TITLE: SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER __Portales Junior High School

LICENSURE QUALIFICATIONS: NMPED Special Education License or ability to obtain one

SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Building Principal and Director of Special Student Services, the Licensed Special Education Teacher develops and provides specialized instruction to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities; evaluates and assesses student progress against instructional objectives; adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects to students with mild to moderate disabilities; may also teach basic skills to students with severe disabilities; follows State mandated due process procedures and functions as IEP Manager to assigned students.

Essential functions of the job may include but are not limited to the following:

1. Provides research-based specialized instruction to address the instructional goals and objectives contained within each student’s IEP.
2. Assesses student progress and determines the need for additional reinforcement or adjustments to instructional techniques.
3. Employs various teaching techniques, methods and principles of learning to enable students to meet their IEP goals.
4. Develops and implements annual Individualized Educational Program (IEP) plans for students to include: present levels of educational performance, special education needs, instructional goals and objectives, and the special education and related services required to meet those goals.
5. Schedules team meetings and works cooperatively with child study team members and others in developing instructional goals and strategies.
6. Coordinates the delivery of special education services in each student's IEP.
7. Creates a positive learning experience with emphasis in individualized instruction using appropriate sources.
8. Serves as primary contact for the parent.
9. Provides direction, supervision and evaluation of educational assistants as directed.
10. Complies with School Board policies and all state/federal rules and regulations.
11. Completes all district and state reporting requirements.

 Other functions of the job include but are not limited to the following: 

1. Support the value of an education.
2. Adhere to confidentiality laws and regulations.
3. Be knowledgeable about New Mexico State Standards and Benchmarks.
4. Support the philosophy and mission of the Portales Municipal School District.
5. Respond to change productively and handle other tasks as assigned.
6. Work cooperatively with colleagues, supervisors, and administrators.
7. Demonstrate ethical behavior.
8. Engage in self-development.
9. Facilitate the personal, social, and intellectual development of students.
10. Establish a positive learning environment and respond to students' needs with appropriate instruction.
11. Communicate effectively with other Portales Municipal Schools’ staff, parents, and students.
12. Work effectively with community organizations.
13. Respond productively to change.

Physical Requirements:  Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and must occasionally lift, move and/or support up to 50 pounds (and/or up to adult size body weight with two-to-three person lift). Position can require some degree of physical interaction with students who have difficulty controlling physical behavior.