Program Specialist, SPED

Function: Academic Support

Family: Special Education Programs & Services

Reports to: Special Education Director

Terms of Employment:

Pay Grade: E17 Minimum Salary: * $63,420 Mid-Point Salary: $77,053

• Salary is determined on directly related experience supported by a service record or experience affidavit. For

more information on our pay policy, please refer to the Compensation Resource Manual. Annualized pay may

be pro-rated based on actual start date.

Minimum

Work Days:

210 Type of Assignment: Full-Time; Exempt Contract Type: Probationary-

Other

Professional

Additional stipend of $7,500.00 for Program Specialist duties.

Funding

Source:

This position is locally funded

Job Scope

Uses significant independent judgment and familiarity with the field to perform work. May be responsible for the

administration of various moderate and high complexity departmental programs and may lead a group of

employees. May develop policies and procedures and oversee the implementation and execution of them.

Position Summary

Work in collaboration with district and campus staff to develop, monitor and support district special education

programs for academic and post-secondary success for students with disabilities. This position will work in close

partnership with special education directors to provide general and specialized professional development,

recommendations for programming and placement, interventions, and intensive programs of instruction. The

incumbent will assist the district to comply with state and federal requirements for special education. Specialized

knowledge related to specific programs ranging from the least to the most restrictive environment will be utilized

to develop and maintain effective instructional practices for children.

Essential Functions / Key Responsibilities

1. Assist the director to develop and monitor implementation of the assigned special education program.

2. Observe classroom instruction and provide coaching and implementation support for teachers in the

assigned special education program.

1. Provide instructional leadership and support to teachers and administrators by modeling effective

teaching within the classroom.

1. Monitor the implementation and use of gradual release of responsibility instructional format in the

program assigned.

1. Notify director and coordinator of the needs of campuses.

2. Ensure use of best practices in program assigned.

3. Assist campuses with data analysis and the development of action plans in response to the data.

4. Utilize technology to assist with individual coaching sessions.

5. Provide support to school personnel in order to ensure compliance with local, state and federal special

education policies and procedures in assigned school and/or facilities.

1. Identify and analyze barriers to implementation of program goals and assist to design effective solutions.

2. Support the goals of the Department of Special Education and provide assistance with organizational

needs upon request.

1. Develop and provide professional development to campus and district staff for best practices, strategies,

and instruction in area assigned.

1. Attend in-service training to maintain current knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to job

assignment and encourage teacher participation in workshops and conferences.

1. Disseminate information on current trends and research in behavior intervention and PBIS.

2. Use effective communication skills, written and oral, to present information accurately and clearly to

students, parents, and staff.

1. Foster and maintain effective, positive relationship with campus staff, district staff, parents, and students.

2. Compile, maintain and file all reports, records, and other required documents.

3. Attend and participate in Special Education Department meetings and serve on committees, as required.

4. Extended work hours and/or work weeks are required throughout the year

5. Performs other related duties as assigned within the appropriate skill and experience capabilities

expected for this position.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or 4 years equivalent experience.
• 3+ years teaching
• Valid Texas Teacher certification or endorsement from TEA in special education
• Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee

(approximately $50.00) paid by the employee

Preferred Requirements

• Master's Degree from an accredited college or university
• 5+ years teaching

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• ARD/IEP management software
• In depth knowledge in one or more of the following:
• Life Skills/Autism
• Self-contained settings for children with emotional/behavioral challenges
• Early childhood programs (years 3-5)
• Inclusive settings for children with disabilities
• Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports/Behavior Specialist Programs
• Knowledge of state and federal mandates, as they apply to special education
• Knowledge of state and district policies, procedures and regulations regarding special education and

students with disabilities

• Knowledge of curriculum standards, best practices and appropriate curriculum

accommodations/modifications for special education, grades PK through 12

• Knowledge of various special education eligibility conditions and the challenges to learning

• Basic computer skills

• Strong organization and communication (written and oral)

• Ability to work cooperatively with staff, students and parents
• Ability to adjust to and be flexible in a multitude of situations in the school environment
• Strong knowledge in the areas of special education services and regular education with content expertise

in English, Math, Science or Social Studies

• Comply with the Texas Educators' Code of Ethics
• Demonstrate the following core values: integrity, high expectations, commitment, respect, dedication to

teamwork and passion for a student-centered environment

• Daily attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job
• •

Working Conditions

Work Environment:

• Computer, computer software programs and peripherals, teacher resource materials and

equipment, copier, fax, and other equipment applicable to position.

• Frequent exposure to: temperature extremes (hot and cold), humidity extremes, noise. Occasional

exposure to: biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, insects, mold, fungi, etc.

Physical Demands/Requirements:

• Maintain emotional control under stress; work with frequent interruptions/deadlines; frequent sitting,

standing, walking, climbing, balancing, pulling and pushing; reaching, repetitive hand motions, hearing,

speaking clearly, visual acuity and prolonged data input; occasional lift/carry light, moderate 15-44 pounds.

Supervisory Responsibilities / Direct Reports

• None

San Antonio ISD is committed to non-discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, culture, religion,

national origin, age, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, appearance,

immigration/citizenship status, home language, socioeconomic status, or disability in its educational programs,

services, and District business functions.