] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → PROGRAM SPECIALIST, SPECIAL EDUCATION ES

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Program Specialist, Special Education ES

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Sp Ed Elem Prgrm Spec CODE: 1024 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Program Specialist, Special Education ES GRADE: AD MONTHS: 10
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction of the school principal and special education supervisor, plans and provides for appropriate learning experiences for students with disabilities, coordinates the school-based special education program including placement of students within the building, selection of instructional materials, and development of individual student instructional plans. Provides staff members with professional development activities to promote effective instructional strategies.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) K¿8 curriculum, learning theory, differentiated instruction, data collection, and research-based instructional practices. Thorough knowledge of the MCPS special education program, Individualized Education Program (IEP), Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA 2015), Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004), and state and federal policies related to special education. Ability to work well with students with disabilities, teachers, other professionals, administrators, and parents/guardians of students with disabilities. Ability to appropriately adapt instructional programs and materials to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Good organizational skills. Excellent oral and written communication and human relations skills. . Knowledge of and the ability to apply the six performance standards established for the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Teacher Professional Growth System (TPGS).
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Master's degree or Master's equivalency from an accredited college or university in special education, guidance, general education, educational administration and supervision, or a related field. Three years or more of classroom experience as a special education teacher working with students with disabilities. Two years distinctly different special education teaching experiences 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 certification requirements for an Advanced Professional Certificate (APC) in special education. Certification in elementary education preferred.
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.) Required to attend school meetings, programs, and activities outside the instructional day as mandated by the Montgomery County Education Association agreement. Program Specialists employed in special education schools or discrete special education service models are required to successfully complete specific courses provided by MCPS. The courses are designed to meet the needs of students with disabilities, particularly courses in behavioral management which include nonviolent crisis interventions. Program Specialists in these identified schools and programs will be required to support behavioral interventions.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Note: (Incumbents may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or ability associated with this classification, but is intended to accurately reflect the core job elements.)

Serves as liaison between school staff members and school administration including special education supervisor.

Works with school staff members, administration, and counselors in developing individual student and teacher schedules and placing students in appropriate classes.

Prepares for IEP team meetings and coordinates case management.

Assists classroom teachers in selecting, locating, and securing instructional materials.


Assists classroom teachers in selecting professional development activities that will enhance their skills and knowledge of the curriculum and strategies that will enable students with disabilities to access the general education curriculum.

Interprets both formal, informal, and classroom-based assessment for students to make instructional decisions.

Collects data regarding student performance so as to improve student outcomes and direct instruction.

Selects and adapts materials to assist students with disabilities to access the general education curriculum.

Conducts departmental meetings designed to advance teacher knowledge in the areas of instruction, best practices, differentiated instruction, changes in educational policy, and other information related to classroom instruction and programming for students with disabilities.

Supports substitute teachers.

Assists the principal in the selection of department members.

Provides observation and analysis of teaching and instructional practices to the principal.

Participates in the planning of school professional development activities and participates in in-service activities.

Coordinates the identification and instructional programming of students with disabilities.

Participates as member of the school-based IEP team.

Coordinates formal and informal assessments.

Collects data used for instructional decisions.

Supervises and plans for the continuing professional development of paraeducators assigned to the department.

Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.
Class Established: 5/02
Date(s) Revised: 7/07, 1/08, 11/17
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.