FY27: Instructional Specialist, Special Education Central Placement Unit, 1.0 FTE

About the role

The instructional specialist supports the Division of Specialized Support Services by coordinating IEP processes, providing technical assistance, and ensuring compliance with state and federal special education regulations for students placed in private and residential settings.

Responsibilities

• Schedule, facilitate, and chair IEP team meetings for students with disabilities.
• Provide technical support for the online IEP tool and deliver training on special education services.
• Establish processes for student referrals, transition planning, and options for less restrictive environments.
• Develop IEPs, case manage, and monitor student achievement and service delivery for students in private separate day, non‑public, and residential schools.
• Participate in mediation and due process hearings as needed.
• Serve on state monitoring teams for private special education facilities to ensure COMAR compliance.
• Collaborate with interagency staff to develop plans of care for students with significant disabilities.
• Work with other MCPS units to ensure students receive appropriate special education services in the least restrictive environment.

Requirements

• In‑county and in‑state travel required; out‑of‑state travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in special education or a related field, with coursework in instructional strategies, curriculum development, administration, and supervision.
• Minimum of five years’ experience teaching students with disabilities, developing IEPs, and implementing curriculum‑based assessment.
• Meets Maryland state certification requirements for special education teacher, speech pathologist, or related fields.

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of IDEA and COMAR mandates governing identification, evaluation, re‑evaluation, and provision of special education and related services.
• Understanding of the continuum of special education and related services.
• Knowledge of curriculum, grading and reporting standards, Maryland Assessment Program, transition services, and positive behavioral intervention strategies.
• Ability to interpret standardized assessment data.
• Ability to work effectively with parents, administrators, field office staff, school‑based staff, special education coordinators, instructional specialists, and service providers.
• Ability to build linkages and partnerships with interagency staff, transition support teachers, and private special education day and residential school staff.
• Excellent organization, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn and apply, the six MCPS Teacher Professional Growth System (TPGS) performance standards.

Benefits

• Benefits information

Pay

Salary range: $78,361 – $159,500 based on education and experience.

Schedule

Full‑time, 12‑month position, day shift.