Specially Designed Instruction Specialist

The Specially Designed Instruction Specialist strengthens instructional practices for students with disabilities by providing high-quality regional training, targeted professional development, and embedded coaching across a five-county region. Working as part of the Southeast Regional Partnership Center (RPC), the Specialist supports districts in implementing evidence-based Specially Designed Instruction aligned with the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Office of Special Education priorities.

This role requires strong facilitation skills, deep knowledge of SDI, and the ability to collaborate with educators, administrators, families, and statewide partners. The Specialist promotes equitable access, improves instructional outcomes, and builds district capacity through coaching, data-informed decision-making, and consistent implementation of NYSED-approved practices.

Salary: $68,863 plus additional for education, experience and summer per diem

Reports to: Systems Change Facilitator

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The following list is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Primary Responsibilities

• Regional Training — Provide NYSED-aligned training on Specially Designed Instruction for educators across the five-county region, based on the regional planning process.

  Targeted Professional Development — Deliver focused PD and embedded coaching within identified districts to strengthen SDI implementation and improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

• Use of NYSED-Approved Tools — Implement tools, resources, and training materials developed or approved by NYSED's Office of Special Education and Contracted Technical Assistance Providers (TAPs).

• Cross-Agency Collaboration — Work collaboratively with Family and Community Engagement Centers to provide learning opportunities for educators, families, and community agencies across ONC and DCMO BOCES regions.

• Regional Partnership Work — Collaborate with NYSED Special Education Quality Assurance (SEQA) Liaisons and NYSED Special Education Quality Assurance (TAPs) to carry out the regional work plan and ensure alignment with statewide priorities.

• Professional Learning Participation — Attend statewide PD sessions, monthly webinars, online learning opportunities, and bimonthly regional meetings as required by NYSED.

• Data & Reporting — Submit training data, coaching logs, and required documentation to TAPs and NYSED in the established formats.

• Other Duties — Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support the RPC mission and regional needs.

  
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid New York State certification, including a Master’s degree

• Minimum of 3 years of experience providing professional development and/or coaching

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of Specially Designed Instruction, evidence-based instructional practices, and supports for students with disabilities.

• Demonstrated ability to facilitate adult learning and deliver high-quality professional development.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.

• Ability to analyze instructional needs, interpret data, and support districts in implementing improvement strategies.

• Experience working with NYSED Office of Special Education initiatives or technical assistance networks.

• Background in coaching, adult learning, or systems-level instructional improvement.

• Ability to build strong relationships with districts, families, and regional partners.

• Demonstrated cultural competence and commitment to equitable, student-centered practices.

• Evidence of initiative, dependability, emotional maturity, and professionalism.

• Ability to serve as a positive, solution-focused team member who engages collaboratively with diverse school communities.