Special Education Specialist

DPS•Denver, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Specialist is responsible for improving student achievement by providing individualized support to schools, designing and leading district special education professional learning for educators and partnering with Directors of Schools. Supports districtwide special education programs, services, specialized instruction, and advises schools around all legal requirements related to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Special Education or related Bachelor's Degree is required
Four (4+) years teaching experience in relevant subject area with at least two years of experience in coaching other teachers is required
Active Colorado Department of Education Special Education Teacher or Related Services License is required
Valid driver's license, appropriate insurance, and clean driving record for the past three (3) years
Effective time management and organizational skills
Skilled at providing professional development and coaching for adult learners
Effective communication skills
Strong attention to detail
Effectively handles multiple demands and competing deadlines
Works collaboratively with others on a team
Aptitude for variety and changing expectations and fast-paced environment
Knowledge of effective specialized instruction
Ability to travel to sites throughout the District
Understanding of IDEA and all current laws/court decisions related to special education
Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high quality education.
Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.
Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the physical demands of the position.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree preferred

Responsibilities

Partners with secondary school leaders, special education teams, counselors, and district partners to improve graduation outcomes for students with disabilities, including supporting appropriate course progression, On Track to Graduate (OTG) practices, scheduling, transition planning, and access to pathways leading to graduation and postsecondary success.
Supports secondary schools in the implementation of Indicator 13 (I-13) requirements and transition planning practices, providing coaching and consultation to ensure IEPs include compliant, meaningful, and individualized postsecondary goals, transition services, and courses of study aligned with students’ identified postsecondary outcomes.
Develops and maintains a strong working knowledge of DPS graduation requirements and pathways and provides consultation to schools regarding the intersection of graduation requirements, course of study, IEP implementation, transition planning, and individualized student needs.
Provides consultation, coaching, and professional learning related to student behavior, disciplinary removals, and Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs) to support legally compliant practices, appropriate implementation of IDEA procedural safeguards, and proactive behavioral supports for students with disabilities.
Plans and facilitates professional development for schools on effective practices for the implementation of FAPE, providing school staff with coaching and advice so that they are able to offer best first instruction and standards-aligned specialized instruction
Provides consultation, support, and direction to schools and special education teams so that they can meet all school-level Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) expectations and challenges and effectively manage special education services in support of the academic growth of students with disabilities; elevates school-level concerns, ensuring awareness around possible issues with implementation of IDEA that could result in legal risks
In partnership with the Academics team, analyzes data to support development of school-specific strategies that align with rigorous standards-based instruction, culturally responsive teaching, instructional systems and data-driven instruction to improve student outcomes
Facilitates learning cycles across schools, including collaboratively setting learning goals, engaging in observations and coaching participants
Models exemplar culturally sustaining practices for teacher leaders, such as instructional planning at the unit and lesson level, data meetings and feedback conversations
Analyzes district local assessment data and classroom observations and uses it to inform school support
Works collaboratively on a team to achieve actionable and observable results at the student level; contributes to a strong team culture grounded in district values and a commitment to excellence and service to schools
In collaboration with the Academic teams, develops professional learning and coaching opportunities for teachers and leaders on best practices for supporting students with disabilities
Supports with district curriculum adoption and implementation
Other duties as assigned