Duties

The SLD Support Project Regional Specialist’s primary responsibility is the design, delivery, and
continuous improvement of high quality professional development focused on evidence-based
practices for students with specific learning disabilities. This position requires advanced skill in
adult learning, professional learning facilitation, and the ability to translate research into effective,
practice focused training for educators and administrators. The majority of this role is dedicated
to planning, facilitating, and evaluating professional development, with additional responsibilities
related to technical assistance, coaching, and project support.

The Specific Learning Disability Support Project is a federally funded grant project through the
Illinois State Board of Education in partnership with Eastern Illinois University and Eastern Illinois
Area of Special Education. The Specific Learning Disability Support Project aligns with IDEA’s
purpose “…by supporting system improvement activities, coordinated research, personnel
preparation, coordinated technical assistance, technology development and media services [to]
ensure the effectiveness of efforts to educate children with disabilities.” This project aims to
reduce the achievement gap and offer training and resources to meet the educational needs of
all students with specific learning disabilities. It also aims to increase reading and math skills and
decrease achievement gaps by expanding upon the development of previous training materials
to address “specially designed instruction” for students with specific learning disabilities,
including, but not limited to, dyslexia.

The primary work location for the Regional Specialist position may be remote within the assigned
region or at EIASE’s central office. Applicants must reside in one of the following counties: Boone,
Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, or Will. While most travel will occur within
the assigned region, this position requires occasional travel throughout the state. The SLD Support
Project (SLDSP) Regional Specialist will work collaboratively with other project staff to design and
deliver professional learning focused on best practices in special education related to specific
learning disabilities. The Regional Specialist will also collaborate with project personnel on
professional learning planning and provide direct technical assistance and coaching to school
districts and joint agreements. In addition, the SLDSP Regional Specialist will support the Project
Manager in ensuring that program objectives and grant requirements are met.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in special education or a closely related field (Master’s degree preferred.
2. ESL (English as a Second Language) endorsement and fluency in Spanish preferred
3. Demonstrated knowledge of IDEA and best practices related to serving students with specific
   learning disabilities, including dyslexia
4. Demonstrated expertise in designing and delivering high quality professional development
   for educators, coaches, and administrators, including large group facilitation and sustained
   learning experiences
5. Demonstrated ability to apply principles of adult learning theory to professional
   development design and delivery
6. Strong understanding of evidence-based instructional practices in reading and/or
   mathematics, including specially designed instruction
7. Experience providing technical assistance, coaching, or consultation to schools, districts, or
   joint agreements
8. Ability to collaborate effectively with multiple partners, including state agencies, LEAs, ROEs,
   and SLDSP team members
9. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to present
   information clearly to varied audiences
10. Ability to analyze and apply research to practice in professional learning and resource
    development
11. Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple responsibilities while meeting
    grant timelines and expectations
12. Willingness and ability to travel regionally and statewide as required

Salary/Benefits

This is an 12 month position. The salary range is $90,000 to $95,000 per year depending on experience and qualifications. Benefits include board paid TRS, 20 vacation days per year, 13 sick days per year, & $810/mo. toward health insurance. 

Additional Notes

This position may work remotely from the candidate's home or from EIASE's central office located at 5837 Park Drive, Charleston. 

Link to the full job description

How to Apply

Applications for this position will be taken through EIASE's online application. 

Link to District/Third Party Online Application Web Page

https://www.applitrack.com/eiase/onlineapp/JobPostings/view.asp?FromAdmin=true&AppliTrackJobId=907

Email Address

rthoma@sldsupports.org

School District

https://sldsupports.org/

ILearn Link

ILearn

Report Card Link

District Report Card