Program Specialist, Services for Exceptional Children

Summary

The Program Specialist for Services for Exceptional Children is responsible for assisting the Area Superintendent in the development and implementation of effective K-12 standards-based instruction, appropriate and balanced assessment, and standards-based grading and reporting

Essential Duties

Assists schools in determining the level of implementation of standards-based instruction best practices and the alignment with standards-based progress report card in the Exceptional Children program

Assists administrators in supporting, training, and coaching teachers and staff in the Exceptional Children programs

Supports the development of Power Standards and Reporting Standards K-12

Designs and delivers training to administrators/teachers in providing feedback to students to improve instruction delivery

Identifies resources and supports teachers with differentiation to meet all students’ needs in the Exceptional Children programs

Assumes responsibility for communicating and coordinating pilot report card implementation and support

Provides individual assistance to schools experiencing Special Education grading issues

Provides ad hoc reports on the status of standards-based instruction/progress reporting and develops recommendations for improvement

Serves as liaison between the Division of Academics and Teacher Quality in all issues related to instructional best practices that are aligned performance management standards for teachers

Works in collaboration with other departments to maximize teacher effectiveness as it relates to the Exceptional Children curriculum, instruction, and assessment

Collaborates with Leadership in Learning and Teaching in development of and revisions to new curriculum

Assists schools in ways to integrate curriculum

Serves as the first responder to the public in each area including principals, parents, teachers, and outside agencies

Informs Area Superintendent of issues and concerns related to students with disabilities

Assures adequate support to administrative area to meet the needs of students with disabilities

Serves as a broker for Exceptional Children services to ensure customer service and efficiency

Attends all area meetings and represents interests of students with disabilities

Coordinates with area-based personnel in problem solving

Serves as liaison between the area office and Exceptional Children Department

Performs other duties as assigned by the appropriate administrator

Required Education

Bachelor’s Degree in The area of Special Education

Certification/Licensure

Must hold or be eligible for a valid and clear teaching certificate in the areas of Special Education Leadership Certification preferred

Experience Qualifications

Minimum of three years of successful classroom teaching experience required; Three years supervisory experience preferred; Prior experience with standards-based instruction and professional staff development required; Experience in the education of students with exceptional needs required; Experience working within a large, complex organization preferred

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Knowledge of federal, state, and local mandates for Special Education requirements

Experience with curriculum development

Detailed knowledge and experience with standards-based instruction and assessment best practice

Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver training to adult learners across multiple disciplines and levels

Demonstrated knowledge in differentiation and meeting the needs of varied learners

Ability to plan and implement short and long-range goals and objectives

Ability to work with collaborative teams

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

Excellent interpersonal skills needed to work effectively with administrators, staff, and community members

Excellent organizational and time management skills

Excellent communication skills both orally and in writing

Working Conditions

Normal office environment

Will require travel between schools

Physical Demands

Routine physical activity associated with normal office environment

Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. occasionally