Teacher Specialist - Assistive Technology

Position Details

Full-Time and Permanent; Exempt; 7.5 Hours/Day; 220 Days/Year (11 months) This is a specialized instructional support position assigned to Learning Support–Special Education Services to provide district-level leadership and support to schools in meeting the assistive technology (AT) needs of students with disabilities. The employee assists school teams in identifying, selecting, implementing, and monitoring AT that supports students’ access to instruction, participation, communication, and progress in the general curriculum and educational environment. The position works under the direction of the assigned Senior Coordinator. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Master’s degree or higher in Education, Speech, OT, PT, or Assistive Technology preferred; Virginia teaching license with an endorsement in special education or Virginia Health Professions license valid for school-based services; Three years of successful school-based experience in special education; Ability to travel to schools and other district locations, including possession of a valid Virginia driver’s license and access to personal transportation; Personal characteristics conducive to working effectively with students, teachers, school personnel, community groups, and parents/guardians. KNOWLEDGE & RESPONSIBILITIES Considerable knowledge of the special education process, including state and federal requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504; Knowledge of AT devices, software, and access features across a range of low- through high-technology options, and of how AT can support access to curriculum, communication, participation, and independence; Knowledge of effective teaching strategies, classroom accommodations and modifications, and varied assessment techniques relevant to students’ access needs; Assists school teams in assessing student needs and considering, recommending, implementing, and monitoring appropriate AT services, devices, and software for students with an IEP or Section 504 Plan; Assists in the development and delivery of district-wide professional development and training related to assistive technology and its integration into instruction, periodically throughout the school year. Provides building-level, small-group, individual, and parent/guardian training as appropriate; Develops or supports the development of training materials, guidance, and resources that promote effective and consistent AT practices across schools; Provides consultation, coaching, and technical assistance to teachers, related service providers, administrators, and school teams regarding AT selection, implementation, troubleshooting, and integration into classroom instruction and student routines; Provides functional leadership and coaching to school-based teams. Observes AT use in educational settings and provides feedback to support implementation and student access. This coaching is intended to strengthen practice and does not, by itself, constitute formal personnel evaluation; Collaborates with school staff, related service providers, families, and other district departments, as appropriate, to address AT needs and support continuity when students transition between classrooms, programs, schools, or agencies; Participates in IEP and Section 504 meetings, as requested, and assists teams in connecting AT decisions to student needs, educational goals, accommodations, and available data; Demonstrates knowledge of data collection and analysis and uses relevant information about student access, participation, and use of AT to inform recommendations and implementation support; Accurately observes, documents, and reports student progress and use of AT to determine whether the technology is supporting access to the curriculum; Uses task analysis and problem-solving skills to identify barriers to AT implementation and support practical solutions; Provides leadership or support for district AT projects and initiatives as assigned by the Executive Director, Assistant Director, or assigned Senior Coordinator; Responds to requests for assistance from school staff and families regarding AT and supports collaborative problem solving related to AT implementation; Maintains districtwide AT inventory including devices, equipment, and software/licenses; Effectively organizes and presents information orally and in writing to individuals and groups; and Performs additional responsibilities as assigned. ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES Maintain a current electronic calendar; Compile information regarding AT considerations, assessments, consultations, training, and implementation activities and prepare assigned reports for the Executive Director, Assistant Director, or assigned Senior Coordinator; Attend required Learning Support–Special Education Services department meetings and activities; and Carry out project leadership responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director, Assistant Director, or assigned Senior Coordinator; Organize and manage multiple projects, adapt schedules as needed, and meet established timelines. LICENSE & CERTIFICATION Valid Virginia teaching license with an endorsement in special education or Virginia Health Professions license valid for school-based services PHYSICAL EFFORT Normal physical effort is required when working in offices and schools. The position does require frequent delivery of AT devices to schools. The position may require navigating stairs in buildings where elevators are not available. HAZARDS Work involves normal exposure to everyday risks. Universal precautions must be used to avoid exposure to contagious diseases. UNUSUAL DEMANDS Work involves regular travel to school buildings and district locations; Work requires responding to multiple, and at times competing, requests from school staff, administrators, students, and families; Work is subject to deadlines and frequent interruptions; Work may involve supporting teams and families during situations involving frustration or disagreement about student needs or AT implementation.