Special Education Support Service

National Coordinator (One Post)  Assistant Coordinator (Two Posts)

Applications are invited for the above three full-time posts for the newly established Special Education Support Service.  Laois Education Centre has been designated as the Centre for this Support Service. The Centre, in association with the In-Career Development Unit of the Department of Education and Science, will commence a process of:

·         researching, evaluating and prioritising a range of continuing personal and professional development programmes for school personnel working with children with special educational needs in a variety of educational settings including mainstream primary and postprimary schools, special schools and special classes;

·         planning, developing, managing and co-ordinating the work of the Support Service in the main areas of Special Education;

·         arranging for, and coordinating,  the provision of local and school-based support for personnel working with children with Special Educational Needs.

Laois Education Centre seeks to recruit qualified and experienced teachers to assist in this process. Applications are now invited for the above posts from teachers who currently hold permanent wholetime sanctioned posts in recognised schools (primary, postprimary or special), and from teachers on secondment from such posts.  Short-listing may apply and panels will be formed from which current and possible future vacancies may be filled. Successful applicants will be seconded from their posts for 2 years.

Applicants likely to be called for interview should have most or all of the following:

·         experience of teaching pupils with special educational needs

·         appropriate academic qualifications in Special Education/Learning Support/Psychology/Management

·         knowledge of resources/assistive technologies for special needs teaching

·         an enterprising approach to tasks and the capability to undertake substantial, innovative and challenging projects

·         good organisation, management and ICT skills

·         excellent communication, presentation, interpersonal and leadership skills

·         involvement in curriculum development and experience of designing and delivering inservice, e.g. working in a similar support service, managing projects and/or management in schools

·         experience of working in a partnership environment

·         awareness of the role of on-line training in Special Education

In addition to the above, applicants for the position of National Co-ordinator should demonstrate exceptional leadership skills, be able to promote a team approach and to develop the capacity of the team.

Application forms and job descriptions can be obtained from:The Director, Laois Education Centre, Block Road, Portlaoise, Co Laois.  Tel. (0502) 72400;  Fax. (0502) 61137.

Email:  laoisedcentre@eircom.net  Website:    www.laoisedcentre.ie

Applicants should indicate the post(s) for which they are applying and completed forms should be returned to reach the Centre by 5 p.m. on Tuesday 20 May, 2003.

Laois Education Centre is an equal opportunities employer.

This initiative is being funded by the Department of Education and Science under the National Development Plan 2000-2006