Reporting to the Director, Education Program Services, the Education Specialist plays an essential role focused on the academic, special education and social emotional learning of Pre-K through 12th supports and services. The Education Specialist drives the highest quality pedagogy for learners through creative and supportive programming and resources that assist tribal families with informed decision making for their children that will have a multi-generational impact. The Education Specialist prioritizes the academic, special education, and social emotional learning aspects of the tutoring program and Tribal School as well as the actuation of the through all life stages of the 2040 vision as it relates to post-secondary access and success. The Education Specialist also services and supports inclusive, rigorous, and diverse learning experiences for all students regardless of age and time in school. The Education Specialist works closely with the language and culture staff and Tribal School principal to support programming and events in the department and school.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Case Management and Recommendations

• Plans, implements, monitors, and evaluate Personal Educational Plans (PEP) of each assigned student.
• Prepares lesson plans and objectives based upon individual student’s PEP goals and grade level expectations.
• Coordinates with students’ teachers, classes and activities as an inclusion facilitator/specialist.
• Prepares required student forms and maintains accurate student academic records, attendance records, cumulative student progress and achievement records and reports.
• Informs parents of student progress towards PEP goals and encourages their participation in PEP meetings and parent conferences.

2. Pedagogy and Programmatic Leadership

• Articulates the 2040 vision that is inclusive of creating programming for PreK through post-secondary and beyond with a specialization in social emotional learning and Special Education Inclusion programming for the Tribal School and supports and services.
• Leads continuous academic and behavioral improvement efforts related to off reservation schooling coupled with insights from the youth in attendance.
• Works with teaching staff to establish an instructional learning environment for students by accommodating or modifying instructional activities to meet the students’ individual goals.
• Co-teaches, collaborates, and consults with general and special educators and related service providers to ensure that children receive a meaningful program and are educated in the Least Restrictive Environment.
• Monitors the portfolio system to ensure the department is meeting or exceeding targets consistent with 2040 vision goals. 
• Supports and collaborates with the Tribal Youth Committee to align to the tribe’s vision for youth leadership and development.

• Monitor contracts with outside related services agencies ensuring appropriate comprehensive services for each student with special needs.  

3. Assessment

• Works with colleagues to support Pre-K-12th assessment cycles in partnerships with off reservation schools to include establishing timelines and providing feedback on assessment performance to tribal families.
• Creates internal progress monitoring systems for staff to contribute to and maintain for assessment and supporting documents such as portfolio benchmarks.
• Performs educational assessments in accordance with California State Standards, school programs, and PEP goals.
• Analyzes individual student data on internal and external assessments to identify support opportunities, track goals, and report trends.
• Monitors action plans to address student data and performance as it relates to all academic content areas.
• Develops and designs instructional supports to address students at tribal schools and surrounding districts academic trends.
• Provides observation and feedback on the implementation of the tutoring and counseling academic program in quarterly cycles.

• Conducts audits of tutoring and counseling programs to ensure goals and benchmarks are met or exceeded.

4. Planning

• Participates in the annual strategic planning for tutoring program including action steps, owners, and timelines and ensures implementation with fidelity.
• Collaborates with colleagues to design long-term plans for educational programs.
• Manages yearly PEP meetings and assessment calendar.
• Works collaboratively with colleagues on action plan components of the 2040 vision as it evolves and is actuated.

5. Professional Development and Community Events

• Acquires affiliations and memberships with Native American programs for all students.
• Supports the department’s ongoing planning and implementation of internal events such as Summer Academy, Tribal Youth Gathering, Youth Committee Pow Wow Table, MMIP 5k, and Yucca Harvest.

6. Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the department.

 EDUCATIONAL, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Content, Education, or a closely related field is required.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in a student-facing educational setting is required.
• A minimum of three (3) years of writing Individualized Education Plans and Behavior Intervention Plans is required.
• A minimum of three (3) years working in a tribal education setting is preferred.
• California Special Education Teaching Credential is required.  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA)

• Must be willing and capable to learn the Serrano language.
• Knowledge of and experience with Indian Tribes is preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to students and learning. 
• Experience with adult learning theories and professional development programming is required.
• Demonstrated educational philosophy and methods that encourage the development of active and lifelong learning
• Exceptional understanding of a progressive approach to instruction and academic counseling and a wide knowledge of the most innovative, culturally sustaining, and successful instructional methods is required.
• Excellent relationship-building and management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and consensus-building abilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to write clearly and persuasively.
• Excellent organization, time management and follow-up skills; high sense of urgency; demonstrated ability to successfully handle multiple projects concurrently; ability to lead a team.
• Strong community-building skills.
• Demonstrated personal leadership responsibility.

REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATIONS

• California Special Education Teaching Credential is required.  
• As a condition of employment, candidates and incumbents are required to pass pre- and post-employment screening including Live-Scan, background, drug testing, and tuberculosis (TB) testing.
• Select One of the Following:
  • ☒ Authorized Driver: Role requires operation or driving of Tribe-owned vehicles or driving patron vehicles. A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record as determined by the insurance carrier is required.
  • ☐ Driving Responsibilities: Role requires regular commuting between locations. A valid driver's license and vehicle insurance with minimum liability limits is required. Role will not operate or drive Tribe-owned vehicles or patron vehicles.
  • ☐ No Driving Responsibilities: Role does not require a driver’s license or insurance.

San Manuel will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with applicable law.

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