Special Education Teacher

Special Education Recruitment, Retention, and Incentive Program: $6,000 distributed over 3 years at the rate of $2,000 annually. Faine Elementary applicants also qualify for an additional $3,000 hiring bonus. Participation is contingent upon signing a three-year service commitment agreement.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Special Education preferred.
• Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education (other closely related fields may be considered).
• Minimum of 3 years of successful teaching experience (5 years strongly preferred).
• Demonstrated experience with special education processes from the initial referral process through IEP Development.
• Demonstrated experience in a variety of Special Education Service Models (Collaborative, Resource, Self-Contained, Behavior).
• Grade Band-Specific Requirements:
  • Elementary (K–5): Candidates must have experience teaching across all elementary grade levels (K–5).
  • Secondary Grades (6–12): Candidates must have preferred experience teaching in grades (6–12).

About the Role

The Special Education Educational Evaluator supports school staff by guiding the identification, referral, evaluation, and enrollment of students with disabilities. The role ensures all processes are consistent and aligned with IDEA, state, and district requirements. They coordinate evaluations, monitor timelines, support data-based decisions, and serve as a link between schools and the ESS Department while providing training and ongoing support to staff.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates punctual and regular attendance.
• Completes assigned duties and responsibilities independently and with minimal direction.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Alabama Administrative Code, and Mastering the Maze, and applies this knowledge to support compliance and effective services in collaboration with the Exceptional Student Services (ESS) Department.
• Leads the process for all initial IDEA evaluations through the initial placement meeting. Works closely with the School Psychologist and/or School Psychometrist and the case manager to complete evaluations and develop the initial IEP.
• Leads the process for all transfer students through the initial placement meeting. Coordinates with the ESS Department and supports the case manager with IEP development.
• Tracks reevaluation timelines and IEP due dates for assigned school(s). Uses a system to monitor timelines and support compliance (does not oversee School Psychologist or Psychometrist timelines).
• Works collaboratively with the School Psychologist and/or School Psychometrist to ensure required team members are present at eligibility and determination meetings. Supports case managers with reevaluation requirements.
• Completes required district procedures for referral, transfer, and reevaluation processes.
• Maintains accurate transfer and testing logs and submits them monthly to the ESS Department.
• Serves as a mentor, resource, and support for special education staff. Acts as a bridge between assigned schools and the ESS Department to ensure clear communication and consistent practices.
• Provides consultative services for students served under a consultative model, in collaboration with the School Psychologist.
• Supports IEP teams in developing and implementing Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs). Works collaboratively with the School Psychologist to ensure behavior supports are appropriate, data-based, and aligned to student needs.
• Serves as a standing member of the Problem Solving Team (PST). Attends PST meetings when an IDEA referral is being considered and collaborates with the School Psychologist and/or School Psychometrist to support appropriate decision-making.
• Participates in Managing Crisis Safely (MCS) training provided by the district or ESS Department and provides turn-around training to staff at assigned school(s). Ensures staff understand expectations and can apply strategies with students.
• Reviews training topics with building administrators prior to delivery. Leads monthly team meetings at assigned school(s) to provide required updates, MCS training, and other ESS-related information. Submits agendas and sign-in sheets to the ESS Department.
• Collaborates with case managers to ensure student data is entered accurately and on time in required systems.
• Facilitates Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) at assigned school(s), focusing on attendance, behavior, and course completion for students with disabilities.
• Compiles required documentation, including Reports and Indicators, and submits information monthly to the ESS Department.
• Serves as a liaison between local school(s) and central office staff, as needed.
• Follows and supports implementation of district policies and procedures to ensure IDEA compliance.
• Demonstrates positive and professional communication with parents, students, and school personnel.
• Completes all duties in a timely, organized, and efficient manner.
• Demonstrates progress toward professional and/or personal growth goals.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Special Education Director or Designee.

Skills

• Demonstrates knowledge of IDEA, Alabama Administrative Code, and district procedures.
• Understands the full special education process (referral, evaluation, eligibility, IEP development).
• Applies knowledge to ensure compliance with timelines, documentation, and processes.
• Coordinates and manages evaluations, transfers, and reevaluations.
• Collaborates effectively with school teams (psychologists, psychometrists, case managers, administrators).
• Supports data-based decision-making and organizes evaluation data.
• Communicates clearly and professionally with staff and families.
• Provides training, guidance, and ongoing support to school staff.
• Supports problem-solving teams and behavior planning (FBA/BIP).
• Serves as a liaison between schools and the ESS Department.
• Maintains organization, accuracy, and timeliness across all responsibilities.

Pay

Board-approved certified salary schedule (9 month).