Lead Education Specialist (Stipend Role)

Lead Education Specialist

Grow Public Schools

Stipend Role, $3,000 per semester

Reports to: Special Education Coordinator

Organizational Overview

Grow Public Schools (GPS) mission is to be a network of high-performing schools in Kern County, dedicated to academic excellence that empowers all students to thrive through a foundation of health and wellness, college and career readiness, and lifelong success. We believe education and wellness are fundamental pillars for success, and their harmonious integration paves the way for brilliant and vibrant futures.

Founded in August of 2011 by the Grimm Family Education Foundation, GPS is committed to serving the Kern County community through high-quality public education. GPS currently operates two TK-8 schools, Grow Academy Arvin and Grow Academy Shafter, serving more than 1,600 students.

Summary Description: The Lead Education Specialist ensures the delivery of high-quality, legally compliant IEPs within a full inclusion model that emphasizes co-teaching in general education settings. This role facilitates select IEP meetings, reviews assessments and lesson plans, and leads the development of strong instructional practices. While managing a small caseload, the Lead Education Specialist partners with the Special Education Coordinator to monitor compliance and strengthen overall service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

I. Compliance

• Manage all aspects of special education documentation (service logs, quarterly progress reports, Siras documentation of services, requests for evaluation, and IEPs), ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
• Collaborate with the Special Education Clerk and Case Managers to coordinate and schedule IEP meetings via Google Calendar, ensuring timelines are met and confidentiality is maintained.
• Support Case Managers in communicating with parents to schedule IEP meetings and monitor scheduling progress in coordination with the Special Education Clerk.
• Comply with all federal, state, district, and campus policies and procedures related to special education services.
• Participate in professional development to stay current on job responsibilities.
• Serve as LEA representative at selected IEPs, ensuring appropriate placement and services are determined and documented.
  
  

II. Assessment and Data Leadership

• Provide training on the administration and interpretation of educational assessments, such as the Woodcock-Johnson and the Early Literacy Screening Tool, ensuring that all team members are proficient in using these tools to inform instruction.
• Collaborate with Education Specialists and General Ed teachers to interpret assessment data and make informed decisions that enhance student learning outcomes, including for dually identified students.
• Analyze intervention data, identify gaps, and collaborate to build, implement, and maintain multi-tiered systems, particularly related to SST, early literacy, and English learners.
  
  

III. Differentiation and Instructional Leadership

• Work in coordination with the Special Education Coordinator to conduct classroom observations and align on instructional priorities and areas of focus.
• Communicate observation findings and instructional trends to the Special Education Coordinator to inform coaching, professional development, and support for Education Specialists.
• Collaborate with team members to design and implement effective accommodations (CAASPP, STAR, NWEA) that ensure access to grade-level content for all students with IEPs.
• Monitor the implementation of accommodations and modifications to ensure students have access to grade-level curriculum in alignment with their IEPs.
• Support peers in developing resources that increase access through differentiated instructional experiences.
• Support the development of targeted interventions for students based on data insights.
• In coordination with school site leadership and Special Education Coordinator, provide professional development.
  
  

IV. Communication and Collaboration

• Participate in weekly grade-level planning meetings to ensure that adequate intervention and support is being delivered to students on their caseload.
• Address the day-to-day needs of the Special Education Aides; keep the Special Education Coordinator informed.
• Engage in professional and direct conversations with staff as needed to ensure services and supports are implemented in alignment with IEPs.
• Maintain strong communication and relationships with students, families, and staff.
  
  

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of IEP procedures and the ability to oversee compliant, timely implementation
• Familiarity with student achievement data and assessments related to academic, behavioral, and emotional functioning
• Training in PBIS and behavioral intervention strategies
• Understanding of psycho-social development and its implications for learning
• Experience supporting students with diverse needs, including migrant and socioeconomically disadvantaged (SED) populations
• Strong consultation and collaboration skills with educators, families, and service providers
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to modeling a growth mindset and advocating for equitable access for students with disabilities
  
  

Required Education And Experience

• A valid, clear CA Education Specialist credential
• 5 years related teaching experience, preferably in full inclusion settings utilizing the co-teaching model