The Education Specialist develops and implements Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) while providing specialized academic instruction to students with disabilities. They collaborate with general education facilitators and the CARE team to ensure an inclusive learning environment through modified curriculum and behavioral support.
Requirements summary
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree and valid California Special Education credentials, including Added Autism Authorization (AAAS). Experience in educating special needs students and successful completion of a student-teaching or internship program are required.
We employ a diverse, empathetic, and passionate team who value collaboration, integrity and the desire to be a servant leader. We are committed to excellence and work tirelessly to improve learner outcomes, by empowering learners through Project-Based Learning, Individualized Learning and Social-Emotional Learning. We are committed to being self-directed, participating in ongoing personal and professional development, problem solving, and embracing a growth mindset. With our unwavering commitment to excellence, we are confident that our team will thrive and succeed in all areas of their lives.
The opportunity (Position overview)
Reporting to the School Director and under the direction of the Director of Student Support, the Education Specialist will work in close collaboration with the classroom Facilitator supporting all students in a general education classroom. Within this framework, s/he will work directly with students that have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The Education Specialist will provide specialized instruction for students in accordance with the IEP and build effective relationships with all members of the IEP team.
The Education Specialist is encouraged to be a creative innovator that inspires and supports all education needs.
What you will do (Duties and responsibilities)
Plan, develop and implement IEPs collaboratively with an IEP Team when necessary for students assessed and identified with a disability.
Provide specific academic instruction for students with services established and documented on a students' IEP, and develop appropriate social, emotional and education objectives for each student.
Case manage and update IEPs throughout the school year to reflect learner’s progress toward meeting annual goals.
Confer and collaborate with IEP Teams (parents, facilitators, administrators and Care Team) to monitor and discuss updates and needed changes if appropriate.
Update IEPs throughout the school year to reflect learner’s progress and goals.
Consult with IEP team members to discuss learner’s progress and services.
Design collaboratively with General Education Facilitators (Teachers)/Education facilitators appropriate teaching strategies for their student body, adapting and modifying activities, lessons, curriculum and projects to meet the needs of all students in a full-inclusion learning environment.
Monitor, evaluate and document each learner's progress utilizing appropriate measurements and assessment devices.
Maintain regular communication with parents by providing support, coaching and understanding.
In accordance with classroom norms, carry out and enforce reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedures for maintaining a safe, secure and effective learning environment.
Maintain a current knowledge of special education best practices and trends.
Implement iLEAD’s inclusive practices to allow a safe, secure and effective learning environment through co-teaching models.
Provide crisis intervention and support as needed.
Establish a climate that promotes fairness, respect, social development, and responsibility.
Utilize necessary educational technology and computer applications.
Participate in the Student Study Team (SST) process and recommend interventions for your assigned grade level.
Collaboration with facilitator and CARE Team to provide accommodations and differentiate to meet learner needs
Provide crisis intervention, as needed.
Other responsibilities
Be self-directed by taking initiative and responsibility for your work.
Work in a collaborative, team based and innovative environment.
Commit to Excellence by seeking ways to improve and exceed expectations or Commit to excellence by seeking to raise the bar for self and team.
Prioritize the growth and needs of the team, lead by example, and foster a supportive work environment.
High level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness.
Approach problems and challenges with a human-centered creative mindset, seeks to understand, develops multiple solutions to find the best answer.
Helps create a positive culture by being committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion promoting ethical behavior and social responsibility within the workplace.
Be authentic, own your strengths and weaknesses, ask for help when needed, be honest and transparent in your communications, working towards common goals that are meaningful to you and the team.
Represent iLEAD and the school in which you work in a positive and professional manner in all interactions and communications.
Pursue continuous improvement and maintain professional competence through seeking out opportunities to develop new knowledge skills and perspectives. This includes participation in professional development activities offered and self-selected professional growth activities
Perform other responsibilities as defined by the designated supervisor.
Essential functions
Communicating with others to exchange information. (In Person/Telephone/Computer)
Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
Adjusting or moving objects up to 50 pounds in all directions.
When needed to support a school or education program, must have the ability to travel by public transit as well as operate a vehicle for self-transportation purposes between worksites.
Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
May encounter outdoor elements: high (>90)/low (<60) temperatures, precipitation and/or wind.
Ability to work in situations involving the need to make informed and quick decisions.
Ability to supervise/manage workers and delegate as needed in project management situations.
Reading detailed documentation and analyzing data sets.
Writing professionally, both by hand and utilizing computer software.
Speaking in public settings including making public presentations to large and small groups.
Dealing and navigating professionally through high-stress situations.
*The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees, but are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.
What you will bring (Qualifications)
Bachelor's Degree, including all courses to meet credential requirements.
Credential(s) to meet the requirement of the assignment as established by state and local governing boards.
Appropriate Special Education licensure and required credentials in the state of California, including AAAS (Added Autism Authorization).
Successful completion of a student-teaching/internship program is mandatory.
Experience in educating special needs students.
Proven effective classroom and learner behavior management skills.
Knowledge of current special education practices and methodologies.
Knowledge and understanding of state, local and federal regulations and policies affecting special education.
Knowledge of current special education technology applications.
iLEAD California is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering diversity within its staff.
iCA promotes equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. In doing so, we comply with local, state, and federal laws and regulations to ensure an equal employment opportunity for everyone. We don’t discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, ancestry, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, citizenship, military service obligation, veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. Our policies and personnel practices are intended to ensure that all of us are treated equally with regard to recruiting, hiring, and advancement, and our decisions on employment are made to further the principle of equal employment opportunities for employees.
