The future of Texas and the world is in our classrooms. At Texans Can Academies, we are recruiting individuals committed to ensuring that all students are career ready. We know the choices facing today’s well-qualified professionals and we are thrilled that you are considering Texans Can Academies.
We are currently looking for a Special Education Instructional Specialist to join our Central Office team. If the following opportunity sounds like the right fit for you, Apply Now!
Primary Purpose:
Builds capacity of teachers across TCA in special education through professional learning, coaching, and training on supplementary curriculum, instruction, PLAAFP / goal writing, and student-centered instructional practices for students served in Special Education. Provides collaboration and professional development to general and special education teachers on federal and state mandates, curriculum, and effective co-teaching for general education students as well as for students receiving support through Special Education. Engages in data-driven conversations to support student and teacher growth. Creates, presents, and supports presentations for professional development offerings in collaboration with the content area curriculum specialists. Supports curriculum development as well as other instructional initiatives. Focuses on training staff on the implementation of a continuum of special education services.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
- Bachelor's Degree from college or university
- Valid Texas Special Education teaching certification
Special Knowledge/Skills:
- Strong skills in writing standards-based IEPs.
- Knowledge of how to write measurable goals and objectives for IEPs and how to ensure they are being met.
- Coordinates between general and special education teachers to implement strong co-teaching strategies.
- Communicates with parents and case managers in regard to students’ progress.
- Analyzes the academic interventions to determine their success.
- Conducts and interprets progress monitoring for students served by special education.
- Designs classes, programs and special curriculum to meet the individual needs of students.
- Assists caregivers in working with students at home.
- Records the progress of children receiving special education services.
- Monitors and adjusts special education programs designed for each child.
- Maintains records of students’ special education reports, services provided and academic data.
- Expertise in the development and implementation of IEPs for students who receive special education services.
- Working knowledge of state and federal laws and guidelines related to special education.
- Expertise in training school staff.
- Ability to work with teachers, administrators and parents to ensure students’ needs are met.
- Knowledge of the Special Education Annual Review Dismissal (ARD) process
- Knowledge of the continuum of services
- Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work cooperatively with district staff and public
- Strong teaching skills for modeling instructional practices
- Strong coaching skills for working with adult staff members
- Excellent professional development skills
- Excellent technology skills
Experience:
- Three (3) years teaching experience in special education
- Experience in PLAAFP and goal writing
- Experience in leading, coaching, or mentoring teachers.
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
- Demonstrates a growth mindset in working with and building strong relationships with teachers.
- Supports inclusive education for students served in Special Education.
- Promotes equitable access to all students by understanding Inclusionary Practices and Specially Designed Instruction.
- Provides consultative services to all teachers regarding compliance with federal and state mandates as well as District academic standards concerning IEP implementation, lesson planning, content presentation, classroom management, curriculum and instruction, State assessment, use of technology centered on scientifically-based research practices, and scheduling.
- Collaborates with special education and general education teachers on planning and preparing standards-aligned lessons.
- Supports special education and general education teachers with instructional needs specific to the content area through observation/feedback, modeling, co-teaching, coaching and professional learning.
- Debriefs and conducts professional conversations with special education and general education teachers regarding instructional delivery.
- Collaborates with campus instructional coaches and campus leadership team.
- Collaborates with other Content Area Coaches and Content Specialists across the organization.
- Collaborates with other special educators to ensure the effective implementation of district initiatives.
- Uses and accesses the District student information systems and Special Education Electronic Management System.
- Contributes ideas, works on committees, and collaborates with peers and the District’s Special Education department.
- Performs essential functions pertaining to standardized testing, including monitoring, proctoring tests, securing and disseminating test data, and maintaining testing confidentially.
- Maintains accurate and timely records to document support.
- Attends department meetings, trainings, and professional learning as assigned.
- Responds promptly to telephone and email inquiries from campus staff and central administration.
- Maintains cooperative and professional working relationships with peers, students, administration, and other school/district employees.
- Supports curriculum and assessment development as assigned.
- Writes standards-based PLAAFPs and goals and trains special education staff on doing so.
- Collaborates with campuses to ensure the implementation of a full continuum of services
- Communicates with Special Education Leadership team when data supports additional staffing needs at a particular campus.
- Provide direct assistance and training to teachers and paraprofessionals.
- Support ARD facilitators in ensuring compliance.
- Stay abreast of best practices in instructional techniques for students with disabilities.
- Maintain effective working relationships with special education staff, general education staff, other district special educators, and campus leaders.
- Assist in writing Intensive Programs of Instruction and Accelerated Instruction Plans.
- Stay abreast of and comply with federal and state rules and regulations.
- Be prepared to fill in for various special education roles when a campus is short-staffed.
- Maintain high professionalism in execution of duties and responsibilities.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Communication
- Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences with district staff, parents, students, principals, and teachers.
- Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
- Use effective expressive and written communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
Additional Requirements:
- Must be able to drive and have reliable transportation available during working hours in order to go to assigned work locations.
- Districtwide Travel Required
- Extended stay at times
Supervisory Responsibilities:
None.
Working Conditions:
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom or adaptive equipment. May be required to lift and position students with physical disabilities; physical restraint if students are in danger of hurting themselves or others; and assist non-ambulatory students. Exposure to biological hazards.
TEXANS CAN ACADEMIES is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
