Curriculum & Instruction Specialist, Special Education

About Us

Position Details

Overview
As the Special Education Curriculum Specialist at Stellar Virtual Schools, your role is pivotal in ensuring that students with disabilities receive high-quality, individualized instruction aligned with state and federal mandates (like IDEA) and local district goals, all within an online learning environment. You're responsible for the design, implementation, and oversight of special education curriculum, virtual instructional materials, and evidence-based practices across the district.

Essential Duties

• Curriculum Development and Alignment:
• • Lead the selection, adaptation, and development of online special education curriculum and digital instructional materials that are aligned with TEKS and IEPs.
  • Ensure curriculum incorporates virtual differentiation and scaffolding strategies suited for synchronous and asynchronous online learning to meet diverse learning needs within the continuum of virtual services.
  • Integrate evidence-based practices and research-based interventions (e.g., Structured Literacy for Dyslexia, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports - PBIS) into online curriculum design and virtual intervention delivery models.
• Instructional Support and Professional Development:
• • Provide ongoing professional development and training to special education teachers, general education teachers, and paraprofessionals on effective virtual instructional strategies, online curriculum implementation, remote progress monitoring, and data-driven decision-making in a virtual context.
  • Coach and mentor teachers in implementing specialized instruction, virtual behavior management techniques, and selecting/using assistive technology for online learners.
  • Develop and deliver virtual training specific to new online curriculum adoptions or shifts in virtual instructional methodologies.
• Assessment and Progress Monitoring:
• • Support teachers in selecting and using appropriate formal and informal virtual assessments and online data collection tools to gather data on student progress toward IEP goals.
  • Develop and implement digital systems for effective progress monitoring and online data analysis to inform instructional adjustments in a virtual setting.
  • Guide teams in using virtual assessment data to drive IEP development and revisions.
• Compliance and Program Oversight:
• • Ensure all special education virtual curriculum and online instructional practices comply with federal (IDEA, Section 504) and state (TEA, TAC) regulations for virtual schooling.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Special Education and virtual campus administrators to monitor program fidelity and ensure all students receive FAPE in the virtual environment.
  • Stay current with best practices, research, and legal updates in the field of special education, with a specific focus on virtual learning regulations and innovations.
  • Contribute to the district's response to TEA monitoring and audits related to virtual special education curriculum and instruction.
• Collaboration and Communication:
• • Work closely with general education curriculum specialists to promote inclusive virtual practices and ensure accessibility of the general education online curriculum for students with disabilities.
  • Collaborate with related service providers (e.g., speech therapists, occupational therapists, diagnosticians) to ensure an integrated approach to student support, often virtually.
  • Communicate effectively with parents regarding virtual curriculum and online instructional strategies, offering resources and support for navigating the virtual learning environment.

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes 

• Minimum of 2 (two) years of experience in special education, with a significant focus on Curriculum & Instruction.
• Deep understanding of special education methodologies, instructional design, differentiated instruction, and evidence-based practices, with a proven ability to adapt these to virtual learning.
• Familiarity with TEKS and best practices in curriculum development across core content areas, especially for online delivery.
• Proficiency in various assessment methods and data analysis, with experience in remote assessment and progress monitoring tools.
• Ability to lead virtual professional development, coach teachers remotely, and influence instructional practices online.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (including virtual communication platforms) to interact with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships and work effectively within a virtual team environment.
• Analytical skills to identify instructional challenges and develop practical solutions for online learning contexts.
• Thorough understanding of IDEA, Section 504, and TEA special education rules and regulations, including specific virtual school guidelines.
• Advanced proficiency in educational technology, learning management systems (LMS), virtual collaboration tools, and assistive technology for online learners.

Education & Certification Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Master's degree in Special Education, Curriculum and Instruction, or a related field strongly preferred.
• Valid Texas teaching certification in Special Education or a related field is required.

Benefits & Incentives (Full-Time Only)

• Competitive vacation and paid time off plans
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans with varying coverage for employees and their families, with a high-deductible health plan option available in all locations
• 401(k) retirement plan (pre- and post-tax options) with matching contribution up to 3% after one year of employment
• Additional supplemental disability, life, critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident, legal aid, and ID theft protection plans
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Two paid closure weeks each year (weeks of July 4 and December 25)

Employment "At-Will"
For W-2 employment, Stellar Virtual is an at-will employer. This means the employee and Stellar Virtual can terminate the employment at any time, with or without cause or notice, as legally permitted. This job description does not guarantee continued employment or a contract. All 1099 status is excluded.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

Stellar Virtual is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.