Job Description

Position Title: Special Education Specialist

Department: Special Education

Supervisor: Director of Special Education

Term of Employment: 9 Months

Salary Classification: Teacher Salary Schedule + Stipend

Job Summary: The person in this role provides instructional, compliance, and programmatic support to school sites to ensure effective implementation of special education services. This role collaborates with teachers, service providers, and administrators to develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), enhance instructional practices, and ensure adherence to federal and state regulations. As a key partner in advancing district-wide special education initiatives, this position promotes evidence-based strategies and drives efforts to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include, but are not limited to, the following tasks, duties, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents in this class.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES generally include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

• Serve as a member of the school and district special education leadership teams and participate in department meetings and initiatives.
• Act as a resource and support to site and district administrators for program decisions, instructional planning, and individual student needs.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of compliant and effective Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Provide instructional leadership and program oversight by regularly visiting assigned schools to observe classrooms, model lessons, coach staff, and support special education programming while building strong, collaborative relationships.
• Support/Facilitate complex school-level special education meetings to ensure alignment of practices and procedures.
• Participate in the development, maintenance, and review of special education policies and procedures.
• Provide guidance on service delivery, instructional strategies, behavior supports, and evidence-based practices.
• Assist with progress monitoring, data analysis, and instructional planning to support individualized student needs.
• Ensure adherence to IDEA, Arizona Revised Statutes, and district policies; support referral, evaluation, and placement processes.
• Design and deliver school and district-wide professional development, including new teacher orientation and ongoing in-service training for special education staff and building personnel, aligned district and special education department goals.
• Provide guidance to parents regarding special education services and collaborate with school teams and families to plan appropriate support.
• Maintain communication logs of interactions with staff and parents and contribute to department communications (e.g., newsletters).
• Assist with coordinating and supporting the administration of district and state assessments.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including participation in committees, assistive technology initiatives, and curriculum collaboration.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Knowledge of Special Education delivery systems, Arizona Standards, and federal/state compliance requirements (IDEA, FAPE).
• Understanding of curriculum design, instructional strategies, behavioral interventions, and classroom management for exceptional learners.
• Ability to model and articulate special education concepts, laws, and best practices for staff and stakeholders.
• Skill in analyzing assessments, curriculum, and instructional plans to support individualized and differentiated instruction.
• Ability to design and implement professional development programs aligned with compliance and instructional improvement.
• Working knowledge of technology applications for special education, including IEP systems and instructional tools.
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills to support teacher development and program implementation.
• Skill in maintaining effective communication with administrators, staff, parents, and community partners.
• Proficiency in using data and technology to monitor progress, ensure compliance, and enhance instructional practices.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Must possess a current State of Arizona Department of Education certificate related to Special Education OR a current Arizona license to deliver OT, PT, Speech, or Counseling services AND a minimum of five (5) years of experience, OR any equivalent combination of experience and education from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess or obtain an Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Must be able to pass a background clearance check.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain an Arizona driver's license.