To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were written out in this job description.

GRPS MISSION: Our mission is to ensure that all students are educated, self-directed, and productive members of society.

Teacher – Special Education

Department: Instruction

Bargaining Unit:Grand Rapid Education Association (GREA)

Salary:Determined by the collective bargaining agreement and a comprehensive benefits package

JOB SUMMARY

The special education teacher is responsible for planning instruction and adaption of the curriculum to accommodate students in the learning process. The special education teacher will function as the case manager for students with individualized education programs (IEPs) and oversees their compliance.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include any of the following duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by employees in this position. Regular on time and in person attendance is an essential function of this job. Other essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Develop Individualized Education Program(s) for students based on evaluation data and research-based practices.
• Support student learning in the least restrictive environment
• Differentiate instruction to ensure student’s progress per the district’s Academic Plan
• Document student progress on goals and objectives, accommodations, service time, and discipline/suspensions (GRPS Discipline Tracking Record)
• Monitor and document provision of educational services for students on caseload with 10 or more days of suspension.
• Collaborate with all service providers, general education teachers and other staff to assist in providing support and documentation for the implementation and review of existing evaluation data (REED) process.
• Provide support to general education classroom teachers.
• Develop implement and evaluate the effectiveness of behavior support plans.
• Participate in special education/building/district meetings as directed by the special education supervisor.
• Log and maintain monthly Service Capture reporting requirements for Medicaid Billing
• Maintain an electronic log to document students’ goals and objectives, accommodations, and other IEP related services.
• Participate and support implementation of interventions in the Response to Intervention (RtI) and Student Success Team process as appropriate per building principal and/or special education supervisor.
• Participate in implementation of positive behavior support initiative (PBIS) building initiatives.
• Integrate technology use in the classroom.

Parent and Community Engagement

• Make and maintain regular, positive contact with parents via phone calls, email and/or home visits including communicating student progress.
• Establish and maintain effective written and oral communication and rapport with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Participate in parent meetings, including IEP’s and Parent/Teacher Conferences
• Contribute to the development of a positive attitude between the school and the wider community through cooperative relations, publications, competitions, etc.

Other Duties

• Display physical, social, mental, and emotional soundness in order to execute the duties of job.
• Serve as a role model for all students and within school community.
• Interact with co-workers, administration, students, parents and the community in positive, supportive and cooperative ways.
• Encourage the team spirit and contribute as a team member in the decision-making processes of the school as facilitated by the building administrator.
• Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required.
• Contribute to extra-curricular activities and school programs, including recess duty as requested.
• Maintain and promote school district goals and objectives.
• Comply with state, federal and District policies, procedures, rules, and the union contract.
• Regular and on-time attendance is required.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in education with endorsement in at least one area of special education (ASD, EI, CI, SLD, PI, HI, VI, TBI, etc.).
• Current appropriate Michigan special education teaching certification.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION:

• Experience teaching the International Baccalaureate curriculum.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated understanding of current research as to how children learn and the ability to motivate student to perform at their best.
• Demonstrated competency in the administration and interpretation of academic testing and development of behavior support plans.
• Demonstrated ability to work in an economically, culturally, and racially diverse environment.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in the English language, both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to differentiate instruction, by using a variety of styles, and inspire mixed culture and ability classes by creating challenging and engaging learning opportunities for all students.
• Demonstrated ability to participate as a member of the team.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a diverse and demanding workload.

ADA REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk, and hear (in a quiet or noisy environment). The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust/focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Work is performed indoors although there will be required outdoor activities. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well-being, and work output of students.

MENTAL FUNCTIONS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to compare, analyze, communicate both orally and in writing, copy, coordinate, instruct, compute, synthesize, evaluate, use interpersonal skills, compile, and negotiate.

Non-Discrimination

The Grand Rapids Public Schools will not discriminate against any person based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, height, weight, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran, or military status.

Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations: Assistance with the application process may be requested through the Human Resources Department at (616) 819-2022 or humanresources@grps.org.