.5 Special Education Specialist – Autism

Position Type:

Special Education – Certified

Date Posted:

5/22/2025

Location:

Basil T Knight Center (BTK)

Closing Date:

5/28 or open until filled

Description:

.5 (Half-Time) Special Education Specialist – Specialized Instructional Team (SIT) with a focus on the Autism program

Job Summary:

Operating under the direction of the Director of Special Education, this position plays a critical role in advancing the quality, compliance, and effectiveness of special education services across the district. This position provides targeted coaching, professional learning, and technical assistance to special education teachers and ensures that IEPs are developed and implemented in alignment with legal requirements, student needs, and district goals. Through a blend of classroom-based support, system-level collaboration, and continuous training, the SIT Specialist strengthens teacher capacity, fosters cross-functional collaboration, and supports data-driven instructional decisions to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

Job Responsibility Description

1. Individualized Education Program (IEP) Process Support and Coaching
   • Provide direct, real-time coaching and support to special education teachers to improve the quality, compliance, and implementation of IEPs.
   • Deliver accurate, up-to-date guidance on legal requirements related to IEP development, progress monitoring, student transition planning, and annual reviews.
   • Train staff in effective data collection and documentation practices, offering follow-up support after IEP meetings.
   • Support teachers in building collaboration skills with service providers, building leadership, and external agencies to ensure student needs are met.
   • Conduct classroom visits to observe, model, co-plan, and coach, using technology and reflection tools to support teacher growth.
   • Train and support staff in using District’s IEP program (e.g. Enrich), including how to develop and manage IEP documentation within the platform.
   • Provide ongoing, accessible support through email, phone, virtual, and in-person consultation to address IEP-related questions, troubleshoot issues in Enrich, and ensure alignment with district processes.
2. Resource Coordination and Systems Support
   • Provide training and support on IEP systems, documentation, and digital tools to streamline compliance and instructional planning.
   • Partner with building teams to develop flexible, student-centered master schedules that align with IEP services and instructional goals.
   • Promote and model the use of student data to inform instructional decisions, monitor progress, and support data-driven decision making.
   • Serve as a point of contact for staff regarding special educational policies, procedures, and instructional best practices.
   • Support implementation of district-wide initiatives and guide staff in participation and compliance with state and district assessments.
   • Assist schools in planning and supporting student transitions between grades, programs, and into general education settings, ensuring continuity of services and support.
3. Professional Collaboration and Learning
   1. Facilitate collaborative learning opportunities for special education staff by sharing instructional strategies, compliance practices, and tools that improve IEP implementation and student outcomes.
   2. Support the development and sustainability of special education-focused Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) across buildings and instructional levels.
   3. Collaborate with district teams, including instructional leadership and professional learning staff, to align training, coaching, and resources with department goals and evolving student needs.
   4. Model reflective practice and continuous improvement by engaging in coaching cycles and professional development.
   5. Share current research, tools, and strategies to promote instructional innovation and build staff capacity across the special education system.
4. Other Duties
   1. Additional tasks, duties, and responsibilities may be assigned as needed/requested.

Education and Experience:

Acceptable demonstration of acceptable education and/or experience will be at the sole discretion of the District.

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education required
• Master’s Degree in Special Education preferred
• Five years of classroom teaching experience required
• Three years of experience in Special Education required
• Two years of demonstrated leadership experience in Performance Based or Competency Based Systems required
• Valid Colorado Educator License with Special education endorsement
• Physical Management Certification (i.e. QBS, CPI, etc.) or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire

Working Conditions:

207 days

Application Procedure:

Apply Online

Selection Procedure:

Position is posted to internal transfers for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days or open until filled.

Salary & Benefits:

Teacher Base Pay Salary Schedule Range:

$50,015 – $104,432 based on one (1) FTE at one hundred eighty eight (188) days.

Hiring Range for External Candidates:

$50,015 – $85,857

• Teachers are initially placed according to experience. Teachers new to the District may be granted up to 15 years of experience, provided the experience occurred within the last 20 years in accordance with the MVEA Agreement.

View all salary schedules for the current school year at: https://www.d51schools.org/departments111/human-resources/salary-schedules

Information regarding D51 Benefits can be found here: https://www.d51schools.org/departments111/human-resources/employee-benefits

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