Sped Specialist

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The Special Education Specialist, working in conjunction with the Special Education Coordinator and the ED of Accountability and Specialized Services, is responsible for working with both teachers and students to facilitate maximum growth for student success

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certifications

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university
• Valid Texas Teacher certification with special education endorsement

Knowledge & Skills

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of constituents or employees of the organization.
• Willingness to learn and utilize the special education software program to maintain student records.

Preferred Experience

• Minimum (3) years of experience working in special education.
• Demonstrated success in raising the achievement levels of traditionally underserved students is preferred.
• Leadership ability and experience in providing professional development to staff.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

• Demonstrated ability to develop Individualized Education Plans (IEP) tailored to each student's needs.
• Must be able to implement specialized instructional strategies to support student learning and development.
• Willing to collaborate with parents, teachers, and other professionals to ensure a supportive learning environment.
• Provide coaching and instructional support to special education teachers to improve instructional practices and student outcomes.
• Design, coordinate, and deliver high-quality professional learning opportunities tailored to the needs of special education staff at the district, campus, and individual teacher levels.
• Collaborate with campus and district leaders to identify areas of need and implement targeted professional development aligned with state and federal special education guidelines.
• Model effective instructional strategies and facilitate data-driven decision-making to support individualized student learning plans.
• Monitor and assess the effectiveness of coaching and professional development initiatives, using feedback and data to refine practice.
• Attend ARD meetings as may be necessary to advocate and support the needs of all special education students.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication, with both technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Team-oriented with deep empathy and outstanding interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated creative problem solver with the humility to ask for help when needed.
• Self-starter with a strong sense of integrity and professional conduct.
• Regular on-site attendance
• Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible.
• Provide complete and accurate information and facts to supervisors in conducting district business.
• Keep informed of and comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.
• Maintain a professional relationship with all colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
• Performs all other duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Accountability and Specialized Services and the Special Education Coordinator.

MENTAL AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS & ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to speak effectively before groups of constituents or employees of the organization.
• Ability and/or willingness to learn to use and understand Microsoft Office for spreadsheets, letters, calendar invites, and other written communications to effectively communicate information with employees, administration, and the Board.
• Ability to evaluate teacher effectiveness, facilitate various group sizes, gather and analyze data to make improvement recommendations.

Knowledge of learning theory, classroom management, and best instructional practices

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to grasp, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.