Job Description for Lead Teacher - Special Services

Position Title: Lead Teacher - Special Services

Job Status:     Full Time                                  Reports To: Director of Special Services

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt                               Amount of Travel: 50% Travel / Schools

Classification: Teacher/Special Assignment      Level: District Level Position

Date Created: May 2025                                 Work Schedule: 210 Days

Salary Range: Based on current salary schedule

POSITION SUMMARY:

The function of the Lead Teacher for Special Services is to provide support and services outlined in the standards legally and professionally and support an organizational framework efficiently and appropriately within the special education programs including students with exceptional educational needs.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The Lead Teacher for Special Services will be responsible for supporting the planning and monitoring of the services in Special Education and any additional Student Support Services provided by the District. The Lead Teacher will assist with the planning, development, organization, management, implementation of all programs, and compliance with all laws, regulations, and state and district procedures. The responsibilities will include, but are not limited to the following:

The Lead Teacher for Special Services will serve as a special services delegate at each Watson Chapel School District school.
The Lead Teacher will assist in the development, placement, implementation and evaluation of programs and services for students with disabilities and shall articulate special education procedures and policies with general education teachers.
The Lead Teacher must maintain appropriate levels of confidentiality related to work and information handled by the Special Services Department.
The Lead Teacher will assist in the planning, support, and development of students who need special services in a program.
The Lead Teacher will assist in the coordination of the day-to-day operation of special education programs.
The Lead Teacher recommends changes and/or modifications to various special education programs.
The Lead Teacher in collaboration with the Director of Special Services will conduct special education faculty meetings as needed.
The Lead Teacher will recommend materials, approaches, and methodology to teachers of students with special education needs.
The Lead Teacher will serve as a liaison between special and regular education teachers involved in programming for individual children with disabilities.
The Lead Teacher in collaboration with the Director of Special Services will assess the needs for staff development and provide recommendations to the Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction regarding professional training on specific education topics as needed.
The Lead Teacher will assist in record keeping that are required in pupil services/special education programs and will maintain a system of uniform record keeping for various disability areas.
The Lead Teacher will assist, if needed, in preparation of all reports concerning pupil services/special education.
The Lead Teacher will submit monthly reports concerning pupil services and special education to the Director of Special Services.
The Lead Teacher will communicate and collaborate with the Director of Special Services on legal matters, parent/guardian concerns, student issues, and concerns from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.
The Lead Teacher will collaborate with the District Testing Coordinator to assess the students with Individual Educational Plans in the appropriate assessment.
The Lead Teacher will collaborate with Dyslexia and 504 staff to ensure appropriate services.
Other duties as assigned by the Director of Special Services or Superintendent.

COMPETENCIES:

Knowledge in systemic organizational thinking, organizational leadership, and change management.
Knowledge of current trends and research in eliminating the achievement gap, school and curriculum innovation.
Knowledge of current trends and research in data analysis, curriculum design and development, pedagogy, assessment, online instructional design, and professional development delivery models.
Comprehensive knowledge of the ethical guidelines applicable to the position as outlined by professional organizations and/or federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.
Knowledge of the Professional Learning Communities Model.
Ability to effectively present information to management, public groups, and/or boards.
Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and make recommendations for improvements.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS:

Master’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in educational administration, supervision, special education, or curriculum and instruction.
Three (3) years of successful teaching or related experience required.
Experience with educational accountability measures including federal mandates, and state and local assessments, curriculum development, and managing a variety of program and initiatives.
Demonstrates strong leadership and management qualities and the ability to set priorities and supervise the work of others.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Knowledge of current trends and research in school leadership, data analysis, professional development delivery models, eliminating academic and behavioral achievement gaps
Exceptional writing, editing, and oral communication skills.
Ability to work independently, prioritize work, and complete work in a timely and accurate manner.
Ability to deal effectively with students, teachers, administrators, support staff, central office staff, parents and the community.
Demonstrates strong leadership and management qualities and the ability to set priorities and supervise the work of others.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Experience with Google Operations System, Windows Server OS (Ex.2003, 2008, 2012, 2016),

LICENSES/ CERTIFICATIONS:

An Arkansas professional teaching license is required in Special Education.
Possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license and have daily access to a car.

PROBLEM SOLVING and SYSTEM THINKING:

Understands how various systems and departments interact to achieve district goals.
Makes decisions using data and technology.
Identifies and prioritizes mission-critical issues with alignment of people, time and resources.
Offer innovative solutions to seemingly intractable challenges.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

Lift/ Carry

Stand

F (Frequently)

10 lbs. or less

F (Frequently)

Walk

F (Frequently)

11-20 lbs.

O (Occasionally)

OTHER PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Vision (Near, Distance, Color, Peripheral, Depth Perception)
Sense of Sound (ability to carry on telephone conversations)
Sense of Touch (temperature and texture recognition)

Job Requirements:
At least 3 year(s) of relevant experience preferred.
Master degree preferred.
Citizenship, residency or work visa required