] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → INSTRUCTIONAL SPECIALIST, DIVISION OF PREKINDERGARTEN, SPECIAL PROGRAMS, AND RELATED SERVICES

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Instructional Specialist, Division of Prekindergarten, Special Programs, and Related Services

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Instructional Spec CODE: 0833 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Instructional Specialist, Division of Prekindergarten, Special Programs, and Related Services GRADE: BD MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction of the director of the Division of Prekindergarten, Special Programs, and Related Services (DPSPRS), supports implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and educational programs for students with disabilities provided in accordance with federal and state regulations. Major responsibilities include assisting the director in program planning and the day-to-day operations for running a division in special education; representing special education at Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meetings; coordinating and conducting staff development; monitoring data and preparing reports related to the provision of educational services to students with disabilities; and providing community outreach by consulting with parents and providing information about special education programs and initiatives to interested government and community groups.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of educational programming, federal/state legislation, and current research and trends in curriculum and instructional strategies related to special and general education students birth ¿ 21. Demonstrated leadership skills, ability to prepare written documents/reports and develop program materials. Ability to organize and implement professional development and collaborate with other departments to design staff development opportunities. Ability to work effectively with administrators, principals, teachers and parents to provide educational services for students with disabilities. Ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, database and assisistive technology tools. Excellent human relations, organizational, writing, communication and interpersonal skills. This position requires the knowledge and application of the six performance standards that have been established for the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Teacher Professional Growth System (TPGS).
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Master's degree in special education or related field from an accredited college or university. Course work in staff development and/or supervision desirable. Experience in program planning, class organization, teacher supervision and working with the public. Demonstrated successful experience preparing and analyzing data to improve educational outcomes, chairing IEP team meetings and working closely with the director to plan staff meetings. Training and experience in infusing strategies and technology in curriculum and instruction for students with disabilities. Demonstrated successful experience in planning, coordinating and conducting staff development. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Maryland APC for special education teacher or related field such as speech pathology, occupational therapy, psychology, occupational therapy or physical therapy preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) As required by the demands of the position.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Ability to work extra hours and attend evening and weekend classes, programs, or meetings as required.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Plans, implements, and monitors state and local special education mandates and programs.

Gathers and analyzes data regarding student outcomes to determine effective practices and program needs.

Helps directors, program supervisors, and school staff members analyze pertinent data (MCPS-AP, ECOR, MSA, ALT-MSA, etc.) and incorporate results into continuous improvement planning.

Participates in system-wide and community presentations to provide information and respond to questions about MCPS special education programs and services.

Coordinates activities and serves as liaison to other offices, departments divisions and/or units in MCPS, the community, and the Maryland State Department of Education.

Provides consultation, support, and technical assistance to administrators and school-based staff in program planning and service implementation.

Prepares and edits a variety of correspondence, reports, written proposals, brochures, and other documents.

Provides educational leadership and facilitates the coordination of special education services with other MCPS departments, units, and programs.

Assists in the preparation of the annual operating budget request, long-range facilities planning, and program development.

Keeps abreast of new program developments, reviews recent literature and research studies and reports, evaluates findings and suggests changes or modifications to improve existing programs.

Performs related work and other duties as required.
Class Established: 7/82
Date(s) Revised: 6/03, 5/04, 12/11
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.