Systems Support Specialist for Special Education

SUMMARY:  The Systems Support Specialist for Special Education will provide support and expertise for the implementation of inclusive practices for students with disabilities in the Arch Ford region.  This position will also provide support for novice Special Education teachers and collaborate with other specialists to ensure best practices in Special Education. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Communication of Services:
  
  
  
  • Communicate regularly with teachers and school, and district leaders to determine needs and provide services for inclusive practices, including with novice teachers.
  
  
  • Facilitate support for Inclusive practice processes at all levels of the system, including with Superintendents, Curriculum Coordinators, Principals, and AF Specialists. 
  
  
  • Collaborate with Arch Ford specialists and LEA Supervisors to ensure best practices in special education for all students.
  
  
  
  


• Continuous Professional Learning:
  
  
  
  • Maintain current knowledge of research and effective practices in the area of evidence-based, specially-designed instruction, high-leverage practices, and working with adult learners
  
  
  • Maintain knowledge and skill in mentoring and coaching processes
  
  
  • Maintain knowledge and skill in implementing and sustaining inclusion in schools.
  
  
  • Participate in specialist training provided by Arch Ford, attend conferences, professional development sessions, and commit to ongoing self-study
  
  
  • Stay current on the use of technology, including blended and virtual learning
  
  
  
  

• Program Development, Grant Writing, and Program Implementation and Evaluation:
  
  
  
  • Align all novice mentoring activities with the novice grant.
    
    
  
  
  
  


• Provide Training and Assistance:
  
  
  
  • Assist in instructional improvement through the use of inclusion
  
  
  • Design professional development sessions based on the identified needs of regional schools
  
  
  • Provide approved professional development, technical assistance, and targeted professional development based on needs assessment data from co-op member districts and schools
  
  
  • Provide individual, team, and/or full staff on-site assistance as needed
  
  
  • Provide professional development opportunities across the state in both face-to-face and online training modes
  
  
  • Collaborate with other Co-op Specialists to provide support and professional development for schools
  
  
  • Collaborate with university partners as needed
  
  
  • Support effective retention and recruitment strategies for educators and administrators
  
  
  
  


• Professionalism
  
  
  
  • Exhibit a positive attitude and professional style that contributes to the overall public perception of the Arch Ford Education Service Cooperative, including social media presence
  
  
  • Maintain accurate records to fulfill job requirements
  
  
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Hold a current Arkansas Teaching License in K-12 Special Education (required)


• 5+ years of experience working with students in special education settings, including inclusion (required)


• Experience in adult learning situations and team problem solving; Understanding of adult learning theory and successful experience in facilitating adult learning


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills


• Ability to be organized and self-directed


• Exhibit professional writing skills


• Knowledge of current research and best practices in special education


• Fluent skills in the use of current technology in instruction and communication with administrators, and the ability to learn emerging technologies


• Strong knowledge of specially designed instruction, high-leverage practices, and inclusive practices

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Specialist will be required to stand for longer periods of time to provide professional learning opportunities to teachers (approximately 6 hours per day), walk to interact with teachers, sit, stoop, or crouch


• Use hands to handle or feel, type, and pick up objects, and reach with hands and arms


• Effective Oral and Written Communication  


• Ability to access, input, and retrieve information from the computer.


• Ability to drive to provide support on-site for districts


• Frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds

Other information:

This position requires daily travel within the Arch Ford region to area schools.