] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

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

Sorted by job title: A - C | D - H | I - Q | R - Z

Instructional Specialist, Special Education

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Instructional Spec CODE: 0833 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Instructional Specialist, Special Education GRADE: BD MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction of the director of the Department of Special Education Services (DSES), is 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. Provides technical and instructional support to schools regarding the identification, evaluation, and placement of students with disabilities. Works collaboratively with school-based administrators, teachers, and parents/guardians to effectively design, implement and monitor student achievement and progress. Serves on a variety of central office and school-based committees, and provides professional learning sessions on effective strategies to promote the academic and behavioral progress of students with disabilities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of current research and trends in instructional and behavioral strategies for special education students ages 3 to 21. Knowledge of evidence/research-based academic intervention and instructional strategies. Knowledge of effective instructional practices. Knowledge of COMAR, IDEA, and other legislation that impacts special education services. Thorough knowledge of IEPs, special education learning theory, differentiated instruction, data collection, specially designed instructional practices, and research-based reading and mathematics tier 3 instructional supports and interventions. Ability to appropriately adapt instructional programs and materials for students receiving special education services. Ability to use the Maryland Online Individualized Education Program (IEP) Tool, word processing, spreadsheet, database, and assistive technologies. Ability to contribute to grant writing and progress monitoring. Ability to work effectively with adults in a professional learning community, 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. Ability to develop, coordinate, and implement professional learning activities. Ability to work effectively with teachers, social workers and psychologists, principals, and parents/guardians to provide students with appropriate services. Ability to plan and coordinate school-based and central office meetings. Demonstrated ability to collect and analyze data, work with Access and Excel databases, use standardized audit tools, and analyze data reports. Demonstrated knowledge/ability to analyze scheduling at all three levels to determine opportunities for increased inclusion and advancement of access for all students to rigorous coursework. Excellent oral/written communication and interpersonal 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 in special education from an accredited college or university. Five or more years training and experience in assessment, diagnosis, and programming for students with disabilities Grades K-12. Experience chairing IEP meetings. Demonstrated successful experience in planning, coordinating, and conducting professional learning activities. Five or more years of classroom experience working with students with a variety of disabilities, preferably in Grades K-12. 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: Must meet State of Maryland teacher certification requirements for special education teacher, or a related field. Special education teacher, K through12 certificate, desirable.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) As required by the duties and responsibilities of the position.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) None
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Consult to schools to support the professional development, identification and implementation of tier 3 academic interventions. Supports school leaders and staff in the implementation of curriculum and assessment of student learning, including providing professional development as needed and real-time feedback on instructional practices. Supports teacher leaders with strategies/professional learning to develop organizational processes and practices within departments/teams to enhance communication, coordination, and collaboration. Supports teacher leaders and school teams to develop positive social/emotional learning environments that increase teacher wellness and promote relational trust to advance quality of collaboration. Supports teacher leaders with advancing their ability to plan, lead, and facilitate meetings. Supports teacher leaders with assessing professional learning needs, developing a professional learning sequence in alignment with school improvement plans, and create differentiated learning opportunities for staff as needed. Provides input into the development of district programs and professional learning to support student well-being and academic achievement. Utilizes student-learning data, evaluating data from the students in the Five Focus Groups and aligned to the Equity Achievement Framework, to inform district programming, professional development, and support to local school improvement plans. Supports schools in using Evidence of Learning data to inform local decision-making on first instruction, student well-being, academic interventions, and parent/guardian engagement. Consults and supports school teams on appropriate behavioral management and academic supports and interventions for struggling learners. Uses knowledge of Universal Design for Learning, effective differentiation, and equitable practices to support schools. Provides teacher leaders with coaching strategies to support individual teachers who are struggling with the delivery of content and instruction, quality of classroom environment and management, and delivery and analysis of student assessment data. Works closely with teacher leaders and school staff members to support implementation of high leverage instructional practices. Collaborates within the Office of Teaching and Learning and across central office to support system priorities. Perform related work as required.

Class Established: 7/82
Date(s) Revised: 6/2011, 7/2015, 11/17; 6/2020, 6/2022
Last Reviewed: 7/14

This description may be changed at any time.