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Have you ever wondered what different educators' roles are in a public school district? Have you ever needed to talk to an educator about a concern, but been unsure who would be the best person to talk to?
This page provides an overview of the key roles that support students' education and well-being. From classroom teachers and counselors to principals, special education professionals, and support staff, each member plays a vital role in fostering a positive, inclusive learning environment. Explore these descriptions to better understand what each professional is responsible for to meet each student’s academic and personal needs.
Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that all schools and districts are different. Some may have different titles for specific educators, or their positions may include different responsibilities. If you are ever unsure, please ask your student's school for more information about specific educators.
General Education Staff
General Education Staff
In an public schools, staff positions cover a range of roles to support student learning and well-being:
Principal: Acts as the head of the school, responsible for setting the educational vision, enforcing school policies, and creating a safe, inclusive environment. They manage budgets, oversee teacher performance, handle communication with parents and district leaders, and ensure school-wide academic success.
Vice Principal: Supports the principal in daily operations, often focusing on specific areas like discipline, attendance, or teacher evaluations. They may also oversee particular programs, such as special education or extracurricular activities, and serve as a point of contact for families.
Teachers: Lead instruction in core subjects like reading, math, and science, creating lesson plans aligned with state standards. They manage classrooms, assess student progress, adapt teaching strategies to diverse learning needs, and foster a positive and engaging learning atmosphere.
Counselors: Focus on the emotional and social well-being of students, providing individual or group counseling. They help students navigate personal issues, promote positive peer relationships, and may lead programs on topics such as anti-bullying, emotional regulation, or goal setting.
Nurses: Manage student health needs, from administering medications to handling emergencies. They maintain health records, perform health screenings, and educate students on topics like hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention.
Administrative Staff: Includes secretaries, clerks, and office assistants who manage school communications, attendance, enrollment, and other essential administrative tasks. They often serve as the first point of contact for parents and help with organizing school events and activities.
Each role collaborates to create a supportive and effective educational environment.
Special Education Staff
Special Education Staff
This list includes additional specialized positions often found on an special education teams:
Special Education Teachers/Education Specialists: Design and implement individualized educational plans (IEPs) for students with various disabilities, adapting lessons to meet unique learning needs. They work closely with general education teachers, parents, and specialists to modify curriculum, create inclusive classroom environments, and assess student progress. They also teach specialized skills such as social interactions and self-advocacy.
Paraprofessionals: Assist special education teachers by providing additional instructional support and managing classroom tasks. They work one-on-one or in small groups with students, helping with academic, behavioral, and daily living tasks. Paraprofessionals also support students’ participation in general education classes and often reinforce therapeutic strategies under the guidance of specialists.
School Psychologists: Conduct psychological assessments to identify learning, behavioral, and emotional needs; design interventions; and collaborate with teachers and families to create supportive environments. They help develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and behavior support plans tailored to each student’s needs.
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs): Assess and treat speech, language, and social communication challenges. They work with students to improve language comprehension, articulation, fluency, and social skills, supporting both academic and social success.
Occupational Therapists (OTs): Focus on helping students develop the fine motor skills, self-regulation, and sensory processing abilities needed for daily tasks like handwriting, cutting, or self-care. They provide strategies to increase classroom participation and independence.
Behavioral Specialists: Analyze and support students with behavioral challenges, implementing behavioral modification techniques and individualized support strategies. They often collaborate with teachers to create positive behavioral interventions that enhance students' learning environments.
Physical Therapists (PTs): Work with students who have physical disabilities, addressing mobility, strength, balance, and coordination. PTs help improve functional independence within the school setting, ensuring accessibility to all school facilities and activities.
Assistive Technology Specialists: Identify and implement technology solutions, such as communication devices, adaptive software, and equipment, tailored to support students’ learning and communication. They train students and staff on using these tools, fostering a more inclusive learning environment.
These professionals collaborate to create comprehensive, individualized support systems that empower students with disabilities to succeed academically and socially.
District Level Special Education Roles
District Level Special Education Roles
Below are key district-level special education roles that support schools, teachers, and families:
Director of Special Education: Oversees the district’s special education programs, including compliance with federal and state laws, budget management, and program development. They coordinate services across schools, ensuring quality and consistency in support.
