Special Education Program Lead

Primary Purpose

Assists in the coordination of special education programs and personnel. Provides leadership to special education instructional and support staff. Assists in the evaluation, coordination and improvement of the overall special education program ensuring alignment with federal and state program guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications

Education/Certification

• Master’s degree from an accredited university
• Valid Texas Special Education Certification
• Principal or Mid Management certificate (preferred)
• Candidates must have a satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50) paid by employee.

Required Experience

Three (3) years’ experience working as a professional in Special Education

Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of ARD procedures, compliance indicators, best practices in instructional methods and strategies, data collection procedures, implementation of accommodations, and best practices in providing curriculum and instruction to students who received special education services
• The continuum of services provided through Special Education programs and practices including implementation of specially designed instruction
• IEP development including preparing IEP/ARD paperwork Thorough understanding of public school operations
• Public relations
• Mediation skills (preferred)
• Oral and written communication skills
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy
• Operation of a computer and assigned software
• Ability to coordinate campus support operations

Major Responsibilities and Duties

(The following statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions that may be assigned or skills that may be required.)

Professionalism

The Educators' Code of Ethics is set forth in the Texas Administrative Code to provide rules for standard practices and ethical conduct toward students, professional colleagues, school officials, parents, and members of the community.

• Rule §247.1 Purpose and Scope;
  Definitions
• Rule §247.2 Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators

Instructional Management

The coordinator promotes improvement of instruction by assisting with activities such as the following:

• Monitors and provides academic support to all campuses to include the full continuum of services provided to students
• Assists, guides, and supports school administrators, teachers, and staff in the facilitating of placement changes to meet student needs

• Provides leadership and support to special education staff in the implementation of effective instructional programs designed to meet the individual needs of students in special education

• Engages in research to explore and obtain curricula to best support the teaching of all students receiving special education students

• Conducts campus and classroom visits and provides explicit feedback to campus administrators regarding special education programs and supports

• Collaborates with campus administrators in identifying and solving instructional problems

• Secures sources for and assists in the evaluation and selection of instructional programs, materials and equipment with regard to supporting the total special education instructional program

• Uses the findings of research and district studies to improve the content, sequence and outcomes of the teaching/learning process

• Demonstrates effective strategies, techniques and materials for improved instruction and classroom management

• Cooperates with school staff in provision and scheduling instructional activities to maximize learning outcomes

• Encourages and supports the development and implementation of effective instructional programs to achieve identified needs of students

• Assists in establishing continuity of methods, materials and effective strategies between special education programs and other educational programs in the district

Organization Improvement

The coordinator promotes leadership in efforts to improve the school or organization through activities such as the following:

• Provides professional development in areas such as, but not limited to IEP development, special education paperwork, conducting meaningful ARDs, increasing community engagement
• Evaluates programs for the purpose of carrying out and achieving the objectives of the special education department and District
• Uses formal and informal feedback from others to maintain or create positive climate
• Systematically assists in monitoring the…