Special Education Specialist

Position Type: Middle School Teaching / Special Education Date Posted: 7/2/2026 Date Available: 08/24/2026 Closing Date: 07/11/2026 Job Title Special Education Specialist Reports To Principal and/or Director of Pupil Services Location Joseph Melillo Middle School Purpose The Special Education Specialist is a position designed to address the duties and responsibilities that a large special education/504 population creates within a district. The Specialist supports special education programs and services in compliance with all Federal and State policies and procedures as well as the mission statement and vision of the East Haven School District. The Specialist will serve as a resource to parents and school personnel to ensure continuous benefit from educational opportunities and will have a split role as a case manager as well as a classroom teacher. Education CT Teaching Certificate in Comprehensive Special Education (Endorsement 165), Endorsement in Administration and Supervision (092) preferred; BA (preferred MA) from an accredited college or university in Special Education or equivalent. Experience Two or more years of special education experience; Thorough knowledge of current research and effective practices of teaching; Clear understanding of standards-based and differentiated instruction; Demonstrated ability to analyze assessments and other student data as a means for making instructional decisions; Possess strong collaborative capabilities and proven ability to work as a member of a team consisting of but not limited to a SLP, School Psychologist, and School Social Worker; Knowledge of philosophies and objectives regarding cultural responsiveness; Demonstrated leadership skills; and, Minimum Qualifications/Skills and Knowledge Requirements Provides professional leadership to selected programs in special education; Provides ongoing assessment of the special education needs of students for programming and budgetary purposes; Analyzes district needs and coordinates professional development programs in special education and regular education for students with disabilities; Implement a district curriculum to support exceptional learning; Maintains up to date knowledge of special education law, policy and procedure; Assists other department members in student evaluations; Implements strategies for maintaining a high level of communication between all stakeholders – student, parent, school staff and pupil services; Upholds and promotes goals and objectives of the Superintendent and Board of Education; Demonstrate an on-going interest and participation in professional learning; Maintain confidentiality regarding personnel and student information; Perform other tasks and responsibilities as delegated by the Principal or Director of Pupil Services. Physical and Mental Demands/Work Environment The physical demands and environmental characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to see and read objects closely, as wiring, labels on equipment, reading/proofreading a report, using a computer monitor, filing and/or retrieving information from a filing system. Ability to hear normal sounds with background noise, as in using a telephone or radio, distinguish verbal communication and communicate through speech, including using a radio. Ability to learn and acquire an understanding of new information, methodologies and techniques and how they apply to school goals and operations. Ability to work in office or school setting (indoors and outdoors) subject to interruptions and heavy work volume expectations. Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer Ability to lift equipment up to 25 pounds May be exposed to changing temperatures and weather, humidity, noise and dust. Ability to get from one location in the office or work sites(s) to other locations in primary office or work sites. Ability to perform manipulative skills such as writing, collating, using a keyboard and/or calculator with speed and accuracy for long periods of time. Ability to concentrate on detail and issue with some interruption, pressure and changing priorities. Memory to perform multiple and diverse tasks over long periods of time and the ability to remember information that has been previously learned. Ability to use knowledge and reasoning to solve routine problems. Ability to learn and apply new information, technology and legislation applicable to departmental activities. Ability to distinguish between public and confidential information and handle appropriately. Evaluation Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on Evaluation of Classified Personnel. Disclaimers The job description lists typical examples of work and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to a position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that classification. This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Connecticut requires that any person (teachers, administrators, special service staff members, teachers' aids, custodians, cafeteria employees, etc.) who is hired by a local or regional board of education submit to a state and national criminal history record check within the first 30 days of the date of employment. The process includes the checking of fingerprints by the State Police bureau of Identification and the F.B.I. The results of the criminal history record checks (both state and federal) are reported to the employing school district. If the district receives notice of a conviction of a crime by a person holding a certificate, authorization or permit issued by the State Board of Education, the district shall notify the Bureau of Certification and Professional Development. East Haven Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer. Minorities, females, handicapped, and veterans are encouraged to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr