| Summary Description: Under the supervision of school administration, provides leadership to the Department of Special Education (DSES) or program within elementary schools. Serves as the liaison to the DSES. Supports special education classroom teachers in the instructional program and planning for appropriate learning experiences for students with disabilities. Serves as an instructional role model, supports the development of a professional learning community (PLC) within the department and the school, informally observes and analyzes instructional practices related to teacher professional growth and performs informal evaluations. Serves as an active participant on the school-based leadership team in analyzing student achievement data and supporting teachers with instructional strategies.
Physical Demands: As required by the duties and responsibilities of the job.
Special Requirements: Required to attend school meetings, programs, and activities outside the instructional day as mandated by the Montgomery County Education Association agreement. Teachers 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. Teachers in these identified schools and programs will be required to support behavioral interventions. |
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KNOWLEDGE SKILLS ABILITIES: Knowledge of the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) curriculum, differentiated instruction, data collection, and research-based instructional and behavioral practices. Thorough knowledge of the MCPS special education program, discrete services, extension programs and explicit knowledge of developing and monitoring the Individualized Education Programs (IEP), Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004). Knowledge of the Maryland Blueprint for Education and the Maryland Transforms initiative and their implications for program implementation, accountability, and continuous improvement within Montgomery County Public Schools. Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, and implement short- and long-range office and systemwide initiatives related to special education Ability to work well with elementary school level students with disabilities, teachers, other professionals, administrators, and parents/guardians of students with disabilities. Ability to conduct and lead IEP team meetings ensuring the transfer of timely, appropriate and legally mandated information and deliverables. Ability to appropriately adapt instructional programs and materials to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Ability to work effectively with adults in a PLC; observe and analyze teaching skills, and assess delivery of curriculum to students with disabilities; current in best instructional practices; collaborates with all aspects of the school community and DSES. Excellent oral and written skills to collaborate with families, school and central office staff, and external partners. Knowledge of and the ability to apply the six performance standards established for the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Teacher Professional Growth System (TPGS). |
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EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE; CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Education Training Experience: Master’s degree or Masters equivalency from an accredited college or university in special education, educational administration and supervision, or a related service provider field (SLP, OT, PT etc). Three years or more of successful classroom experience as a special education teacher at the elementary school level working with students with varying special instructional needs. 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 License: Meets Maryland State Department of Education certification requirements for an Advanced Professional Certificate (APC) in special education. Completion of OAT 1 is recommended. |
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Example Duties: 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.)• Assists special education teachers in implementing effective instructional strategies, classroom organization, behavioral supports, and classroom management techniques to improve student outcomes.• Supports the implementation of the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) curriculum and apprises staff of curriculum changes, instructional expectations, and program requirements.• Provides strategies and supports the implementation of programs and practices to improve student achievement, engagement, and school climate.• Serves as the primary staff member responsible for ensuring fidelity and compliance with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including monitoring implementation, service delivery, accommodations, and progress reporting.• Collaborates with school administrators, general education teachers, and other staff to support inclusive practices and prepare students for assessments and standardized testing.• Serves as a liaison between the special education department, school administration, and central services staff, including supervisors, directors, instructional specialists, and cross-functional teams (CFTs).• Fosters collaborative and cooperative relationships within the department and across the school community.• Collaborates with department members, counselors, and administrators to develop master schedules, assign courses, and ensure appropriate student placement based on IEPs.• Coordinates the identification, evaluation, and instructional programming of students with disabilities, including participation in IEP meetings, eligibility discussions, and service planning.• Conducts and participates in departmental, leadership team, instructional council, and IEP meetings to address student needs and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.• Assists in analyzing student performance data to support instructional decision-making and improve teaching practices.• Participates in the design, implementation, and monitoring of the school improvement plan and special education program goals.• Supports the planning and delivery of professional learning opportunities for special education staff and collaborates with consulting teachers and mentors.• Assists the principal and administrative team in the selection, onboarding, and evaluation of department staff, including informally observing instruction and contributing to evaluation processes as appropriate. This position does not conduct formal observations or evaluations.• Supervises and supports special education paraeducators, including providing guidance on instructional practices and student support strategies.• Assists with managing departmental resources, including supporting budget planning, ordering, and distribution of instructional materials and assistive resources.• Supports substitute teachers by providing guidance, materials, and continuity of instruction.• Participates in student, parent/guardian, and teacher conferences as needed to support student progress and communication.• Attends school-based and central office meetings and collaborates with supervisors, instructional specialists, and central services staff to ensure alignment of programs and services.• A typical workday may include providing direct instruction through small-group or pull-out interventions, co-teaching in general education classrooms, facilitating or delivering professional development, attending district-level resource teacher trainings, and leading or participating in IEP meetings to ensure compliance and high-quality programming.• Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position |
