IDEA 611 Instructional Specialist: Special Education

About the role

The Special Education Instructional Specialist will provide instructional and compliance support to special education teachers and administrators.

Responsibilities

• Supports student growth through the development of standards based IEPs, data analysis, implementation of targeted interventions, analysis of school wide trends in instruction, ensuring best practices are in place, and making recommendations about potential next steps to address areas of need for students with disabilities.
• Works with school leadership and teachers to support student growth.
• Provides coaching and modeling of current High Leverage Practices in the areas of co-teaching, specially designed instruction and service delivery for special education teachers in inclusive and/or special education learning environments.
• Aids special education teachers in the development of standards based IEPs that are aligned to the general curriculum and the Virginia Standards of Learning.
• Ensures secondary level teachers have developed compliant and meaningful transition plans.
• Serves as a resource to administrators in understanding best practices for students with disabilities.
• Analyzes student performance data to identify trends and inform instructional practices.
• Delivers training to teachers on best practices for students with disabilities including co-teaching, SDI, and data collection.
• Collaborates with multiple departments and offices to ensure seamless instructional integration.
• Conducts IEP audits and reviews of special education services to ensure compliance.
• Maintains timelines to ensure adherence to federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding special education.
• Supports secondary level students and staff with understanding graduation requirements and credit accommodations.
• Supports teachers with implementation of K-12 VDOE transition initiatives including Pathful and the I'm Determined Project.
• Supports the Child Find process.

Qualifications

• Education: A Master's Degree from an Accredited College or University in a Related Field Required.
• Certificates & Licenses: A Valid Virginia Department of Education Teaching PostGraduate License, with an endorsement in Special Education K-12 (General Curriculum, Adaptive Curriculum) required, or eligibility to obtain the Teaching License with the appropriate Special Education endorsement upon hiring.
• Experience: At least 8 years of experience in a Specialized Instruction Setting, and as a Special Education Teacher.
• Key Competencies: Extensive knowledge of special education laws and regulations at the federal, state and local level; Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data to inform instruction; Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of educators, parents, and professionals; Extensive knowledge and skills in specially designed instruction; intervention programs and best instructional practices/strategies for students with disabilities.