Specialist Assistive Technology

Specialist Assistive TechnologyThe Assistive Technology Specialist works with the Assistive Technology team to provide access to all students in the Anchorage School District. This specialist has knowledge of inclusive practices, assistive technology, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and is able to provide professional development and direct support to ASD special education school teams. The specialist collaborates with both special education and general education staff to advance the use of UDL principles, assistive technology, and high-leverage practices for inclusive classrooms across all educational settings in ASD. This position participates in student screening through various assessments, training, and interventions. The specialist provides training and guidance on accommodations and modifications to help students be successful in any educational setting. This position requires a valid Alaska teaching or type C special services certificate and has a retirement association with the Alaska Teachers' Retirement System (TRS).Job Requirements The following are required:A master's degree.A valid Alaska teaching certificate or type C special services certificate.A minimum of three years of teaching or work experience in special education or related field.The following are preferred:Knowledge of evidence-based research and teaching practices that support the inclusion of all students within core curriculum courses.Experience teaching and/or providing related services and supporting the inclusion of students with disabilities utilizing the core principles of UDL as documented by CAST.org or a similar evidence-based framework.Proven aptitude and experience with designing and providing professional development in person and via video conference presentation methods such as Zoom to support education teams.Proven aptitude and experience consulting and collaborating with building-level teams to support the inclusion of individual students or groups of students in grade-level curricular activities.Essential Job FunctionsCoordinates with Special Education administration and building-level teams to adopt and support assistive technology and inclusionary practices for students with disabilities.Serves as a consultant to administration, teachers, principals, and parents regarding implementing evidence-based inclusionary practices and various assistive technology tools for students eligible for special education services.Analyzes data and collaborates with stakeholders to improve instructional practices and implementation.Assists with professional development presentations on Universal Design for Learning, assistive technology, and/or other inclusive practices.Applies knowledge of current research and theory to instructional programs.Provides training and guidance on accommodations and modifications to help students be successful in any educational setting.Participates with pre-referral and multidisciplinary teams for student screening, assessment, training, and intervention.Selects and administers standardized or non-standardized assessments and scores according to the procedural manual to determine eligibility for assistive technology in the educational setting.Functions as a team member and collaborates with regular education and special education staff in planning, supporting, and providing instruction in various school settings.Perform ongoing project coordination and systems development as necessary.Physical /Mental Demands The physical demands of this job require frequent standing, walking, sitting, speaking and hearing. Specific visual abilities are also required. The employee is regularly required to reach with his/her hands and arms and occasionally lift items weighing less than 40 lbs. Additionally, the employee must be able to understand vague and implicit instructions, be able to readily recall facts and details, handle conflict and make effective decisions under pressure. The employee must have the ability to effectively manage the stress of working with students, parents, and other employees representing diverse cultures, personalities, and work styles in a dynamic work environment. The Anchorage School District is committed to providing reasonable accommodations according to applicable state and federal laws to all individuals with a qualified physical or mental disability. Work Environment Work is performed in a professional environment with a wide variety of individuals having differing functions, personalities and abilities, including working with diverse groups of people in a variety of different settings. While performing the duties of this job the employee may be regularly exposed to a video display. The employee may be exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.Additional Job Information This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties as requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. Anchorage School District (ASD) employees must possess the ability to read and write in English. This also includes the ability to communicate in English with school staff, co-workers, and the public; as well as have the ability to comprehend and carry out oral and written directions and understand and follow English instructions and written documents. Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a satisfactory criminal background check. For certificated positions, this is in addition to the background check conducted through the certification process with the Alaska State Department of Education and Early Development (DEED). This position may be required to work in ASD facilities on the military installations (JBER). Please visit the government REAL ID website for additional information. The Anchorage School District is an equal employment opportunity employer.About The Anchorage School District is one of the largest and most diverse school districts in the country. We educate nearly 43,000 students in over 130 schools and programs. Minority students comprise more than 50 percent of the student population, and our students speak 110 different languages. We are committed to fostering and celebrating diversity and preparing our students to be global citizens. We support employees through comprehensive professional development, award winning mentoring programs, and competitive salary and benefits. Anchorage is the best of both worlds, offering pristine wilderness alongside the amenities of a large city.Land Acknowledgment: We acknowledge that we gather here today on the traditional lands of the Dena'ina People of Upper Cook Inlet. For thousands of years, the Dena'ina People have been and continue to be the stewards of this land. ASD is committed to diversity and inclusion, and it is with honor and respect that we recognize all Indigenous people who live and learn in our community.Our Mission: In order to meet its mission, Educating All Students for Success in Life, Anchorage School District (ASD) is committed to strategic initiatives and goals. Goals are SMART as they are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely.Our Vision: Building the ideal student experience. Student learning, achievement, and lifelong success are the focus of ASD. Within the District, families have many academic choices to meet a variety of student needs. Equitable access and opportunity are keys to building a successful learning path for each student. ASD celebrates our differences and is committed to inclusion of all our community's languages, cultures, and perspectives.Education plays a vital role in preparing students to become engaged, productive members of our culturally rich community. Our community envisions students empowered by real world experiences with access to educational opportunities within and beyond the walls of school buildings. ASD is boldly committed to transforming how we prepare students for life, college and careers within Alaska and across the globe.