Inclusive Learning Specialist

Full-time - Senior

Springfield, MA

About the position

The Inclusive Learning Specialist is a critical leader in developing and implementing specialized educational programs that cater to the diverse needs of students with disabilities. This role is responsible for designing and overseeing the special education curriculum while managing and chairing 504 meetings. The Inclusive Learning Specialist ensures that all students have equitable access to the educational resources and support necessary to succeed in compliance with federal and state regulations. In this position, the specialist will develop and refine a comprehensive special education curriculum that aligns with state standards and meets the needs of students with disabilities. Collaboration with general education teams is essential to integrate inclusive practices and strategies into the broader curriculum. The specialist will provide leadership in selecting and using instructional materials, technologies, and resources that support differentiated instruction and accessibility. The role also involves chairing 504 meetings, ensuring that each student's accommodations are appropriate and effectively implemented. The specialist will coordinate with teachers, parents, and other stakeholders to develop, review, and update 504 plans in compliance with legal requirements. Monitoring the implementation of these plans is crucial, providing guidance and support to ensure that accommodations effectively meet student needs. Additionally, the Inclusive Learning Specialist will coach special education teachers, offering expertise in instructional strategies, classroom management, and data-driven practices. Analyzing student performance data to identify trends and areas for improvement in both special education and 504 programs is a key responsibility. The specialist will support teachers in using assessment data to differentiate instruction and provide targeted support. Compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, is paramount. The specialist will evaluate the effectiveness of special education programs and 504 plans, making data-driven recommendations for improvement. Collaboration with school administrators to maintain high standards of legal and ethical practices in special education is also expected. The role requires acting as a liaison between special education teachers, general education teachers, parents, and administrators to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Advocacy for the needs and rights of students with disabilities within the school community is essential, promoting awareness and understanding. Engaging with parents and guardians to ensure they are active partners in their child's education, providing them with resources and support, is also a critical aspect of this position. Leadership in inclusive practices is a significant part of the role, leading initiatives to promote inclusion and equity within the school or district. Staying informed about the latest research, trends, and legislative changes in special education and 504 regulations, and disseminating this knowledge to staff, is vital for the success of the program.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine a comprehensive special education curriculum that aligns with state standards and meets the needs of students with disabilities.
• Collaborate with general education teams to integrate inclusive practices and strategies into the broader curriculum.
• Provide leadership in selecting and using instructional materials, technologies, and resources that support differentiated instruction and accessibility.
• Chair 504 meetings, ensuring that each student's accommodations are appropriate and effectively implemented.
• Coordinate with teachers, parents, and other stakeholders to develop, review, and update 504 plans in compliance with legal requirements.
• Monitor the implementation of 504 plans, providing guidance and support to ensure that accommodations effectively meet student needs.
• Coach special education teachers, offering expertise in instructional strategies, classroom management, and data-driven practices.
• Assist teachers in setting and achieving instructional goals aligned with students Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans.
• Analyze student performance data to identify trends and areas for improvement in both special education and 504 programs.
• Support teachers in using assessment data to differentiate instruction and provide targeted support.
• Ensure that all special education and 504 programs comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of special education programs and 504 plans, making data-driven recommendations for improvement.
• Collaborate with school administrators to maintain high standards of legal and ethical practices in special education.
• Act as a liaison between special education teachers, general education teachers, parents, and administrators to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
• Advocate for the needs and rights of students with disabilities within the school community, promoting awareness and understanding.
• Engage with parents and guardians to ensure they are active partners in their child's education, providing them with resources and support.
• Lead initiatives to promote inclusion and equity within the school or district, ensuring that all students are valued and supported.
• Stay informed about the latest research, trends, and legislative changes in special education and 504 regulations, and disseminate this knowledge to staff.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Special Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in special education, with a strong background in curriculum design and 504 plan management.
• Valid teaching certification in special education; additional certification in educational leadership or curriculum design is preferred.
• Deep understanding of special education laws, 504 regulations, and inclusive practices.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and the use of educational technologies.
• Ability to lead professional development and mentor educators effectively.