Under the supervision of school administration, provides leadership to the special education department or program within high schools.  Serves as the liaison to the Division of School-Based Special Education Services.  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 within the department and the school, observes and analyzes instructional practices related to teacher professional growth and evaluation.

Knowledge of the MCPS curriculum, learning theory, differentiated instruction, data collection, and research based instructional practices. Thorough knowledge of the MCPS special education program, individual education programs (IEP), Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004), No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB 2001), and state and federal policies related to special education.  Ability to work well with students with disabilities, teachers, other professionals, administrators, and parents of students with disabilities. Ability to appropriately adapt instructional programs and materials to meet the needs of students with disabilities.  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 the Division of School-Based Special Education Services. Excellent oral and written communication and human relations skills.

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. Certification in a secondary content area is desirable. At least three years of successful classroom experience as a special education teacher. Experience working with children with varying special instructional needs. At least two different special education teaching experiences are desirable. 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.

Meets Maryland State Department of Education certification requirements for an Advanced Professional Certificate (APC) in special education.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assists special education teachers in new instructional strategies, classroom organization and management.

Appraises special education teachers of curriculum changes and requirements.  Ensures implementation of the MCPS curriculum.

Provides strategies and implements programs/practices for improving student achievement and school climate.

Works with administration and other departments/subject fields to prepare students for examinations and standardized tests.

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

Fosters cooperative relationships within department and school.  Collaborates with other department/ grade level teachers.

Works with department members, administration, and counselors in developing schedules and placing students in appropriate classes.

Develops a master schedule for assigned courses in collaboration with school administrators

Conducts departmental meetings on matters of student and program concerns. 

Manages the departmental budget.

Gives support to substitute teachers. 

Assists the principal in the selection and evaluation of department members. Observes instruction and writes observation reports for inclusion in teacher evaluation summaries.  Dialogues with consulting teachers and mentors assigned to teachers within the department.

Assists with hiring of new teachers and other staff as appropriate

Participates in the planning and implementation of professional development activities.

Analyzes data to help teachers improve areas of instruction.

Participates in the design and implementation of the local school improvement plan.

Conducts departmental meetings.

Serves as an active participant in Leadership Team or Instructional Council meetings.

Assists the administration, school financial staff, and teachers to select, order, and distribute instructional materials.

Coordinates the identification and instructional programming of special education students (e.g., IEP teams, testing, out-of-school referrals, student records, etc.).

Attends appropriate central office and school meetings, works with special education supervisors and instructional specialists.

Participates in student/teacher or parent/teacher conferences as needed.

Supervises special education paraeducators assigned to the department.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Class Established: 7/84
Date(s) Revised: 9/93, 11/94, 1/2008