Description

Job Summary:

The Special Education Teacher serves children assigned to them who are eligible students as defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Directs, monitors, and mentors assistant teachers, paraeducators and others who work with students who have disabilities

Duties/Responsibilities

• Develops individualized education programs (IEPs) for eligible students, setting learning goals and accommodations and setting modifications as necessary

• Performs a variety of assessments and observations to determine the areas in which the student may need extra or modified educational services. Assessment areas may include academic performance, behavior, social development, or physical health

• Develops an integrated plan for the education of each student based on their IEP by collaborating with classroom teachers, parents, psychologists, social workers, service providers, and other medical and school staff as appropriate

• Develops and teaches lessons that provide engaging learning opportunities for small groups and individual students while meeting required specifications of IEPs

• Trains team members on IEP details and SDI delivery as appropriate

• Implements IEPs, provides ongoing or follow-up assessments, tracks student progress and makes modifications as necessary

• Supervises delivery of specially-designed instruction (SDI) by others to whom instruction has been delegated through observations and student progress data collection and review

• Collaborates with classroom and homeroom teachers to ensure each student assigned to them needs are met and plans are followed

• Ensures programs comply with Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); ensures each applicable student is provided with Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that is properly modified for his/her individual needs

• Develops, completes, and maintains documentation mandated by LEA, state, and federal guidelines, laws, and regulations

• Maintains knowledge of special education teaching methods, research, and best practices through professional development and study

• Implements positive reinforcement programs and acknowledges the achievements and successes of students and support the behavior programs used in the classroom

• Communicates with parents/guardians of IEP students and reports student progress to them

• Performs other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required Education and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required

• Appropriate state license or certification required

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Understanding of LEA policies, laws, and guidelines related to special education including IDEA and specifically the development and implementation of IEPs

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Verbal and written communication skills

• Interpersonal skills that reflect an ability to maintain a calm and patient demeanor with all students

• Competency relating to special education needs, strategies, and services

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite and program-specific software (Skyward, Athlos)

Interactions with Others

Interacts positively with students, parents, staff, teachers, administration, and other school personnel. Provides encouragement and enthusiasm in daily interactions with colleagues, students and families. Adheres to the school communication policy of taking concerns or questions to the person most able to address them, according to the staff manual. Exhibits good character including honesty, assuming goodwill, positivity, diligence, and humility - quickly acknowledging errors and making appropriate amends.

Working Environment

Work settings are primarily in the classroom or various classrooms, and in an office setting. May be asked to work inside or outside the building to accomplish assigned tasks.

Physical Requirements Not limited to the following:

• Prolonged periods standing and walking throughout school and classroom

• Must be able to lift up to 45 pounds at a time

• Must be able to assist students who have physical difficulties

• Must be able to kneel, sit, stand, crawl, push, and pull to assist and teach children throughout the day

• Prolonged periods sitting and working on computer to complete necessary paperwork

• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. Accommodations can be made upon request as needed.

• Specific hearing and speaking abilities that will allow for effective communication with students.

Time & Effort Certification (TEC)

Each pay period, the Special Education Teacher will be required to certify that the hours for which they will be compensated were spent conducting allowable activities supporting special education students. If the Special Education Teacher is asked to spend time working outside of special education during any pay period, they must notify their supervisor so the TEC and payroll funding can be adjusted.