Headlands Preparatory School seeks a collaborative, student-centered Educational Specialist to support the school's individualized educational program and serve as a primary resource for special education and student learning needs beginning January 4, 2027 . The Education Specialist provides direct support to assigned students through specialized academic instruction, monitors student progress and implementation of IEPs and other educational support plans, and collaborates with teachers, families, administrators, and outside professionals. The Education Specialist provides guidance on accommodations, instructional strategies, and student support while promoting academic growth, independence, and success. The Educational Specialist reports to the Head of School and the Executive Director and is a member of the Administrative Team. About Headlands Prep Headlands Prep is a small, innovative, WASC-accredited middle and high school offering UC-approved courses through one-to-one and small-group instruction using a Mastery Learning model. With year-round enrollment, we serve a wide range of learners, from students seeking academic acceleration to those who need specialized instruction and support. Headlands Prep offers a welcoming, inclusive faculty community and our individualized model gives educators the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, adapt instruction to each learner, and see the impact of their work on students' confidence and progress. Essential ResponsibilitiesSpecialized Academic Instruction & Direct Support Conduct regularly scheduled specialized academic instruction (Advisory) sessions for assigned students and deliver instruction using curriculum and resources provided or approved by Headlands Prep. Help students develop skills related to executive functioning, organization, self-advocacy, academic engagement, independence, and other identified areas of need. Monitor student academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and functional progress as appropriate to the student's educational plan. Maintain appropriate documentation of Advisory sessions, student progress, interventions, and services. IEP & Educational Plan Development and/or Implementation Develop and/or implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in collaboration with students, families, teachers, and district teams; monitor progress toward goals and support consistent delivery of accommodations and services. Review student IEPs, educational support plans, neuropsychological and psychoeducational evaluations, and other relevant records and communicate required accommodations, modifications, goals, services, and supports to teachers and staff. Maintain appropriate documentation of services, accommodations, student progress, and applicable timelines. Identify implementation or progress concerns and collaborate with teachers and administrators to address them. Maintain current knowledge of special education requirements and best practices. Instructional Monitoring & Teacher Support Observe and monitor instruction provided to students with IEPs and other educational support plans; provide teachers with practical guidance for implementing student educational plans and collaborate with teachers regarding instructional strategies, accommodations, modifications, behavior supports, and other student-specific needs. Review student performance and progress across courses and identify areas in which additional intervention, accommodation, or coordination may be needed. Review student progress with teachers and identify adjustments when appropriate. Follow up with teachers regarding instructional concerns and communicate unresolved concerns to the Head of School and/or Executive Director or other appropriate administrator. Serve as a special education resource for faculty and staff and provide periodic brief faculty training on learning differences, neurodiversity, and adolescent development. Case Management & Collaboration Participate in IEP meetings, SST meetings, parent conferences, and other educational planning meetings. Communicate and collaborate with students, families, teachers, administrators, outside consultants, school districts, and related-service providers as needed. Coordinate information among members of each student's educational team to support consistent implementation of the student's program. Collaborate with outside specialists (educational psychologists, psychotherapists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists) when needed. Assessment & Progress Monitoring Develop and/or utilize appropriate methods for monitoring progress toward student goals. Conduct academic assessments for students, including the Woodcock-Johnson test and Wechsler Individual Achievement Test Consult with the Director of Academic and Student Programs regarding accommodation requests for College Board and ACT testing. Prepare progress updates and other documentation as required. Use student data and observations to recommend instructional strategies and supports. Leadership & Schoolwide Responsibilities Serve as an active member of the Headlands Administrative Team and advise leadership on special education and student support needs. Support the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and systems related to special education and student services and collaborate on enrollment, scheduling, and programming for students requiring specialized support. Foster a positive, inclusive, and student-centered school environment and maintain professional, collaborative relationships with students, families, teachers, staff, and outside professionals. Support Headlands' mission, values, policies, programs, and goals. Perform other related duties as assigned by the Head of School and/or Executive Director. Required Qualifications Bachelor's Degree required. Master's Degree in a related field preferred. Clear California Education Specialist Instruction Credential required Extensive Support Needs certification preferred. Mild to Moderate Support Needs with Autism certification considered with demonstrated experience. Demonstrated knowledge of implementation, accommodations and modifications, progress monitoring, special education instructional practices, and educational documentation. Experience working with middle and/or high school students with disabilities or diverse learning needs strongly preferred. Knowledge, Skills & Competencies Strong knowledge of special education practices, IEP development and implementation, accommodations, modifications, and progress monitoring. Ability to interpret IEPs, evaluations, and educational plans and translate them into effective student supports. Ability to monitor instruction and plan implementation and provide teachers with clear, collaborative guidance. Knowledge of common learning differences and evidence-based intervention approaches (e.g., structured literacy, Orton-Gillingham, Making Math Real, or similar frameworks) Strong organizational, case-management, documentation, and follow-through skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with students, families, staff, and outside professionals. Sound judgment, flexibility, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Commitment to student growth, independence, inclusion, and appropriately high academic expectations.

Pay:

$80,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person