At Prairie Lakes AEA, school age evaluations for special education are completed using a rep model in which a school psychologist, school social worker or special education consultant has the primary responsibility for Child Find in their assigned buildings. Those staff team with colleagues from other disciplines in order to meet the needs of all learners.

 

QUALIFICATION:

• EDUCATION: Master’s Degree in education and endorsement in special education.
• LICENSURE:
• Certificate approval as a Consultant as determined by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.
• Employees hired as an education consultant within the division of special education who do not hold the endorsement will be required to obtain a provisional endorsement from BOEE and complete the requirement for a special education consultant endorsement within three years of date of employment or as outlined by the BOEE. Before completion of consultant endorsement, the employee’s contract will be issued as an academic strategist.

• EXPERIENCE: Four years successful teaching experience with at least 2 years in special education.

 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Perform duties as an AEA representative and participate in AEA core support team in accordance with current AEA service delivery model.
• Coordinate and conduct academic educational evaluations as aligned with the Evaluation and Eligibility Standards.
• Collaborate with teachers to determine continued eligibility for special education services during reevaluations.
• Encourage parent/guardian involvement in the problem solving and Individualized Education Program (IEP) process.
• Consult with teachers and administrators in the development, implementation and monitoring of each Individualized Education Program (IEP) in the least restrictive environment according to state and federal guidelines.
• Collaborate with teachers and appropriate team members regarding transitional planning for students with unique learning needs.
• Collaborate with school staff and AEA school psychologists and/or social workers in the development of classroom management techniques and behavioral interventions.
• As an instructional specialist, share current information on trends and research in education, instructional materials, methods, and curriculum modification.
• Provide staff development for AEA staff, general and special education teachers, and administrators as appropriate.
• Collaborate within a multi-tiered system of supports with district staff and with AEA co-workers.

COMMON TO ALL EMPLOYEES:  

• Contributes to a positive and productive work, learning and team environment
• Believes in, advocates for, understands, supports and delivers the priority work of the AEAs, Iowa Public and Accredited Schools, the Iowa Department of Education and Prairie Lakes AEA
• Focuses upon agency and team efforts to deliver equitable, efficient and effective educational services that prepare Iowa children for a life well-lived
• Anticipates and responds to needs, requirements and expectations of clients resulting in acceleration, inspiration and innovation
• Demonstrates effective verbal, non-verbal, written, listening and visual communication
• Possesses effective interpersonal, collaboration, facilitation skills and is committed to relationships and partnerships, within and outside of the agency
• Exhibits self-motivation, reliability, organization, detail and quality and engages in continuous improvement of professional practice to build skills needed to perform job duties and meet agency goals and expectations
• Manages time effectively so that timelines are met and improved results are evident in learning, professional capacity and system effectiveness
• Problem solves by utilizing data-based decisions, preventing and resolving conflicts and providing comprehensive, high quality solutions
• Works with integrity and maintains confidentiality
• Models and integrates technology into daily work
• Leads professional development for at least one course, internally, externally or both
• Understands other duties and responsibilities may be assigned, according to current needs of the agency or districts served

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to travel between schools and sites served.
• Normal, routine levels of activity related to bending, carrying, climbing, hearing, lifting, reaching, sitting, standing, vision and walking, and may also involve above-average levels of activity at times that can’t always be anticipated.