vision. We also offer family insurance at a great rate. See our website for additional information about Green Hills AEA, www.ghaea.org.

The Special Education Consultant, in partnership with educators, families and communities, integrates consultative, coaching, and collaborative services within educational systems. Special education consultants are instructional specialists who provide ongoing support to district special education and general education teachers delivering services to students with disabilities. The consultant participates in the identification process and program planning of eligible students as well as working to attain the least restrictive environment appropriate for each eligible individual. 

Working within the agency's educational framework, the consultant fosters positive learning environments, ensures compliance with state and federal guidelines, and enhances the overall success of learners B-21.

Qualifications

1. Education: 
• Master’s degree in special education or education with at least 30 graduate hours in special education.
2. Licensure:
• Iowa Bureau of Educational Examiners license with a Special Education Consultant endorsement.
3. Experience:
• Minimum of four years of successful teaching experience, with at least two years in special education.

Essential Functions 

• Consultation, Collaboration, and Coaching

• Act as a liaison among the agency, local schools, families, and community organizations to support learners’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional development.
• Collaborate, consult, and coach educators in Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) within a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS).
• Provide consultation and coaching to general and special education teachers on instructional strategies and behavior management.

• Assessment and Intervention

• Facilitate the implementation of the Child Find and reevaluation processes, including evaluations to determine eligibility for special education services.
• Assist in developing and implementing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) aligned with state and federal requirements.
• Provide individual and group interventions as specified in Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

• Instructional Support  

• Support teachers in adapting curriculum and instructional methods to meet the needs of learners with disabilities.
• Model and coach evidence-based instructional strategies, including co-teaching and differentiated instruction.
• Assist schools in using data to make informed decisions about instructional practices.

• Compliance and Documentation

• Maintain documentation of activities and ensure confidentiality in accordance with FERPA and HIPAA regulations.
• Ensure adherence to IDEA regulations, state policies, and agency procedures.
• Provide professional development and training to educators, staff, and families to enhance the implementation of effective educational practices.

• Professional Development

• Participate in internal and external (as directed) professional learning activities to stay current with trends and evidence-based practices 

Additional Responsibilities

• Advocate for learners with disabilities and promote inclusive practices
• Modeling instructional strategies and techniques for teachers
• Assisting teachers with identifying and developing curriculum and instructional materials
• Assisting teachers with classroom management and behavioral intervention
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall goals and objectives of the department, ensuring flexibility and adaptability in response to changing needs and priorities

Skills and Abilities

1. Assessment and Data-Driven Decision Making
2. Intervention Design and Implementation
3. Cultural Competence and Sensitivity
4. Technology Integration

• Collaboration and Teamwork

1. Communication Skills

• Time Management

Working Conditions

• Regular travel requirements: Frequent travel is required between office locations and school sites within the agency's designated region. Travel often involves multiple trips within a single day and may necessitate extended periods in a vehicle. Occasional statewide or out-of-state travel for conferences, training sessions, and other professional development events is also expected.
• Physical demands: In addition to regular standing and sitting, the role may involve prolonged periods of walking or standing, particularly during site visits or meetings. Occasional lifting and carrying of equipment and materials (weighing up to 25 pounds) is required. This may include setting up for presentations, carrying materials to different locations, and managing files or supplies. The role also requires sufficient mobility and dexterity to perform office-based tasks, including typing, filing, and other administrative duties.
• Environmental conditions: Travel and on-site visits may expose employees to varying weather conditions and environments, including outdoor settings, school facilities, and community event locations. The ability to adapt to diverse environments, including loud or crowded spaces, is important.
• Visual and auditory requirements: Effective performance in this role requires clear and efficient verbal communication with staff, learners, and community members. Auditory ability is necessary for listening to presentations and participating in discussions, while visual acuity is required for reviewing documents, digital screens, and visual materials.

The role requires a high level of concentration, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. The ability to remain organized and flexible amidst frequent interruptions and variable work schedules is essential.

Green Hills AEA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Contact Human Resources,

Tami Pauley, 712-366-7762, tpauley@ghaea.org.