Arlington Public Schools
Location
Arlington, Virginia
The Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) Specialist will provide instructional expertise and coaching to K-12 special education teachers to ensure effective specially designed instruction for students with disabilities. They will also collaborate with school teams to develop action plans and instructional recommendations to improve student outcomes.
Candidates must have a Master's degree in special education or a related field and a minimum of five years of successful experience in a special education role. Comprehensive knowledge of special education laws and strong skills in instructional coaching and data analysis are also required.
Arlington Public Schools (APS) announces openings for four (4) Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) Specialist. This a 12-Month E-10 position
The Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) Specialist will be responsible for providing instructional expertise and coaching to K-12 special education teachers to ensure high-quality and effective specially designed instruction for students with disabilities as indicated on the IEP. An essential role is to build educator capacity to adapt content, methodology, and delivery so students make progress in the general curriculum and meet grade-level standards through the development of standards-based IEPs, data analysis, implementation of targeted interventions, analysis of school-wide trends in instruction, and making recommendations about instructional programming to meet the needs of students with disabilities. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Provides coaching, technical assistance, and instructional support to special education teachers in the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of specially designed instruction (SDI) in alignment with IDEA requirements and student IEPs.
Models and supports the implementation of evidence-based instructional practices, including explicit instruction, differentiated instruction, scaffolding, co-teaching models, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), assistive technology integration, and targeted interventions that support students’ academic achievement, behavioral needs, emotional regulation, and organizational skills.
Assists teachers in developing instructional practices and lesson designs that provide students with disabilities meaningful access to grade-level curriculum and inclusive learning environments.
Conducts classroom observations, instructional walkthroughs, and implementation reviews to assess the effectiveness of SDI and inclusive instructional practices. Collaborates with principals, teachers, and school teams to develop action plans and instructional recommendations designed to improve student outcomes and strengthen instructional delivery.
Supports the development and implementation of standards-based Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including present levels of academic achievement and functional performance, measurable annual goals, accommodations, supplementary aids and services, and progress monitoring methods aligned to student needs.
Reviews IEPs, student records, and instructional data to provide recommendations for IEP team consideration regarding least restrictive environment (LRE), scheduling, service delivery, and instructional supports that maximize access to general education curriculum and instruction.
Designs, coordinates, and delivers professional development and technical assistance related to SDI, inclusive instructional practices, co-teaching, assessment participation, accommodations, progress monitoring, data collection, and instructional decision-making.
Collaborates with school leadership teams to support implementation of IEPs, targeted professional development, instructional interventions, and coaching supports designed to improve compliance and instructional effectiveness.
Supports the collection, analysis, and interpretation of student performance data using curriculum-based measures, progress monitoring tools, and other instructional data sources to assist school teams in selecting, implementing, and intensifying interventions aligned with IEP goals and student needs.
Advises school teams regarding state and local assessment participation requirements, including the Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP), and monitors implementation fidelity of testing accommodations and instructional supports.
Maintains documentation related to coaching activities, classroom observations, professional development sessions, implementation monitoring, and instructional support activities.
Prepares reports, summaries, and related documentation for division leadership and contributes to state reporting requirements, including Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) indicator reporting.
Performs other duties as assigned to support school-based and division-wide implementation of specially designed instruction, instructional coaching initiatives, compliance with special education requirements, and efforts to improve student access, engagement, and achievement.
Required knowledge, skills, and abilities
Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state special education laws, regulations, and procedures, including IDEA requirements, Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) regulations and guidance, specially designed instruction (SDI), least restrictive environment (LRE), assessment participation requirements, accommodations and modifications, procedural safeguards, and evidence-based instructional and behavioral practices for students with disabilities.
Demonstrated skill in instructional coaching, professional development design and delivery, co-planning and co-teaching practices, data analysis, progress monitoring, behavior intervention supports, and implementation of culturally responsive and inclusive instructional practices.
Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with staff, families, administrators, and multidisciplinary teams.
Ability to interpret and apply special education regulations and instructional guidance to classroom practice; support teachers in implementing effective instructional strategies and interventions; build collaborative relationships across diverse school communities; manage multiple assignments, school sites, and timelines; maintain accurate records and documentation; and exercise sound professional judgment in supporting compliance with procedural safeguards and the provision of a free appropriate public education (FAPE).
Education: Master’s degree in special education, curriculum & instruction, or related field;
Minimum of five (5) years of successful experience as a special education teacher, instructional specialist, or related instructional support role in a public-school setting, including experience implementing specially designed instruction (SDI), accommodations, and evidence-based instructional practices for students with disabilities.
Possession of or eligibility for a Virginia Postgraduate Professional License with a required endorsement in Special Education (e.g., General Curriculum or Adapted Curriculum).
based on the 26/27 pay plan.
Arlington Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer It is the policy of the Arlington School Board, as stated in Policy G-2.30, Employee Relations – Equal Employment Opportunity - that “Employment opportunities shall not be restricted, abridged or otherwise adversely affected on the basis of race, national origin, creed, color, religion, gender, age, economic status, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, and/or disability.”
Market context
Virginia districts often seek experienced special education leaders who can support compliance, coaching, and student outcomes. This role is competitive because it requires a master’s degree, five years of successful special education experience, and strong knowledge of special education law, instructional coaching, and data analysis. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to examples of coaching, compliance, and data-driven instruction.
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