Special Education Coordinators: Work closely with schools to implement individualized education programs (IEPs), provide guidance to special education staff, and support school-based teams with best practices. They often assist in case management and student placement decisions.
Transition Specialists: Focus on preparing students with disabilities for life after school, including employment, post-secondary education, and independent living. They work with older students, families, and community agencies to facilitate smooth transitions and develop relevant skills.
Behavior Analysts (BCBAs): Certified professionals who design and monitor behavior intervention plans for students exhibiting significant behavioral challenges. They train school staff on effective strategies, track student progress, and adjust plans based on data and outcomes.
Special Education Case Managers: Oversee individual student cases, coordinating IEP meetings, managing paperwork, and liaising between families, schools, and other professionals to ensure IEP implementation and progress monitoring.
These district roles provide essential leadership, resources, and expertise, ensuring that special education programs meet high standards and are accessible across all schools.
Del Sol School
Del Sol School
Del Sol School is a nonpublic school, therefore our staff positions differ slightly from public school district positions. The following are the positions on our campus that help support our students.
Director/Founder : Acts as the head of the school, responsible for setting the educational vision, enforcing school policies, and creating a safe, inclusive environment. They manage budgets, oversee teacher performance, handle communication with parents and district leaders, and ensure school-wide academic success. They are the individual who establishes the school, defining its mission, culture, and educational philosophy. They oversee program development, secure funding, and ensure compliance with educational standards. By collaborating with educators, families, and the community, school founders create a cohesive environment that meets the needs of students and fosters growth.
School Psychologist/Licensed Educational Psychologist: A certified professional specializing in assessing and supporting students' learning, emotional, and behavioral needs within educational settings. LEPs conduct evaluations, develop interventions, and collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to create supportive learning environments. They are trained in areas such as cognitive and behavioral assessment, crisis intervention, and the development of personalized educational plans (IEPs and 504 plans). Their goal is to help students overcome barriers to learning, promoting academic and personal growth.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist: A mental health professional with advanced training in diagnosing and treating psychological disorders. They provide therapy to individuals and groups, employing evidence-based techniques to address a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship difficulties. Clinical psychologists often conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and may work in various settings, such as hospitals, private practices, or schools. Their primary goal is to promote mental well-being and facilitate personal growth through therapeutic interventions.
Board Certified Behavior Analysis (BCBA): A professional who specializes in applying the principles of behavior analysis to improve behaviors and learning outcomes. They conduct assessments, develop individualized behavior intervention plans, and monitor progress. BCBAs often work with individuals with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, or behavioral challenges, implementing strategies to promote positive behavior change and skill acquisition. They also provide training and support to teachers, parents, and other caregivers to ensure consistency and effectiveness in interventions.
Special Education Teachers/Education Specialists: Design and implement individualized educational plans (IEPs) for students with various disabilities, adapting lessons to meet unique learning needs. They work closely with general education teachers, parents, and specialists to modify curriculum, create inclusive classroom environments, and assess student progress. They also teach specialized skills such as social interactions and self-advocacy.
Special Education Program Specialist: An expert in developing, implementing, and overseeing special education programs within a school district. They work closely with teachers, administrators, and families to ensure compliance with regulations and to enhance educational practices for students with disabilities. Their responsibilities include conducting assessments, providing training for staff, and collaborating on the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). By focusing on best practices and effective interventions, they aim to improve student outcomes and promote inclusive educational environments.
Administrative Secretary: Manage administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, handling correspondence, maintaining records, and organizing files. Often serving as the first point of contact for parents and visitors, they facilitate communication between staff, students, and the community. Their organizational skills and attention to detail help ensure the smooth functioning of daily school activities, supporting both educational staff and administrative processes.
Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP): Specializes in assessing and treating communication disorders. They work with individuals facing challenges in speech, language, voice, and fluency, providing therapy to improve articulation, language comprehension, and social communication skills. SLPs often collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to develop tailored interventions and support strategies. Their goal is to enhance effective communication, which is essential for academic success and social interaction.
Behavior Interventionist: A paraprofessional who implements applied behavior analysis (ABA) strategies to support individuals with behavior challenges, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder. They work under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), conducting direct therapy, collecting data on behavior, and helping clients develop new skills. They play a crucial role in promoting positive behavior change and fostering independence in daily living and social skills.
Edited: 8/13/26
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