Special Education Implementation Specialist

Iowa National Guard; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Education Program Consultant (Continuous Improvement - Grant Wood) at the Iowa Department of Education provides guidance on special education, delivering professional learning and supporting statewide scaling of evidence-based practices for students with disabilities.

The role collaborates with districts to implement SDI and IDEA components, monitors policy compliance, and helps districts move toward safe, inclusive learning environments while applying implementation science.

Qualifications

• Passion for pursuing common goals in pursuit of public service.
• Strong technical skills.
• Strategic and analytical mindset.
• Ability to work in complex situations and meet deadlines while leading teams as a non-traditional leader (no supervisory authority).
• Experience providing technical assistance and professional learning to educators.
• Ability to interpret and break down highly technical or regulatory language, and present information in an understandable manner.
• Ability to manage self in relation to prioritization and time management.
• Conflict resolution and interpersonal skills.
• Desire to work with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional learning for the statewide scaling and implementation of evidence-based practices
• for the delivery of Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) for students with academic and behavioral needs.
• This includes participation in existing statewide collaborative implementation and scaling structures,
• Including: facilitation of development and delivery teams; providing technical assistance focusing on evaluation for instructional design; designing instruction and delivering instruction and other supports; helping districts, schools and classrooms move from exclusionary discipline practices, to creating safe, predictable learning environments for students with academic and behavioral health needs; using implementation science to support scaling and implementation efforts.
• Design, develop, implement, and/or support the evaluation of evidence-based professional learning in the areas of, but not limited to, literacy, post-secondary education, work-based learning, career and technical education, related services, required components of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
• Serve on work teams to develop and deliver integrated statewide efforts related to professional development focused on increasing quality learning opportunities for students with disabilities.
• Support monitoring of IDEA implementation, including self-assessment and data collection activities, to identify areas of commendation and areas of non-compliance that require corrective action.
• Participate in the development and dissemination of policy guidance … … … … … …....
• Maintain a working knowledge of the state and federal policy and the impact of proposed legislation on the bureaus and the programs it oversees.
• Support the Department priorities through performing other duties as assigned.

Job description

The Education Program Consultant (Continuous Improvement - Grant Wood) at the Iowa Department of Education provides guidance on special education, delivering professional learning and supporting statewide scaling of evidence-based practices for students with disabilities.

The role collaborates with districts to implement SDI and IDEA components, monitors policy compliance, and helps districts move toward safe, inclusive learning environments while applying implementation science.