Under the supervision of school administration, provides leadership to the Department of Special Education (DSES) or program within elementary schools. Serves as the liaison to the DSES. Supports special education classroom teachers in the instructional program and planning for appropriate learning experiences for students with disabilities. Serves as an instructional role model, supports the development of a professional learning community (PLC) within the department and the school, observes and analyzes instructional practices related to teacher professional growth and evaluation. Serves as an active participant on the school-based leadership team in analyzing student achievement data and supporting teachers with instructional strategies. Physical Demands: As required by the duties and responsibilities of the job. Special Requirements: Required to attend school meetings, programs, and activities outside the instructional day as mandated by the Montgomery County Education Association agreement. Teachers employed in special education schools or discrete special education service models are required to successfully complete specific courses provided by MCPS. The courses are designed to meet the needs of students with disabilities, particularly courses in behavioral management which include nonviolent crisis interventions. Teachers in these identified schools and programs will be required to support behavioral interventions. KNOWLEDGE SKILLS ABILITIES: Knowledge of the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) curriculum, differentiated instruction, data collection, and research-based instructional and behavioral practices. Thorough knowledge of the MCPS special education program, discrete services, extension programs and explicit knowledge of developing and monitoring the Individualized Education Programs (IEP), Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004). Knowledge of the Maryland Blueprint for Education and the Maryland Transforms initiative and their implications for program implementation, accountability, and continuous improvement within Montgomery County Public Schools. Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, and implement short- and long-range office and systemwide initiatives related to special education Ability to work well with elementary school level students with disabilities, teachers, other professionals, administrators, and parents/guardians of students with disabilities. Ability to conduct and lead IEP team meetings ensuring the transfer of timely, appropriate and legally mandated information and deliverables. Ability to appropriately adapt instructional programs and materials to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Ability to work effectively with adults in a PLC; observe and analyze teaching skills, and assess delivery of curriculum to students with disabilities; current in best instructional practices; collaborates with all aspects of the school community and DSES. Excellent oral and written skills to collaborate with families, school and central office staff, and external partners. Knowledge of and the ability to apply the six performance standards established for the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Teacher Professional Growth System (TPGS). EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE; CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Education Training Experience: Master?s degree or Masters equivalency from an accredited college or university in special education, educational administration and supervision, or a related service provider field (SLP, OT, PT etc). Three years or more of successful classroom experience as a special education teacher at the elementary school level working with students with varying special instructional needs. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered. Certificate License: Meets Maryland State Department of Education certification requirements for an Advanced Professional Certificate (APC) in special education.