VESTAVIA HILLS CITY SCHOOLS
JOB TITLE: Exceptional Education Specialist
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree in special education from an accredited institution is preferred.
- Valid Alabama teacher’s certificate in special education.
- Minimum of three (3) years successful classroom experience in special education.
- Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
- Must meet background clearance requirements as specified by Alabama statutes and State Board of Education regulations.
FLSA: Exempt
REPORTS TO: Principal
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the system’s approved compensation plan.
Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the system.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Demonstrates support for the school system and its vision, goals and priorities.
- Provides leadership in developing and promoting the mission and vision of the special education services department.
- Works with principals and teachers in organizing and coordinating grade level and department meetings to encourage continuity of instructional programs between and among grades and schools.
- Disseminates information to teachers, principals, other stakeholders, and colleagues about the latest laws, research, and trends in special education.
- Reviews federal and state regulations and other information applicable to the program area(s).
- Assists and advises teachers in implementing instructional strategies and in developing and implementing IEPs.
- Assists director in organizing and conducting regular meetings with staff members and others to communicate program plans and policies, receive input, and facilitate sharing of ideas.
- Accurately prepares reports, memoranda, guidelines or other documents that communicate information clearly and adequately.
- Provides appropriate advice on application and interpretation of laws, policies, procedures, etc.
- Monitors progress of program implementation, evaluates results, and recommends changes and improvements.
- Assists the director in evaluating program and compliance with the terms of federal, state, and/or grant funding guidelines or other applicable regulations.
- Regularly attends and participates in staff meetings.
- Identifies staff training needs by evaluating pertinent program data
- and information from other sources.
- Effectively develops and evaluates appropriate training curricula and materials individually or in conjunction with other staff and agencies.
- Effectively presents in a clear and concise manner training sessions that meet identified needs.
- Regularly attends internal and external educational programs and professional meetings as needed.
- Reads and evaluates professional literature on a continual basis.
- Collaborates when assigned with school board attorneys.
- Assists attorneys with witness interviews and evidence preparation as needed.
- Examines special education or related school system documents,
- communications, and publications for accuracy/inaccuracy.
- Facilitates effective professional development for stakeholders to improve procedural and instructional practices.
- Assists with data entry into Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) software/database programs and monitors/supervises the special education data input by school staff and other designated personnel.
- Assists school and system personnel in establishing goals and methods for meeting accountability targets for special education students.
- Collaborates with school system testing staff, special staff, and State Department of Education officials to implement, monitor, and evaluate the effectiveness of assessment programs for special education students.
- Collaborates with school administrators, regular education departments (Career Tech Education (CTE), curriculum and instruction, English as a Second Language (ESL), fine arts, athletics, transportation, Child Nutrition (CNP), etc.) exceptional education teachers, and parents to facilitate inclusion and participation for students with disabilities in the instructional programs and extracurricular activities of the school in accordance with applicable law.
- Maintains confidentiality regarding school/workplace matters in accordance with state and federal law.
- Demonstrates initiative in identifying opportunities for improvement in areas of responsibility.
- Responds to inquiries and requests in a timely and positive manner.
- Properly cares for equipment and material resources of the school system.
- Uses effective collaboration skills to work as an effective team member.
- Adheres to school system rules, administrative procedures, local Board policies, and state, federal, and local laws.
- Reports absences and takes leave in accordance with Board policies and procedures.
- Assumes other reasonable and equitable job-related duties assigned by the immediate supervisor.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Demonstrated knowledge of special education law and procedures.
- Demonstrated proficiency in oral and written communication skills.
- Effective interpersonal skills, with an emphasis on communication and collaboration with a wide variety of people and groups.
- Ability to develop curriculum and programming specific to the needs of students with disabilities.
- Ability to plan and provide relevant professional development to administrators and staff regarding special education issues.
- Ability to use technology to communicate, to manage data, and to produce/submit required reports, correspondence, and/or financial information.
- Ability to be punctual and in regular attendance.
- Physical and emotional ability and dexterity to perform required work and move about as needed in a fast-paced, high-intensive work environment.
EVALUATION:
Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on evaluation of personnel.
This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job qualifications and responsibilities, and the employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned. The Vestavia Hills City Board of Education reserves the right to amend the job description as needed.
SOURCE: Vestavia Hills City Schools, Vestavia, Alabama
Vestavia Hills City Schools (VHCS) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Meredith Hanson, Director of Personnel/Section 504/Title IX Coordinator, at 1204 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit https://ocrcas.ed.gov/contact-ocr for the address and phone number of the office that serves your area, or call 1-800-421-3481.
