Special Program Specialist - Special Education

Primary Purpose:

To provide district-level instructional leadership in core content areas, supporting the successful implementation of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. Facilitates the implementation of curriculum frameworks, instructional materials, assessments, and the alignment of instructional practices as it pertains to the area of students receiving special education services, dyslexia intervention services, and Section 504. Works with Executive Director of Special Education, Director of Curriculum, Curriculum Specialists, and campus administrators to facilitate instructional programs for NBISD students.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Bachelor's degree from accredited university

Valid Texas teaching certificate, Special Education preferred

Post-graduate training and/or specialized training in Special Education

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of Special Education instructional strategies and how they apply to all content areas

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Provide leadership in the area of special programs

Ability to establish and maintain relationships with teachers and administrators

Ability to analyze and interpret data

Knowledge of effective instructional interventions and services to special education, dyslexia and 504 students

Ability to select, develop, and/or model effective instructional interventions

Ability to locate and communicate resources/services for students

Ability to support special program effectiveness and program compliance

Ability to coordinate between foundation and supplemental services/programs

Ability to analyze and monitor intervention fidelity

Experience:

Minimum 5 years teaching experience

Teaching experience at multiple grade levels

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Strategies

• Attend district-level instructional staff meetings to address curriculum and instructional issues.
• Meet with departments/grade level teams/intervention specialists/special education teachers to assist in the planning and implementation of effective instructional interventions.
• Attend training on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills in various content areas.
• Advocate for teachers regarding curriculum concern areas. Work with district-level and campus-level administrators in the creation and modification of instructional materials.
• Analyze testing data. Assess and recommend instructional interventions based on data.
• Provide campus-based instructional support and mentor teachers when appropriate, modeling effective instructional strategies for classroom teachers.
• Provide training and support for teachers; including research based data analysis, selection of appropriate interventions and evaluation of formative/summative results.
• Coordinate effective strategies with teachers for students in special programs.
• Work with Executive Director of Special Education and Director of Curriculum to review, analyze, and evaluate district data concerning student performance, intervention and program effectiveness
• Provide professional development, instructional resources for effective tutorials and assist in developing a tutorial schedule.
• Promote an understanding of the grade level TEKS to administrators and teachers and have the ability to articulate how they are integrated within the curriculum.
• Monitor the academic progress of identified students following interventions based on assessment data and make recommendations for adjustments after formative assessments and/or reviews

Leadership

• Provides support and monitors effectiveness of campus instructional implementation.
• Ensure special program student services are effective and appropriate.

Communication

• Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community.
• Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.

Professional Growth and Development

• Attend professional training to develop and enhance content skills and to improve job-related skills, such as special program effectiveness, STAAR/EOC assessment, technology, communication, Response to Intervention (RTI) process, and other state and federal special programs, etc.

Policy, Reports, Law and Other

• Keep informed of and comply with policies established by federal and state law, special program requirements, Texas Education Agency, State Board of Education rule, and the local NBISD board policy.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized data, reports, records, and other documents as required.
• Update, maintain, and post curriculum documents, create district level assessments and analyze data.
• Facilitate and implement the adoption and/or development of textbooks and instructional materials.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Equipment Used

Personal mobile devices, computer, printer, and copier

Working Conditions

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals

Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours; occasional districtwide travel

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.

Must be able to multi-task. The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff, in a prompt, professional and courteous manner.

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