Program Specialist - Innovation & LRE - Special Services - 2026-2027 School Year

PRIMARY PURPOSE:
Provide leadership in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of specialized programs that support students in general education and specialized settings. This role focuses on strengthening instructional practices, supporting campus teams, and ensuring consistency in program delivery across the district. Coordinate all activities associated with MTSS including general education through special education programs at assigned campuses.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Education/Certification:
Master’s Degree
Valid Texas certification in Special Education or related field
Administrator or Mid-Management Certification (preferred)

Special Knowledge/Skills:
Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and district special education regulations, policies, and procedures.
Ability to communicate special education concerns with parents, instructional staff, and school administrators.
Strong organizational, communications, and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of instructional practices, specially designed instruction, and support for diverse learners
Understanding of service delivery models across educational settings
Demonstrated ability to coordinate and provide staff development and other training activities
Experience working with families and students coping with crisis and/or behavioral challenges
Ability to support campus administrators in decision-making and program implementation
Proven record of success in communication skills, collaboration, and problem solving

Minimum Experience:

3-5 years public school experience in special education or educational leadership role
Proven experience in leadership position (either district or campus level)
Experience in educational support to students with disabilities exhibiting challenging behaviors.
Experience working as a collaborative team member.
 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Instructional Management
1. Collaborate with Program Specialists and campus leaders to ensure consistency and alignment across programs
2. Lead the development and refinement of instructional practices and program supports across the district in collaboration with respective Program Specialists
3. Support campuses in implementing effective service delivery models and instructional practices in alignment with Special Services Leadership Team, Operating Guidelines and LRE.
4. Provide training and coaching to campus staff and administrators
5. Support complex student situations in collaboration with campus leadership and field coordinators
6. Partner with Content Specialists to support implementation and coaching of instructional practices
7. Monitor trends and needs across campuses to inform program improvements
8. Assist in developing systems that support high-quality instruction and student outcomes

School/Organizational Climate & Management
1. Establish communication network among teachers, campuses, and administrators.
2. Respond appropriately to situations that could impair the teaching/learning process.
3. Deal sensitively and fairly with persons of diverse cultural backgrounds.
4. Conduct informal observations and provide suggestions for improving the classroom and increasing achievement in a positive and supportive manner.
5. Work with appropriate staff to develop, maintain, and revise district procedural guidelines based on the Texas Education Agency’s annual revision of the state monitoring document.
6. Train and support appropriate staff regarding Least Restrictive Environment and Change of Placement Processes.
7. Support low incidence district-wide events
8. Support district-wide community resources events for families with students with disabilities

Student Management
1. Demonstrate support for the district’s student management policies..

Professional Growth & Development
1. Develop needed professional skills appropriate to job assignment.
2. Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible and serve as a role model for all district special education staff.
3. Gain expertise in newly developed policies and procedures in order to assist skill acquisition by student support staff.

School & Community Relations
1. Articulate the department’s mission and goals to individual campuses and the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.
2. Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences and meeting with parents, students, and staff concerning vital issues.

Supervisory Responsibilities
Supervise assigned content specialist in special education.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Mental Demands:
Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written) with staff and students and community members; interpret district policy, procedures, and data; interpret state and federal laws regarding special education issues; coordinate district functions; maintain emotional control under stress.

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Frequent district and occasional statewide travel; occasional prolonged and irregular hours.
Support of campuses/students with behaviors including but not limited to physical aggression.