Program Support Teacher CC (for interest) - Schenk - 0.5 FTE - 26-27 SY

About the role

The Building-Based Program Support Teacher (PST) provides high-level technical assistance, guidance, and instructional support to teachers, administrators, and support staff. Key components include leading team collaborations and system-wide initiatives, managing and conducting initial special education evaluations, monitoring compliance with legal and district standards, and mentoring teaching staff.

The PST ensures that all students with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) tailored to their unique needs, effectively preparing them for post-secondary education, independent living, and future employment. They also align with the district's commitment to inclusive education, integrating special education services across various environments.

Responsibilities

• Ensure IDEA Compliance: Assist and guide school-based staff in successfully implementing IDEA procedural and substantive requirements.
• Provide Technical Assistance: Utilize the electronic eIDEA documentation system to support staff.
• Serve as LEA Representative: Represent the LEA during meetings, sharing administrative responsibilities with designated staff.
• Lead Evaluation Teams: Chair new evaluations for students referred for special education services, and serve as an active evaluator when required.
• Train and Develop Staff: Develop special education staff capacity to conduct high-quality, legally compliant evaluations and IEPs.
• Coordinate Specialized Procedures: Manage Assistive Technology (AT) assessments, ESY planning, SMAL, and district support team referrals.
• Support Instructional Practices: Assist in planning, executing, and evaluating evidence-based academic and behavioral interventions.
• Facilitate Problem-Solving Teams: Provide specialized insight in SSIT meetings and participate in driving unified student achievement.
• Develop MTSS/RtI Infrastructure: Collaborate with principals to establish school-wide infrastructure for MTSS/RtI, including service delivery and staffing models.
• Model and Share Strategies: Model and co-plan specialized instructional strategies and co-teaching frameworks with teachers.
• Data-Driven Improvement: Analyze student outcome data to identify learning gaps, growth areas, and SIP targets.
• Monitor Compliance: Regularly monitor school-wide data related to special education compliance, timelines, and student achievement metrics.
• Audit Readiness: Periodically audit and review special education files and student documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Collaborate on School Improvement: Align special education equity actions into SIPs and integrate interdisciplinary collaboration with building instructional coaches.
• Engage in Professional Development: Attend required meetings and support district-wide systems change initiatives and emphasis areas.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• At least five years of experience providing exceptional instruction and services to students with disabilities
• Advanced knowledge of IDEA, including application of current DPI guidance
• Capacity to complete all district-level mandated training applicable to the role
• Valid special education teacher license covering all grade levels of the school(s) supported, granted by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Qualifications

• Mastery of diverse special education service delivery models and multi-tiered systems of support across school-wide infrastructures
• Expert-level understanding of the criteria, processes, and tools required to manage and conduct initial special education evaluations
• Proficiency in interpreting complex academic, behavioral, and school-wide compliance data to identify systemic trends and guide instructional action steps
• Command of digital compliance tracking and electronic record-keeping systems (e.g., eIDEA) to maintain audit readiness
• Knowledge of peer coaching cycles, mentoring structures, and effective methodologies for developing and leading staff professional development
• Exceptional capability to facilitate interdisciplinary teams, navigate complex building-level challenges, and cultivate partnerships among administrators, teachers, and parents