Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teacher

Purpose Statement
The job of Special Education teacher is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional process by serving as a teacher with specific responsibility for developing special education students' success in academics, interpersonal skills and activities of daily living; supervising students within the classroom and other assigned areas; developing lesson plans and delivering group and individual student instruction within established curriculum guidelines; collaborating with other teachers, other professional staff, and administrators in addressing instructional and/or classroom issues; and responding to a wide range of inquiries from students' parents or guardians regarding instructional program and student progress.

This job reports to Director of Special Education & Building Principal

Essential Functions

• Adapts classroom work for the purpose of providing students with instructional materials that address individualized learning plans within established lesson plans.
• Administers under supervision, first aid and assistance to medically fragile children (e.g. tube feeding, toileting, diapering, etc.) for the purpose of providing appropriate care for children as assigned.
• Administers developmental testing programs, subject specific assessments, etc. for the purpose of assessing student competency levels and/or developing individual learning plans.
• Advises parents and/or legal guardians of student progress for the purpose of communicating expectations; student's achievements, developing methods for improvement and/or reinforcing classroom goals in the home environment.
• Assesses student progress towards objectives, expectations, and/or goals (e.g. behavioral, motor development and communication skills, academic needs, vocational abilities, etc.) for the purpose of providing feedback to students, parents and administration.
• Collaborates with instructional staff, other school personnel, parents and a variety of community resources for the purpose of improving the overall quality of student outcomes, achieving established classroom objectives in support of the school improvement plan.
• Counsels students for the purpose of improving performance, health status, problem solving techniques and a variety of personal issues.
• Creates individualized educational plans (IEPs) for specific students for the purpose of following legal and federal requirements to ensure proper instruction.
• Demonstrates methods required to perform classroom and/or subject specific assignments for the purpose of providing an effective program that addresses individual student requirements.
• Directs para professionals, student teachers, instructional assistants, volunteers and/or related service providers for the purpose of providing an effective classroom program and addressing the needs of individual students.
• Instructs students for the purpose of improving their success in academic, interpersonal and daily living skills through a defined course of study.
• Manages student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment.
• Monitors students in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom, playground, field trips, nap times, etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.
• Participates in a variety of meetings for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
• Prepares a variety of written materials (e.g. grades, attendance, anecdotal records, IEPs, etc.) for the purpose of documenting student progress and meeting mandated requirements including IEP progress reports.
• Reports incidents (e.g. fights, suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining personal safety of students, providing a positive learning environment and adhering to school policies.
• Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution.

Other Functions

• Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: appropriate codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; age appropriate activities; lesson plan requirements; stages of child development; behavioral management strategies; and IDEA and FAPE as it relates to special education.

ABILITY is required to schedule a number of activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and consider a number of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: establishing and maintaining constructive relationships; adapting to changing work priorities; maintaining confidentiality; exhibiting tact and patience; and working flexible hours.

Responsibility
Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; directing other persons within a small work unit; tracking budget expenditures. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to significantly impact the organization's services.

Work Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 60% sitting, 15% walking, and 25% standing. The job is performed under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness and in a clean atmosphere.

Experience:  Job related experience is preferred.

Education:  Bachelors degree in job-related area.

Required Testing
None Specified

Certificates and Licenses
PTSB Certification

Continuing Educ. / Training
Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses

Clearances
Criminal Background Clearance

FLSA Status 
Exempt