Summary The Program Specialist for Services for Exceptional Children is responsible for assisting the Area Superintendent in the development and implementation of effective K-12 standards-based instruction, appropriate and balanced assessment, and standards-based grading and reporting Essential Duties • Assists schools in determining the level of implementation of standards-based instruction best practices and the alignment with standards-based progress report card in the Exceptional Children program • Assists administrators in supporting, training, and coaching teachers and staff in the Exceptional Children programs • Supports the development of Power Standards and Reporting Standards K-12 • Designs and delivers training to administrators/teachers in providing feedback to students to improve instruction delivery • Identifies resources and supports teachers with differentiation to meet all students’ needs in the Exceptional Children programs • Assumes responsibility for communicating and coordinating pilot report card implementation and support • Provides individual assistance to schools experiencing Special Education grading issues • Provides ad hoc reports on the status of standards-based instruction/progress reporting and develops recommendations for improvement • Serves as liaison between the Division of Academics and Teacher Quality in all issues related to instructional best practices that are aligned performance management standards for teachers • Works in collaboration with other departments to maximize teacher effectiveness as it relates to the Exceptional Children curriculum, instruction, and assessment • Collaborates with Leadership in Learning and Teaching in development of and revisions to new curriculum • Assists schools in ways to integrate curriculum • Serves as the first responder to the public in each area including principals, parents, teachers, and outside agencies • Informs Area Superintendent of issues and concerns related to students with disabilities • Assures adequate support to administrative area to meet the needs of students with disabilities • Serves as a broker for Exceptional Children services to ensure customer service and efficiency • Attends all area meetings and represents interests of students with disabilities • Coordinates with area-based personnel in problem solving • Serves as liaison between the area office and Exceptional Children Department • Performs other duties as assigned by the appropriate administrator Required Education Bachelor’s Degree in The area of Special Education Certification/Licensure Must hold or be eligible for a valid and clear teaching certificate in the areas of Special Education Leadership Certification preferred Experience Qualifications Minimum of three years of successful classroom teaching experience required; Three years supervisory experience preferred; Prior experience with standards-based instruction and professional staff development required; Experience in the education of students with exceptional needs required; Experience working within a large, complex organization preferred Knowledge/Skills/Abilities • Knowledge of federal, state, and local mandates for Special Education requirements • Experience with curriculum development • Detailed knowledge and experience with standards-based instruction and assessment best practice • Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver training to adult learners across multiple disciplines and levels • Demonstrated knowledge in differentiation and meeting the needs of varied learners • Ability to plan and implement short and long-range goals and objectives • Ability to work with collaborative teams • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite • Excellent interpersonal skills needed to work effectively with administrators, staff, and community members • Excellent organizational and time management skills • Excellent communication skills both orally and in writing Working Conditions • Normal office environment • Will require travel between schools Physical Demands • Routine physical activity associated with normal office environment • Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. occasionally