] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → INSTRUCTIONAL SPECIALIST, SPECIAL EDUCATION CENTRAL OFFICE, DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICE

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Instructional Specialist, Special Education Central Office, Department of Special Education Service

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Instructional Spec CODE: 0833 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Instructional Specialist, Special Education Central Office, Department of Special Education Service GRADE: BD MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction of the director of special education in the Department of Special Education Services, assists with the day-to-day operations and coordination of the department. Responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), in accordance with federal/state regulations to ensure the provision of services for students with disabilities. Major responsibilities include grant and budget development, general correspondence, and requests for Change of School Assignment (COSA).Works collaboratively with school-based administrators, teachers and parents/guardians to facilitate student access to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment. Serves on a variety of central office and school-based committees, provides professional learning sessions in collaboration with other offices, and monitors the compliance of schools to ensure IDEA and the State Performance Plan targets are 100 percent compliant. Ability to lead and manage department projects. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of current research and trends in curriculum and instructional strategies for special education students ages 3¿21. Knowledge of IDEA. Ability to use the OSS/Tool, word processing, spreadsheet, database and assistive technologies. Ability to develop, coordinate, and implement professional learning opportunities. Ability to work effectively with teachers, principals, parents/guardians, and community members to provide students with appropriate services. Ability to plan and coordinate central office meetings. Ability to lead and manage department projects. Ability to draft written correspondence and reports. Excellent oral/written communication and interpersonal skills.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Masters degree in special education from an accredited college or university and training and experience in assessment, diagnosis, and programming for students with disabilities in Grades K to 12. Experience in chairing Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. Demonstrated successful experience in planning, coordinating, and conducting professional learning activities. A minimum of five years of outstanding classroom experience working with students with a variety of disabilities, preferably in Grades K to 12. Knowledge of effective instructional practices. Central office experience is strongly preferred. 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: Meets Maryland State Department of Education teacher certification requirements for special education teacher or for a related field. Special education teacher K to 12 certificate desirable.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) As required by the duties and responsibilities of the job.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Ability to conduct evening or weekend public information sessions.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Works collaboratively with cluster and program special education supervisors to ensure the provision of services for students with disabilities.

Designs, coordinates, and conducts professional learning activities.

Works closely with school-based special and general teachers to develop, design, and implement IEPs.

Provides consultation and support to administrators and teachers in program planning and curriculum implementation for students with disabilities.

Participates in systemwide and community presentations to regarding the provision of services for students with disabilities in MCPS.

Participates in the analysis of data in order to guide decision-making, grant development, professional learning opportunities, and setting priorities in strategic planning.

Leads and manages assigned department projects.

Prepares drafts of correspondence in response to inquiries, letters to the public, memoranda, etc.

Performs a variety of duties to support the Office of Special Education.
Class Established: 7/82
Date(s) Revised: 6/03, 6/04, 6/11, 6/12, 3/2017
Last Reviewed: 12/12

This description may be changed at any time.