Job Title:  Special Education Teacher (Elementary)

Reports To: Building Principal(s) 

Location: Voyager Elementary School

Positions Available: 1 (at FTE 1.0)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Union Affiliation: Howell Education Association ("HEA")

Start Date:  As soon as possible

Duration: Ten months; First scheduled teacher report day through last scheduled teacher report day of the school year

Salary: Per HEA Master Agreement

SUMMARY:

The Special Education Teacher creates and sustains a community of learners through the development of a positive classroom and school culture, by holding rigorous and high expectations for students and by utilizing quality instructional practices matched to student learning needs. The Special Education Teacher continuously improves their practice through professional learning and collaboration with peers. The Special Education Teacher supervises students, develops and delivers lessons, utilizes established curriculum and maintains high levels of communication with parents/guardians regarding student progress and wellbeing.

HOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS EXPECT THAT EACH TEACHER COMMITS TO:

• Continuous ongoing learning and the development of the craft of teaching for self; encourages, supports and mentors ongoing learning in students.
• High expectations for students, developing a vision of success for each student and moving that student towards its achievement.
• Positive relationships and communication, promoting and modeling a safe and supportive learning culture for all.
• Honoring all students, embracing their community and diversity.
• Establishing a learning environment that is accountable for effective instruction, assessment and data-driven decision-making.
• Using community resources to improve instruction.
• Collegiality and professionalism.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participates in professional development, maintains appropriate certification and qualifications and keeps current in changing pedagogy.
• Participates in collegial conversations surrounding student achievement on a regular basis, influencing individual, grade, and/or department instruction based on collective examination of student performance.
• Teaches district-approved curriculum, as well as local and state standards, using contemporary thinking around best-practices and program-specific objectives.
• Participates in district and school initiatives, adheres to building and district school improvement plans.
• Plans a program of study that meets the individual needs, interests and abilities of the students.
• Creates a positive, engaging classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriately responds to the maturity level and interest of the students.
• Encourages students to set and maintain high standards of classroom behavior.
• Proactively teaches appropriate behavior and expectations.
• Guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and, in harmony with the goals, establishes and communicates clear objectives for all lessons, units, projects and activities.
• Identifies and responds to the learning style of all students. Differentiates instruction to accommodate these styles.
• Evaluates the academic and social growth of students, keeps appropriate records and prepares progress reports. Uses academic outcome information to inform curriculum and instructional decisions for all students.
• Acts as a public relations agent for the success and image of the district.
• Communicates regularly with students, parents, families and administration in advocacy of student growth. Develops communication plans that adjust for varying levels of parent involvement and inclusion.
• Integrates cultural consciousness in instruction, classroom culture and classroom artifacts.
• Collects and integrates information about community heritage in instruction.
• Adheres to district and school rules and procedures.
• Conducts behavior to demonstrate collegiality and professionalism.
• Maintains regular predictable in-person attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Position may include supervisory responsibilities over paraprofessional staff.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Alternative requirements that may be appropriate and acceptable to the Board of Education may be considered. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Possession of a Bachelor’s or higher degree.
• Valid Michigan teacher's certificate with necessary endorsement(s) to teach assigned subject matter required. Specifically, a valid Michigan teaching certificate with special education endorsement (SA, SB, SC, SE, SK, SL, SM, SP, SV) for grades K-5 required.
• Educational experience preferred.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

• Ability to explain and demonstrate appropriate teaching techniques.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret periodicals and professional journals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of educators, students and the general public.
• Ability to write lesson plans, business correspondence and other related correspondence.
• Ability to express self clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret information.

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

• Ability to integrate technology into the everyday work flow is necessary.
• Ability to utilize District technology and work to maintain proficiency, as required skill sets change with technology and/or the needs of the District.
• Ability to use computer technology for research, data management, communications and other instruction.
• Ability to use a personal computer (PC) or MAC in a networked environment to utilize the Internet and other electronic communications mechanisms.
• Knowledge of productivity applications such as Microsoft Office (word processing, spreadsheets, database and presentation software) is required.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

• Ability to apply the concepts of basic math, algebra and geometry consistent with the duties of this position.

REASONING ABILITY:

• Highly proficient in subject areas of: reasoning, problem solving, organizational dynamics and emotional intelligence.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Exhibit high level of professionalism with the ability to handle confidential information, use good judgment, plan and handle complex projects and maintain a flexible attitude.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:

• Ability to build rapport with others and to serve diverse publics.
• Ability to take initiative; work well with others as a collaborative team member and exhibit good communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with other departments, agencies and individuals.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here 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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds such as books and teaching material. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distant vision and the ability to adjust focus. The ability to travel to other buildings is required. The position requires the individual to sometimes work irregular or extended work hours and meet multiple demands from several people.

ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTABILITY:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is quiet to loud depending upon the activity in the particular part of the day. The employee is frequently required to interact with the public and other staff. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well-being and work output of students. The employee is exposed to infections at a greater risk than the average person. Occasionally the employee may be required to be outdoors for a short period of time, and therefore subject to varying weather conditions, for purposes of accomplishing the essential functions of this job.

TERMS:

The contract, salary and other employment conditions will be established by the current collective bargaining agreement between the HEA/MEA and the Howell Public Schools. Placement within salary lane is commensurate with educational attainment. Placement on salary step is dependent upon previous teaching experience.Further, applicant must agree to fully participate in all relevant training inclusive of or unique to the building assigned and the District.

FUNCTIONS OF POSITION DESCRIPTION:

This position description has been prepared to define the general duties of the position, provide examples of work and to detail the required knowledge, skills and ability as well as the acceptable experience and training for the position. The description is not intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the duties of employees under supervision. The Howell Public Schools retains and reserves any and all rights to change, modify, amend, add to or delete from any portion of this description in its sole judgment.

This position description is not a contract for employment.

The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance in the workplace throughout his/her employment in the District.

The Howell Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

The Howell Public Schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, genetic information or any legally protected characteristic, in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.