2026-2027 Exceptional Student Services Instructional Specialist

Job Summary:

The Exceptional Student Services (ESS) Instructional Specialist supports the Director of Special Education Services in ensuring full compliance with state and federal requirements, including IDEA and Section 504, while advancing the district's special education instructional programs. This role provides comprehensive support to the Student Services Department through evaluating and supporting special education staff, coaching teachers to improve instructional practices, developing and aligning curriculum with state standards, and designing and delivering professional learning. The ESS Instructional Specialist collaborates with school teams to promote effective, compliant, and student-centered High Leverage Practices that improve outcomes for students with disabilities. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Director of Special Education Services to ensure district compliance with all state and federal special education laws, including IDEA and Section 504
• Support in the development and delivery of staff training related to compliance, monitoring, with state and federal requirements
• Support with regularly scheduled compliance reviews with site-based special education staff
• Collaborate with site administration to ensure adherence to Child Find and confidentiality requirements
• Collaborate with site administration and instructional teams (e.g., PLCs/ILTs) to integrate special education strategies and supports into core instruction, intervention systems, and inclusive practices to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
• Collaborate facilitating new special education teacher induction, mentoring programs, workshops, and professional learning opportunities
• Collaborate with district leadership, administrators, teachers, classified staff, and site-based teams
• Provide instructional support to special education teachers through modeling lessons, coaching, and feedback to promote standards-based instruction
• Differentiate support for teachers based on identified needs
• Engage in ongoing professional growth through participation in professional organizations, conferences, site visits, and professional learning activities
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Requirements:

Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred, from an accredited college or university

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in special education, or an equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities
• Valid Arizona Teaching Certificate required; Arizona Administrative Certificate preferred (Special Education preferred)
• Demonstrated experience in site-level leadership in special education
• Knowledge of national standards, Arizona College and Career Readiness Standards, and professional standards
• Experience developing and delivering professional learning for educators
• Experience in curriculum development and differentiated instruction
• Knowledge of special education processes, assessment tools, and service delivery models
• Experience working with diverse student populations
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and collaboration skills
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Governing Board may find appropriate and acceptable

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Isaac Elementary School District is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 11 Months, Director of Special Education Services

SALARY: Other Certified Salary Schedule

REPORTS TO: Director of Student Services
AMENDENTS OF 1972 AND SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973