The ODU Research Foundation is seeking applications for a Educational Specialist to perform work under the Training and Technical Assistance Center at Old Dominion University. The Education Specialist is expected to provide technical assistance services to personnel who work with students with disabilities in public schools located in Superintendent’s Regions 2 and 3 of Eastern Virginia. Experience: Teaching students with autism and related communication disorders is required with a preference for teaching Pre-K/elementary grades across all content areas. Must demonstrate knowledge of evidence-based practices (EBP) for challenging behaviors including development and implementation of intervention plans. Ability to collaborated and work effectively as a team member required. Experience facilitating groups, coaching teachers, and providing professional development.

Qualifications include a Master’s degree in special education and significant teaching experience with a preferred emphasis in the elementary grades. Requires travel to schools throughout Eastern Virginia, some statewide and overnight travel. Competitive salary, and benefits package commensurate with experience and education credentials.

• Promote the availability of T-TAC ODU services to personnel of students with Autism/Intellectual Disabilities (ID) in the Region 2& 3 area of Eastern Virginia.
• Respond to requests for information about teaching students with Autism. Provide on-site consultations for individual teachers and small groups as requested. Priority goes to teachers in schools identified in need of improvement.
• Develop and conduct professional development workshops on topics pertinent to the area of Autism/Communication Disorders/ Problem Behavior
• Prevention and Intervention and Academic Instruction (especially literacy and mathematics).
• Arrange for outside consultants to provide small-group training and on-site consultations when necessary.
• Attend meetings, especially assigned VDOE projects (e.g. VDOE Autism Priority Project) and trainings pertinent to the area of Autism/ID. Contribute to the Communities of Learning for Autism (COLA) in partnership with colleagues from the Autism Center for Excellence (ACE).
• Gather information on exemplary programs for students with Autism in our regions. Assist in identification and development of consultants for the field-based resource and referral network.
• Develop and produce instructional and informational materials to encourage use of recommended practices with students with Autism and related communication disorders. Contribute to newsletters, and website posts.
• Develop and produce online learning modules related to autism, evidence based practices, academic instructional practices, and behavior supports.
• Regularly review current research on evidence-based practices for teaching students with Autism. Develop publications (e.g. TACtics) as appropriate.

Required minimum qualifications

Education and/or training:

Master of Science in Special Education or related field, with active licensure.

Level and type of experience:

Five years of experience teaching students with autism and related communication disorders required, with a preference for teaching Pre-K/elementary grades across content areas.

Specific knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of specially designed instruction and evidence-based practices for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Communication Disorders, and Behavior support needs.
• Knowledge of evidence-based and specially designed instruction for literacy and mathematics.
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices for preventing and reducing challenging behaviors including development and implementation of intervention plans.
• Knowledge of various communication strategies for students on the autism spectrum who have related communication disorders.
• Skills with collaborative planning and teamwork.

Other:

• Experience providing professional development for teachers of students with disabilities and especially those on the autism spectrum.
• Knowledge of High Leverage Practices and their application in the special education and inclusive classroom.
• Knowledge of practices that support the retention of high-quality special educators and build capacity in the skills ability of building and division level administrators.
• Instructional Coaching

AA/EOE/M/F/D/V/DFW - Specify position #22-062. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Equity Statement:
It is the policy of Old Dominion University Research Foundation to provide equal employment, educational and social opportunities for all persons, without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation or genetic information. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.