ACL Special Education Specialist (26-27 SY)

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The ACL Special Education Specialist will provide support and assist in coordinating instructional programs relating to special education students and their Individual Education Plans. He/she will monitor programs for students with low-incidence disabilities (e.g., Autism, Intellectual Disabilities) and maintain compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, guidelines, and procedures as they relate to the special education program throughout the district.

QUALIFICATIONS:   

Minimum Education/Certification:

• Must hold a valid Texas teaching certificate with endorsement in the area of Special Education.
• Master’s Degree from an accredited university in Low Incidence Disabilities, Special Education, or related field preferred.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of various instructional programs within special education, federal and state laws relating to disabilities, and low-incidence disabilities, Autism, Post-Secondary Transition needs.
• Strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years teaching experience in Special Education, or related field working directly with students with low-incidence disabilities such as Autism or Intellectual Disabilities.
• Experience working with school personnel, parents, students and the community to strive for a comprehensive and inclusive learning environment with positive outcomes.
• Experience with creating age appropriate lessons based on prerequisite skills aligned with grade equivalent TEKS and administering STAAR-Alt.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

1. Establish and maintain an open line of communication and professional relationship with parents, special education staff, general education teachers, campus and special education administrators, and community resources.
2. Use acceptable communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
3. Provide teacher training and support in the areas of IEP development, data collection, assessment, implementation, and progress monitoring.
4. Provide teacher training and support on the implementation and administration of STAAR-Alternate.
5. Assist teachers in developing a classroom environment conducive to the varied instructional needs of learners with low-incidence disabilities.
6. Collaborate with the Behavior Specialist to ensure the timely completion of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and the development of Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), as appropriate.
7. Assist teachers with strategies related to the implementation of students’ behavior intervention plans.
8. Coordinate, assist, and facilitate student transitions between campuses.
9. Provide in-class support and modeling to teachers and instructional assistants while promoting progress towards independence and self-determination for all students.
10. Provide support and technical assistance to teachers related to the collection of regression/recoupment data, following guidelines provided by TEA related to the Extended School Year.
11. Disseminate information related to educational and community resources (e.g. Non-educational funds, DARS, DADS, ARCIL, etc) supporting families and teachers of students with disabilities.
12. Evaluate instructional materials and resources used in the ACL programs for age appropriateness and content alignment with grade-level TEKS.
13. Facilitate selection and ordering of instructional materials for students with low-incidence disabilities.
14. Assist teachers in implementing low- and high-tech assistive technology and augmentative communication devices in the classroom to meet both class-wide and individual student needs.
15. Participate in the district staff development program and continue professional growth in the area of assignment.
16. Demonstrate interest and initiative in professional improvement.
17. Demonstrate professional, ethical, and responsible behavior.
18. Keep informed of and comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for district employees.
19. Compile, maintain, and file all required reports, records, and other documents.
20. Attend and participate in department meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
21. Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands:

Maintain emotional control under stress. Maintain a positive attitude when dealing with customers. Occasional prolonged and irregular hours. 

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pulling and pushing. Move stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, mats and other classroom equipment.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required.