Teacher Specialist - Assistive Technology

Starting Date: Immediately

Full-Time and Permanent;
Exempt; 7.5 Hours/Day; 220 Days/Year (11 months)

This is a specialized instructional support position assigned to Learning Support–Special Education Services to provide district-level leadership and support to schools in meeting the assistive (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). of students with disabilities. The employee assists school teams in identifying, selecting, implementing, and monitoring AT that supports students’ access to instruction, participation, communication, and progress in the general curriculum and educational environment.

The position works under the direction of the assigned Senior Coordinator.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree or higher in Education, Speech, OT, PT, or Assistive Technology preferred;
• Virginia teaching license with an endorsement in special education or Virginia Health Professions license valid for school-based services;
• Three years of successful school-based experience in special education;
• Ability to travel to schools and other district locations, including possession of a valid Virginia driver’s license and access to personal transportation;
• Personal characteristics conducive to working effectively with students, teachers, school personnel, community groups, and parents/guardians.

KNOWLEDGE & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of the special education process, including state and federal requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504;
• Knowledge of AT devices, software, and access features across a range of low- through high-technology options, and of how AT can support access to curriculum, communication, participation, and independence;
• Knowledge of effective teaching strategies, classroom accommodations and modifications, and varied assessment techniques relevant to students’ access needs;
• Assists school teams in assessing student needs and considering, recommending, implementing, and monitoring appropriate AT services, devices, and software for students with an IEP or Section 504 Plan;
• Assists in the development and delivery of district-wide professional development and training related to assistive technology and its integration into instruction, periodically throughout the school year. Provides building-level, small-group, individual, and parent/guardian training as appropriate;
• Develops or supports the development of training materials, guidance, and resources that promote effective and consistent AT practices across schools;
• Provides consultation, coaching, and technical assistance to teachers, related service providers, administrators, and school teams regarding AT selection, implementation, troubleshooting, and integration into classroom instruction and student routines;
• Provides functional leadership and coaching to school-based teams. Observes AT use in educational settings and provides feedback to support implementation and student access. This coaching is intended to strengthen practice and does not, by itself, constitute formal personnel evaluation;
• Collaborates with school staff, related service providers, families, and other district departments, as appropriate, to address AT needs and support continuity when students transition between classrooms, programs, schools, or agencies;
• Participates in IEP and Section 504 meetings, as requested, and assists teams in connecting AT decisions to student needs, educational goals, accommodations, and available data;
• Demonstrates knowledge of data collection and analysis and uses relevant information about student access, participation, and use of AT to inform recommendations and implementation support;
• Accurately observes, documents, and reports student progress and use of…