TITLE: Special Education Teacher

SERVICE RANGE: Elementary - Middle School/High School (Grades K-12)

ADOPTION:

REVISION:

BASIC FUNCTION

The Special Education Teacher plans and administers instructional and educational assistance programs for eligible special education students on an individual basis and with a classroom operation in compliance with guidelines and regulations determined by the administration, Board of Directors, state and federal agencies. He/She will create an environment that encourages learning, motivates students to develop skills, activities and knowledge needed to establish and continue a firm foundation to perpetuate the appropriate learning experience (to achieve the students' full potential) throughout the educational process in the School District and beyond. The Special Education Teacher will utilize all resources available to establish a cooperative relationship with parents, staff members and administrators to support each student's opportunity to learn and grow in educational and life experiences.

The position of Special Education Teacher is a 190-day position and shall include active participation in the school's operation to support a positive learning environment. This position reports to and is evaluated annually by the Building Principal and/or his/her designee.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

The requirements for this position are a minimum of a bachelor's degree and appropriate Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) certification and qualifications prescribed by law, to include NO Child Left Behind (NCLB).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The Special Education Teacher will demonstrate proficiency in developing appropriate educational plans, identifying physical, emotional and mentally disabled students, and developing strategies to compensate for and/or adjust to their disability through the use of effective instruction methods, learning activities and specially designed services. He/She will be knowledgeable of special education laws and policies and have the ability to offer explanation of the laws and policies to staff members, parents and community members.

The Special Education Teacher must be able to articulate the school and district goals regarding special education programs throughout the District to staff, students, parents and community members. He/She must possess the knowledge, pedagogical abilities and attitudes necessary to be a successful scholar, decision maker and agent for curriculum enhancement and change. The Special Education Teacher must be aware of and comfortable using computer and technological applications as educational tools, to include utilizing E-mail, Microsoft Word, spreadsheet, IEP and curriculum based software.

AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES ((E) Designates Essential Functions):

• Establishes support programs to assist teaching prescribed courses and incorporates

language skills, writing skills and appropriate critical learning procedures, using the course of study adopted by the Board of Directors. (E)

• Instructs students in citizenship and basic subject matter (or assists in this instruction as dictated by certification requirements) as specified in state laws, regulations and District policies.

• Develops clear and appropriate lesson plans and identifies instructional materials on a

weekly basis (minimum). (E)

• Selects designs and organizes objectives, strategies and materials to support the students' efforts to successfully master the prescribed course work and incorporates research findings in the instructional/educational program. (E)

• Develops and updates Individual Education Plans (IEP's), Evaluation Reports (ER's) and other appropriate evaluation tools as prescribed by law or as necessary to meet educational objectives, as determined by appropriate sources. (E)

• Provides individualized and single group instruction (as necessary) to adjust the curriculum to the needs of the student. He/She will have the ability to teach at various levels of instruction and determines the appropriate pace for instruction related to students' abilities and explains material and subject content to students and parents. Differentiates instruction for students based upon need and works with students and other teachers in inclusive settings.

• Establishes and maintains standards of behavior in the classroom and throughout the school to achieve a positive and functional learning atmosphere for students.

• Evaluates students' academic and social growth keeps appropriate records, prepares student progress reports (IEP's, ER's, etc) and provides accurate and constructive feedback to students and parents (as necessary). (E)

• Initiates procedures to insure that IEP's, ER's and other required reports/evaluations are completed within prescribed timelines and regulations.

• Uses data to improve the learning and instruction process. (E)

• Cooperates and collaborates with other professional staff members to identify student needs

and develop assessments to solve health, behavioral and learning problems.

• Creates an effective learning environment and promotes active student engagement in

the learning process.

• Participates in the selection of books and other instructional materials.

• Supervises students in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned workday. (E)

• Administers group standardized tests in accordance with District regulations.

• Participates in curriculum development programs.

• Participates in faculty committees, meetings and other faculty sponsored programs

supporting the educational program.

• Maintains professional competence through District sponsored in-service programs and

approved professional development activities. (E)

• Demonstrates regular and timely attendance. (E)

• Is able to speak and write in a clear, concise manner. (E)

• Is able to move throughout the building (all floors) and school grounds as necessary. (E)

• Is able to lift up to fifty (50) lbs. occasionally (E)

• Collaborates and cooperates with other professional staff members and administrators in

facilitating the delivery of the entire educational program to students, to include art, ESL, music, physical education, remedial and gifted programs, including regular sharing of class grades, attendance, and conduct.

• Ensures that regular education staff have access to student IEP’s and are aware of

accommodations and specially designed instruction. (E)

• Maintains regular and on-going progress monitoring for each student or IEP case-

load. (E)

• Completes Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and develops resulting positive

behavior support plans for student experiencing serious and on-going behavioral issues in the school community. (E)

• Follows all Board policies, and building procedures and submits required information and reports within identified timelines. (E)

• Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Building Principal, Superintendent or

his/her designee.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $56,161.00 - $90,914.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• In-person

License/Certification:

• Teaching Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person