Department Specialist - Special Education

OVERVIEW

The Department Specialist for Special Education supports students with disabilities in junior high schools and high schools, under the direction of the Secondary Special Education Director.

QUALIFICATIONS :

• Current Arizona teaching certificate with a Special Education certificate. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum five years successful classroom teaching experience
• Knowledge and understanding of effective strategies for instructing diverse learners
• Knowledge and understanding of the purpose and specifics of core, supplemental, and intervention programs
• Knowledge and understanding of a variety of assessment methods / tools
• Knowledge and skills in areas such as mentoring, instruction, assessments, and peer coaching.
• Working knowledge of district, state, and federal special education rules, regulations, and procedures
• Possess a strong commitment to continuous improvement supporting the MPS mission and strategic plan
• Effective communication, planning, organization, presentation, and leadership skills; ability to work with and motivate others
• Experience working with site-based teams
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and professional relationships with teachers, administrators, and parents
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently without constant supervision and under stressful timelines

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Participates in IEP meetings as the district representative to facilitate the IEP process and assists teams in reaching consensus, allocating district resources, and reviewing data
• Provides support to school teams in compliance, effective instructional practices, and behavioral interventions as assigned by the secondary director
• Works with department chairs and site leaders to coordinate the transition of students from elementary to junior high school and junior high to high school
• Coordinates class lists for transitioning secondary students
• Serves as liaison for students in private school settings by monitoring progress, attending meetings as the district representative, and responding to parent communication about placements
• Monitors and provides follow-up activities related to IEP implementation for assigned students
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the effective and efficient functioning of the work unit.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ORGANIZATION : The district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex or gender, sexual orientation, disability, age or marital status.