Job Description

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: Under direction of the Supervisor of the Physical Disabilities Services Unit within the Division of Prekindergarten, Special Programs, and Related Services (DPSPRS), supports implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and educational programs for students with disabilities provided in accordance with federal and state regulations. The Interdisciplinary Augmentative Communication and Technology (InterACT) team consists of speech/language pathologists, occupational therapists, a physical therapist, special educators, and technical support assistants. InterACT collaborates with school teams to support MCPS students with significant communication disabilities, provides professional development opportunities, and supports the development of adapted materials to enable students to participate in the curriculum. Major responsibilities include: Guiding the operations of the Team under the supervision of the Supervisor of the Physical Disabilities Services Unit. Acquisition of supplies and equipment required for the operation of the team. Coordinating on staffing and equipment budgets with the Supervisor of the Physical Disabilities Services Unit. Collaborating with central office administrative and supervisory staff on strategic priorities of the team. Professional development planing for the team and school and central office staff. Monitoring data and preparing reports related to the provision of educational services to students with disabilities. Providing community outreach by consulting with parents and providing information about special education programs and initiatives to interested government and community groups. Guiding operations of two Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) classes, including student identification and transitions, working with school administrations and meeting with team members. Planning and implementing effective change processes and federal, state and district compliance requirements under the direction of the Supervisor of the Physical Disabilities Services Unit.

CERTIFICATE LICENSE:

Maryland APC for special education teacher or related field such as speech pathology, occupational therapy, psychology, occupational therapy or physical therapy preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

Thorough knowledge of educational programming, federal/state legislation, and current research and trends in curriculum and instructional strategies related to special and general education students birth to 21. Demonstrated leadership skills, ability to prepare written documents/reports and develop program materials. Ability to organize and implement professional development and collaborate with other departments to design staff development opportunities. Ability to work effectively with administrators, principals, teachers and parents to provide educational services for students with disabilities. Ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, database and assistive technology tools. Excellent human relations, organizational, writing, communication and interpersonal skills. This position requires the knowledge and application of the six performance standards that have been established for the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Teacher Professional Growth System (TPGS).

EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE:

Master's degree in special education or related field from an accredited college or university. Knowledge and experience with best practices in assistive technology consideration, trial, and implementation and an understanding of those topics related to augmentative and alternative communication. Course work in staff development and/or supervision desirable. Experience in program planning, class organization, teacher supervision and working with the public. Demonstrated successful experience preparing and analyzing data to improve educational outcomes, chairing IEP team meetings and working closely with the director to plan staff meetings. Training and experience in infusing strategies and technology in curriculum and instruction for students with disabilities. Demonstrated successful experience in planning, coordinating and conducting staff development. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.