Specialist - Special Education

Spring Independent School District•Houston, TX

3d•$66,441 - $80,049

About The Position

The Specialist - Special Services under the direction of the Campus Coordinator primary purpose is to provide professional development to classroom teachers to meet the behavioral and academic needs of students receiving special education services. The Instructional Specialist provides both job-embedded professional development at the campus level and district level training through workshops with the purpose of building teacher capacity and efficiency. All employees of Spring ISD are expected to act with integrity, support organizational goals, demonstrate the ability to inspire, grow and motivate others, utilize feedback, drive for results and commit to championing the needs of the students, employees and overall district.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in education or related field from an accredited college or university.
Three years of experience as a special education teacher and/or in a campus special education role
Extensive knowledge of best practices and research-based programs for students receiving special education, specifically for students Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emotional Disabilities, Behavior Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, and Low Incidence populations)
Extensive knowledge of effective instructional programs, teaching strategies, resources, practices and classroom environments
Skill in successfully coaching and training teachers and staff on critical attributes of instruction, student engagement with diverse populations and evaluating instructional programs and teaching effectiveness.
Skill in technology, assistive technology areas and Google Suite, MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) programs
Ability to model best practices in general education and special education classrooms and organize, manage multiple complex tasks simultaneously and independently to meet deadlines
Maintain confidential information, display attention to detail, speed, accuracy, follow-through, courtesy, cooperativeness and work with minimal supervision.
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Strong organizational skills

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Education and/or related field (preferred)
Valid driver’s license with good driving record and available transportation to travel to within Spring ISD sites.
Evidence of previous success in improving outcomes for students in special education

Responsibilities

Professional Development: Support teachers with the implementation of instructional strategies and model teaching strategies (behavior and academic) through lessons and provide pre-conferences and debriefing with teachers and administrators.
Provide coaching and support for classroom teachers on IEP implementation.
Develop, coordinate and/or deliver training as needed by campus administration and the district.
Conduct assessments for in-home parent training and functional behavioral assessments (FBAs) as determined by ARD/IEP committee meeting
Instructional & Program Management Provide technical assistance to students of all disability levels (including Low Incidence), campus personnel including teachers, administrators and support personnel
Participate in campus staffings and ARD/IEP committee meetings, as needed
Implement procedures to guide campuses in accessing resources and support for special education
Facilitate the successful transition of students between campuses and/or instructional environments per IEPs
Assist the Special Education Coordinators to develop and implement ESY/Summer programming and services
Create and monitor the implementation of action plans and instructional feedback based on data to meet the needs of students
Compliance and Accountability Prepare for and participate in mediation hearings as needed
Monitor compliance with district policy and procedure for assigned special education programs
Public Outreach and Support Be highly visible, approachable, and accessible to students, staff, parents and community
Participate in community events and activities as needed and provide support to questions and concerns from parents/community regarding special education.
Pursue opportunities for continued professional growth in the area of special education programs specific to Curriculum & State Assessment Plan, present and facilitate parent education workshops and/or in home parent training
Conflict Resolution and Crisis Management Manage and provide support and service to parents, community members, district and campus staff members, and students in problem resolution
Respond to campus crisis events involving physically aggressive/significantly disruptive students.
Fiscal Management Utilize best practices and good stewardship of available funds
Technology Participate in Technology/Computer Applications related training
Communication: Promote communication with parents and others in the community concerning the mission of the district and the accompanying products and services.
Provide for two-way communication with principals, teachers, staff, parents, and community.
Demonstrate skill in conflict resolution with administrators, parents, teachers, staff, co-workers and community.
School/Organizational Climate: Maintain a positive and effective relationship with all stakeholders.
Policy, Reports, and Law: Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, Board of Education rules and local board policy and regulations.
Compile, maintain and file all reports and other documents as required.
Other: Maintain confidentiality of privileged and sensitive information when received and distributed to appropriate designees as approved by the Executive Director of Special Services.
Attend professional growth activities to maintain awareness of current research and issues in assistive technology.
Performs other duties as assigned.