SPED Program Specialist - (LAN)

SPED Program Specialist - (LAN)

Reports to:  Director of Academics � Leadership Academy Network 

PC #: 25094, 25095
Pay Grade: 206
Days: 219 Days
Salary: $81,343 - $98,005
FSLA Status:   Exempt     

This is a grant-funded position and is contingent on availability of funds.

Position Purpose

Provides strategic leadership and support to campuses to strengthen special education systems, improve student outcomes, and ensure high-quality instructional implementation for students with disabilities. Moves campus practices beyond compliance toward outcome-driven instruction by supporting data systems, developing teacher capacity, and aligning special education services with MTSS, instructional planning, and campus priorities. Collaborates with campus leadership, instructional teams, and LAN leadership to ensure effective implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), appropriate student identification and placement, and continuous improvement of special education practices. Works cooperatively with campus administration, parents, students and instructional personnel to provide the most appropriate instructional programs for students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Instructional Coaching & Professional Learning
 

• Provide ongoing coaching and support to special education and general education teachers on differentiation, interventions, and effective instructional practices
• Develop teacher capacity through job-embedded professional learning focused on implementation of IEPs, progress monitoring, and evidence-based instruction
• Train teachers to effectively implement instruction aligned to IEP goals, ensuring IEPs are used as instructional tools rather than compliance documents

Campus Support & Collaboration
 

• Work collaboratively with campus leadership, Academic Content Specialists (ACSs), MTSS teams, and Campus Data Leaders (CDLs) to support students with disabilities
• Provide targeted support to campuses with high-need student populations, adjusting focus based on campus data and needs
• Assist classroom teachers with implementation of IEP accommodations, modifications, and interventions
• Participate in multidisciplinary teams to support student problem-solving and intervention planning
• Serve as a liaison between campus staff and district special education leadership

Data Systems & Outcome-Driven Practices
 

• Develop and support systems for tracking special education student outcomes, moving beyond compliance-based practices to data-driven instructional decision-making
• Analyze student performance data to identify trends, monitor growth, and inform instructional and programmatic adjustments
• Lead and facilitate special education-focused data meetings and PLCs to support campus-specific problem solving and instructional planning
• Collaborate with campus teams to implement data-informed changes aligned to student needs

Program Evaluation, Systems & Compliance
 

• Evaluate campus special education systems to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for improvement in both compliance and student outcomes
• Monitor the special education identification process, including referral, evaluation, placement, discipline trends, and identification rates
• Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and district requirements related to special education, including IDEIA timelines, documentation, and reporting
• Maintain and review student data systems, ensuring accuracy of eligibility, progress monitoring, and program documentation
• Support campuses in aligning special education practices with district expectations and program guidelines

Leadership Development & Administrator Support
 

• Coach and support campus administrators in observing and evaluating special education instruction
• Clarify and support campus-level expectations for special education leadership and instructional practices
• Support principals in aligning special education programming with overall campus instructional goals

Program Coordination & Communication
 

• Coordinate with LAN leadership, ACSs, and district staff regarding program implementation and support
• Support parent communication and training related to special education services and strategies

Confidentiality & Compliance
 

• Maintain strict confidentiality of all student records, evaluation data, and sensitive information in accordance with federal, state, and district policies, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
• Ensure compliance with all special education laws, regulations, and timelines, including ARD/IEP development, implementation, documentation, and reporting requirements
• Monitor campus-level adherence to special education procedures, identifying areas of risk and proactively supporting corrective actions to ensure compliance and program integrity
• Support accurate and timely completion of required documentation, including evaluations, IEPs, progress reports, and data submissions
• Provide guidance and training to campus staff on compliance expectations, documentation practices, and legal requirements related to special education services

Safety

• Follows established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties including lifting and climbing; operates tools and equipment according to established safety procedures
• Corrects unsafe conditions in work area and promptly reports any conditions that are not immediately correctable to supervisor

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Personal Work Relationships

• All Fort Worth ISD employees must maintain commitment to the District's mission, vision, and strategic goals
• Exhibits high professionalism, standards of conduct and work ethic
• Demonstrates high quality customer service; builds rapport/relationship with the consumer
• Demonstrates cultural competence in interactions with others; is respectful of co-workers; communicates and acts as a team player; promotes teamwork; responds and acts appropriately in confrontational situations

Other Duties as Assigned

• Performs all job-related duties as assigned and in accordance with Board rules, policies and regulations.  All employees are expected to comply with lawful directives in rare situations driven by need where team effort is required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of and compliance with federal and state special education law
• Knowledge of federal and state special education law, including ARD/IEP processes and compliance requirements
• Knowledge of best practices in special education instruction, differentiation, and intervention design
• Knowledge of MTSS frameworks and integration of special education within multi-tiered systems of support
• Knowledge of student identification processes, evaluation procedures, and placement considerations
• Skill in analyzing student outcome data and translating findings into actionable instructional strategies
• Skill in coaching and developing both special education and general education teachers
• Skill in facilitating data meetings, PLCs, and professional learning sessions
• Skill in program evaluation, systems development, and continuous improvement practices
• Skill in communication, collaboration, and building relationships across diverse stakeholder groups
• Ability to align compliance requirements with high-quality instructional practices
• Ability to support and influence campus leadership in improving special education systems
• Ability to conduct classroom observations and provide actionable feedback
• Ability to manage multiple campuses, priorities, and initiatives simultaneously
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise professional judgment
• Ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic, team-oriented environment

Travel Requirements

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required

Physical & Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Tools/Equipment Used:  Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment
• Posture:  Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, crouching, crawling, and twisting
• Motion:  Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching; frequent use of hands for fine manipulation, handle or feel with hands and arms; frequent walking and climbing stairs
• Lifting:  Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 20 pounds); may require frequent heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities, control behavior through physical restraint, assist non-ambulatory students, and lift/move adaptive equipment
• Exerting:  Frequently 10-25 pounds of force to move objects; occasionally 20-50 pounds
• Environment:  Works in an office setting; frequent talking and listening; may require occasional irregular and/or prolonged hours
• Attendance:  Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position
• Mental Demands:  Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions

Minimum Required Qualifications

Education:
 

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university required

Certification/License:
 

• Valid Teaching Certificate required;
• Valid Texas Special Education Teaching Certificate in one or more areas of special education preferred
• Valid certificate in the Facilitated IEP Process preferred
• Valid Texas Education Diagnostician certification preferred

Experience: 
 

• 5 years' experience in special education, including significant experience working with diverse student populations.

This is a grant-funded position and is contingent on availability of funds.

This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.