Lead Special Education Specialist

Job Description

Pathways In Education (PIE) is an Alternative Learning Opportunities Program (ALOP) serving grades 9-12 in the Chicago community. Pathways considers the unique needs of every student, allowing access to small group classes, guided independent study, online courses, and experiential learning, to address each student's individual strengths and needs.

Are you an educator that wants to make an impact in students’ lives?  Do you believe that every student should have the opportunity for success? If so, Pathways is the place for you! PIE is looking for educators that are warm, outgoing, authentic, passionate and inspiring. PIE places great emphasis on the student-teacher relationship, a critical component to the development of students’ personal, emotional, and academic well-being.

Pathways In Education is looking for a Lead Special Education Specialist with a Professional Educator License with an Endorsement in Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBS 1) to work at their Ashburn and Brighton Park locations.

Job Description:

The prime directive of this position is to accomplish the goals of the Leadership Team which includes: 100% compliance in meeting IEP timelines and meeting the needs of the client. This position manages the actions of the Special Education field staff and works to ensure compliance with Special Education law. This position provides direct certificated instructional support 50% of the time.

Essential Functions include, but are not limited to the following:*

• Plan, organize and direct Special Education programs, supervise program specialists, resource specialists, designated instruction and service providers, school psychologists and other special education staff.
• Assist in the interpretation of the law and Educational Code.
• Provide interpretation and guidance of compliance to laws.
• Direct Special Ed programs or projects and perform related duties as assigned.
• Train, assist and supervise staff (e.g. special education teachers, designated instruction and service providers) in planning and implementation of individual education programs for children with disabilities.
• Coordinate curricular resources and make them available and effective for personnel who are in need of the resources.
• Assess program effectiveness to promote the program for individuals with exceptional needs.
• Serve on assessment teams and individualized education program teams.
• Schedule and participate in IEP meetings with students and parents as needed.
• Participate in IEP meetings
• Review psycho-educational and assessment reports.
• Provide training to general education staff related to support to general education students and special education needs.
• Maintain a current knowledge of journal articles and case law to share with staff.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Plan, implement and evaluate programs.
• Communicate effectively in both oral and written form
• Effectively transmit knowledge and skills to others
• Plan, develop, and conduct meetings and training programs.
• Develop measurable goals and objectives, set priorities, monitor expenditures.
• Maintain positive working relationships with corporate staff, teachers, parents, students and others.
• Make presentations to various audiences.
• Deal with challenges inherent in working with multiple school districts and multiple clients.
• Significant physical abilities include reaching, handling, talking, hearing conversations and others sounds, visual acuity/depth

       perception.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES PREFERRED:

• Five years of successful Special Education experience preferred.
• Master’s degree with emphasis on Specialized Training in Special Education curriculum and instruction preferred.

Education and Experience:

• Current Illinois Professional Educator License
• Endorsement: Learning Behavior Specialist I  (LBS I)

Salary Range: $88,000 - $99,000 Depending on Experience

Sign on Bonus: We are currently offering a $7,000 signing bonus for this position. The bonus is paid in two installments: $3,500 upon hire and $3,500 after successfully completing six months of service.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to full-time staff that includes paid time off, holiday and sick time, medical, vision and dental coverage, incentives and an employer-matched 401(k) plan. PIE provides our staff opportunities to chaperone students on experiential learning trips to amazing places like Italy, Cuba and China as well as U.S. based trips to DC, and a farm in Northern California. We regularly hold social functions to foster a genuine camaraderie that enhances teamwork. At our company-wide award functions, we take time to recognize the talent and dedication of the people who make PIE and our students successful. To learn more about our schools, visit us at www.il.pathways in education.org.

Pathways In Education embraces diversity and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.