Primary Purpose:

The Special Education Liaison provides targeted and timely support to LEAs. This role plays a critical role in analyzing data, identifying district needs, and connecting LEAs to resources, professional development, and technical assistance. This position works closely with a statewide team to manage high-impact projects that are scaled and replicated across the field. 

Qualifications:

Education/Certification

• Texas teaching certification required
• Master's degree required
• Texas principal certification preferred
• Experience working with or supporting special education programs in K-12 settings preferred

Skills

• Successful leadership experience in various capacities required 
• Must possess recent background in special education as an educator, and/or administrator, with quantifiable and clear results for student achievement 
• Proven experience leading and managing diverse groups of stakeholders, and/or experience in working successfully on a team 
• Strong project management background required
• Must possess high expectations for the achievement of students with disabilities 
• Successful experience in, and affinity toward, collaboration and learning from multiple sources 
• Highly professional written and verbal communication required

Working Conditions:

• Travel for state meetings occurs monthly to bi-monthly. This includes 3 to 5 nights away for statewide PLCs, and is an essential job requirement.
• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including personal computer and peripherals
• Posture: Must be physically able to tolerate prolonged sitting, frequent standing; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting, and standing
• Motion: Must be physically able to tolerate frequent standing and walking, repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching, occasional driving
• Lifting: Must be physically able to tolerate regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may require occasional heavy lifting and carrying (45 pounds or more) 
• Environment: Must be physically able to work inside; tolerate frequent districtwide travel and occasional statewide travel; regular exposure to noise
• Mental Demands: Must be able to work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours on occasion
• Regular Attendance is an essential function

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Successfully embeds Design Thinking and Disciplines of Execution (4DX) processes to meet goals outlined in ESC Special Education Liaison Grant performance measures
2. Works with LEA special education and campus leaders to enhance teams’ ability to analyze data, identify challenges, and develop sustainable improvement plans. Assesses target needs and connects LEAs to effective resources and support.
3. Prioritizes, protects, and attends all required ESC Liaison Week activities and participates in feedback loops and collaborative activities that connect policy and practice statewide 
4. Completes one observation that aligns to the essential functions provided by TEA and engages in collaborative efforts with TEA Grant Managers:
• To evaluate and tailor support strategies for alignment with team and system goals.
• To assess the impact of support and connections in achieving implementation goals, ensuring resources and guidance meet the needs of teams and stakeholders.
• To foster collaboration and provide relational resources to strengthen implementation efforts.
5. Develops and implements a Leadership Series specific to District and Campus leaders in analyzing data related to their district/campus special education needs 
6. Publishes monthly communication highlighting State and ESC Special Education Program support and learning opportunities for LEA staff 
7. Assists in the design and/or delivery of professional development on a variety of topics related to Special Education compliance and continuous improvement
8. Proactively seeks information and resources needed for regional growth in identified areas of need 
9. Assists in the management of metrics and deliverables for grants and/or contracts provided to the ESC and reports those to the ESC Executive Director and/or appropriate ESC personnel 
10. Supports and acts as a liaison for regional functions, grants, and initiatives with statewide efforts
11. Maintains a functioning cell phone and is accessible through this phone as deemed appropriate by the director  A functioning cell phone means that it is charged, activated, messages checked, and mailbox emptied regularly
12. Reports for work ready to perform responsibilities
13. Performs duties that directly and/or indirectly impact student performance in Region 
14. Maintains a professional level of confidentiality regarding all ESC matters
15. Supports the mission, goals, and objectives of the ESC strategic plan
16. Upholds and adheres to safety rules and policies of the ESC safety program
17. Performs professional responsibilities as required by ESC policies, processes, and procedures
18. Manages time, calendar, and job responsibilities to meet deadlines
19. Meets proficiency levels of required technology skills as outlined by supervisor
20. Incorporates appropriate technology in daily work and exhibits continual growth in technologies as outlined by supervisor
21. Performs other duties as assigned