Special Education Specialist (11 months) CCEIS (MSDE Disproportionality Initiative) 2026-2027
Washington County Public Schools
Hagerstown, MD
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JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Adult Learning, Analysis Skills, Best Practices, Coaching, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Cross-Functional, Data Analysis, Decision Support, Disability Accommodations, Disciplinary Action, Driver's License, Employee Benefits, English Language, Federal Laws and Regulations, Green Business, Interpersonal Skills, Leadership, Legal, Maintain Compliance, Mathematics, Mentoring, Multitasking, Performance Analysis, Performance Management, Problem Solving Skills, Procedure Implementation, Program Planning, Project/Program Coordination, Sales/Support Engineering (SE), School Buildings, Set Goals, Special Education, State Laws and Regulations, Student Conduct, Team Player, Time Management, Training/Teaching, Training/Teaching Curriculum, Trend Analysis, Writing Skills
Teaching - Pre-Kindergarten to 12/Special Education
Date Posted:
7/22/2026
Location:
Center for Education Services
Closing Date:
Open until filled
Additional Information: Show/Hide
Special Education Specialist (11 months) CCEIS (MSDE Disproportionality Initiative)
Terms of Employment:Unit I Salary Scale: $61,074 - $105,331, 11-month work year, 7.5 hours per day
Washington County Public Schools provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their well-being. For complete details, please visit the Employee Benefits Summary.
Role Overview: The special education specialist will assist department and district leaders in facilitating the consistent implementation of effective practices to meet the needs of students with disabilities, resulting in improved academic performance for all students. Under the framework of Comprehensive Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CCEIS), this position will also support systemic efforts to reduce disproportionality in student discipline by building staff capacity, strengthening data-informed decision-making, and promoting sustainable practices across identified schools.
Minimum Requirements:
Maryland State Department of Education Certification or Licensure in special education
Five years of successful teaching experience
Demonstrated success in working with cross-departmental collaboration to maximize student outcomes.
Current valid driver's license
Demonstrated leadership skills in working with adults in a positive and professional manner
Proficient use of digital platforms and technology.
Broad experience providing/coordinating special programs
Demonstrated success in working with school teams to align staff to student strengths/needs, blend academic goals through special education accountability, set/monitor goals and follow-up with support to ensure student achievement.
Ability to independently lead and facilitate Individual Education Program (IEP) meetings to ensure the academic and post-secondary success of all students with disabilities.
Successful experience working with children with different disabilities and special education needs
Excellent oral, written, problem-solving and communication skills
Demonstrated success in working with advocates, parents, and/or agencies to maximize student outcomes and resolve potential areas of conflict
Knowledge of current trends and legal issues in special education
Demonstrated success with parent coaching
Consistent and diligent attention to job responsibilities
Ability to perform the essential functions within the role, with reasonable accommodations if necessary
Preferred Qualifications:
Strong interpersonal skills
Ability to organize and carry out multiple tasks within time and resource constraints
Knowledge of Understanding by Design, Universal Design for Learning, the WCPS Essential Curriculum and transfer goals and their connection to instructional best practices for special education
Knowledge of expectations regarding curriculum and district goals for student achievement
Knowledge of best practices in instruction across a variety of academic disciplines
Ability to understand and implement all special education State Performance Plan Indicators/Annual Performance Report and Significant Disproportionality to ensure all students are treated with equity and ensure academic progress is maximized
Knowledge of specialized instruction and supports as they relate to the specific needs of students with disabilities
Ability to facilitate supports to ensure that students with disabilities have access to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
Ability to ensure 100% compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
Knowledge and successful application of adult learning theory
Role Responsibilities:
In addition, the Special Education Specialist will:
Enhance collaboration with parents and stakeholders
Complete data analysis of student data at assigned schools, develop goals as needed, monitor ongoing progress and intervene as needed through the School Review Process
Communicate Maryland State Department of Education content standards, outcomes, and indicators
Support the development and implementation of state grant initiatives
Collaboratively facilitate professional development in special education, math and English
Assist in the facilitation of IEP meetings, including those that may be potentially contentious
Provide support for the development and consistent implementation of legally compliant IEPs
Demonstrate effective practices related to the provision of specialized instruction and other need-based supports
Reflect understanding of practices such as Response to Intervention, multiple intelligences, and Universal Design for Learning
Assist with extended school year oversight within school buildings
Plan and provide professional development for special education and general education staff
Assist in building the capacity of new special educators through training, modeling, and mentoring
Work with department and district leaders to plan and implement programs and procedures
Support the expanded use of technology to enhance the achievement of students with disabilities
Provide assessment and consultative services
Participate and attend/provide training at the Special Education Citizen's Advisory Committee and other parent/stakeholder workgroups as needed
Demonstrate courteous and professional demeanor to all stakeholders of Washington County Public Schools
Provide targeted, ongoing professional learning and coaching to administrators, teachers, and school teams in designated schools to strengthen inclusive practices, behavioral supports, and equitable decision-making
Collect, analyze, and monitor discipline, intervention, and student outcome data to identify trends, measure implementation fidelity, and inform continuous improvement efforts related to disproportionate suspension rates and WCPS CCEIS Action Plan
Partner with school and district leadership to build organizational capacity through data-driven problem-solving, implementation support, and systems coaching that promote sustainable change
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop, implement, and evaluate evidence-based practices designed to improve student outcomes and reduce disproportionality in discipline through proactive intervention and continuous monitoring
Perform other duties assigned by the Director of Special Education or Supervisors of Special Education
Physical/Mental Requirements:
These expectations outline the physical and mental demands required to successfully perform the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions effectively.
Engage in extended periods of sitting or standing. Move comfortably throughout the building and grounds to fulfill various responsibilities.
Utilize sensory skills to communicate and interact effectively, including seeing, reading, hearing, and talking.
Maintain emotional control and composure under stress.
Travel district-wide, as needed, to participate in professional learning and other activities.
Maintain regular, punctual attendance and work extended or irregular hours when necessary.
Evaluation: Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the Board's policy on evaluation of professional personnel.