Special Education Teacher

Dothan City Schools; Dothan (AL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring bonus

Incentive program

Job summary

Dothan City Schools seeks a Special Education Educational Evaluator to support identification, referral, evaluation and enrollment of students with disabilities in accordance with IDEA and state guidelines. The role coordinates evaluations, monitors timelines, and assists staff with IEP development, data-based decisions, and collaboration between schools and the ESS Department.

This role requires a bachelor’s in Special Education (master’s preferred), 3 years of teaching experience (5

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Special Education preferred.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education required; other related fields considered.
• Minimum 3 years of successful teaching experience (5 years strongly preferred).
• Experience with IDEA processes from referral to IEP development.
• Experience with various Special Education Service Models (Collaborative, Resource, Self-Contained, Behavior).

Responsibilities

• Lead initial IDEA evaluations through the initial placement meeting.
• Develop initial IEP in collaboration with the School Psychologist and case manager.
• Monitor reevaluation timelines and IEP due dates.
• Provide training and support to ESS staff and case managers.
• Serve as liaison between schools and the ESS Department.

Skills

Special Education knowledge

IDEA knowledge

Collaboration with ESS

Data-based decisions

Time management

Education

Master’s Degree in Special Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education

Tools

IDEA compliance system

Job description

Special Education Recruitment, Retention, and Incentive Program - $6,000

This incentive will be distributed over 3 years at the rate of $2,000 annually.

Faine Elementary Applicants also qualify for an additional $3,000 hiring bonus.

Participation is contingent upon signing a three-year service commitment agreement. (Contract details are maintained separately.)

Special Education Educational Evaluator

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Master’s Degree in Special Education preferred.

2. Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education (Other closely related fields may be considered)

3. Minimum of 3 years of successful teaching experience [5 years strongly preferred] 4. Demonstrated experience with special education processes from the initial referral process through IEP Development

5. Demonstrated experience in a variety of Special Education Service Models (Collaborative, Resource, Self-Contained, Behavior)

6. Grade Band-Specific Requirements:

• Elementary (K–5)
  • Have experience teaching across all elementary grade levels (K–5).
• Secondary Grades (6–12)
  • Have preferred experience teaching in grades (6–12).

SALARY LEVEL: Board-approved certified salary schedule (9 month)

FSLA: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Special Education Director or Designee

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the system’s approved compensation plan. Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the system

POSITION CLASSIFICATIONS: School Based

SUMMARY: The Special Education Educational Evaluator supports school staff by guiding the identification, referral, evaluation, and enrollment of students with disabilities. The role ensures all processes are consistent and aligned with IDEA, state, and district requirements.

They coordinate evaluations, monitor timelines, support data-based decisions, and serve as a link between schools and the ESS Department while providing training and ongoing support to staff.

REQUIRED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Demonstrates punctual and regular attendance.

2. Completes assigned duties and responsibilities independently and with minimal direction.

3. Demonstrates working knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Alabama Administrative Code, and Mastering the Maze, and applies this knowledge to support

compliance and effective services in collaboration with the Exceptional Student Services (ESS) Department.

4. Leads the process for all initial IDEA evaluations through the initial placement meeting. Works closely with the School Psychologist and/or School Psychometrist and the case manager to complete evaluations and develop the initial IEP.

5. Leads the process for all transfer students through the initial placement meeting. Coordinates with the ESS Department and supports the case manager with IEP development.

6. Tracks reevaluation timelines and IEP due dates for assigned school(s). Uses a system to monitor timelines and support compliance (does not oversee School Psychologist or Psychometrist timelines).

7. Works collaboratively with the School Psychologist and/or School Psychometrist to ensure required team members are present at eligibility and determination meetings. Supports case managers with reevaluation requirements.

8. Completes required district procedures for referral, transfer and reevaluation processes.

9. Maintains accurate transfer and testing logs and submits them monthly to the ESS Department.

10.Serves as a mentor, resource, and support for special education staff. Acts as a bridge between assigned schools and the ESS Department to ensure clear communication and consistent practices.

11.Provides consultative services for students served under a consultative model, in collaboration with the School Psychologist.

12.Supports IEP teams in developing and implementing Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs). Works collaboratively with the School Psychologist to ensure behavior supports are appropriate, data-based, and aligned to student needs.

13.Serves as a standing member of the Problem Solving Team (PST). Attends PST meetings when an IDEA referral is being considered and collaborates with the School Psychologist and/or School Psychometrist to support appropriate decision-making.

14.Participates in Managing Crisis Safely (MCS) training provided by the district or ESS Department and provides turn-around training to staff at assigned school(s). Ensures staff understand expectations and can apply strategies with students.

15.Reviews training topics with building administrators prior to delivery. Leads monthly team meetings at assigned school(s) to provide required updates, MCS training, and other ESS-related information. Submits agendas and sign-in sheets to the ESS Department.

16.Collaborates with case managers to ensure student data is entered accurately and on time in required systems.

17.Facilitates Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) at assigned school(s), focusing on attendance, behavior, and course completion for students with disabilities.

18.Compiles required documentation, including Reports and Indicators, and submits information monthly to the ESS Department.

19.Serves as a liaison between local school(s) and central office staff, as needed.

20.Follows and supports implementation of district policies and procedures to ensure IDEA compliance.

21.Demonstrates positive and professional communication with parents, students, and school personnel.

22.Completes all duties in a timely, organized, and efficient manner.

23.Demonstrates progress toward professional and/or personal growth goals.

24.Performs other duties as assigned by the Special Education Director or Designee.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Demonstrates knowledge of IDEA, Alabama Administrative Code, and district procedures

2. Understands the full special education process (referral, evaluation, eligibility, IEP development)

3. Applies knowledge to ensure compliance with timelines, documentation, and processes

4. Coordinates and manages evaluations, transfers, and reevaluations

5. Collaborates effectively with school teams (psychologists, psychometrists, case managers, administrators)

6. Supports data-based decision-making and organizes evaluation data

7. Communicates clearly and professionally with staff and families

8. Provides training, guidance, and ongoing support to school staff

9. Supports problem-solving teams and behavior planning (FBA/BIP)

10.Serves as a liaison between schools and the ESS Department

11.Maintains organization, accuracy, and timeliness across all responsibilities EVALUATION:

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the Board’s policy on evaluation of personnel.

EVALUATION

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the Board’s policy on evaluation of personnel.