Exceptional Child Instructor Primary-12, LBD

This position will be intially be teaching at the elementary school.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES: Under direction, to teach and instruct students with disabilities in multiple grade levels in academic, social, behavioral, and other educational skill areas; to plan, develop, organize, and conduct a comprehensive educational and remedial program for students with disabilities; to assist students with disabilities in making an appropriate adjustment to a mainstreamed educational process, requiring an increased level of independence; and to do other related functions as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This position classification requires subject matter expertise commonly associated with teaching and instruction knowledge and skills. Directly related teaching and instruction experience is suggested to perform specialized teaching of students with disabilities, and problem analysis using prescribed principles, methods and concepts.  The position classification performs decision analysis and makes decisions of considerable consequence, in determining how best to instruct students with disabilities. The functional role of this position classifica­tion requires the application and interpretation of data, facts, procedures, and policies.  The incumbent meets frequently with school administrators, teachers, internal staff and members of the community to communicate information, data, and alternative problem solutions. 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Teach and instruct students with disabilities in subject matter areas such as reading, language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, health, art, physical ­education, and music.
• Adapt an adopted course of study, program instruction guideli­nes, and instructional materials in meeting the educational needs of students with disabilities.
• Utilize a variety of methodology in teaching and instructing pupils, including remedial instruction, demonstration, and activity participation.
• Instruct students in citizenship, the development of social skills, and other subject matter specified by legal mandate, District policy, and administrative regulations.
• Prepare, develop, and utilize a variety of instructional materials and aids appropriate to the instructional level of pupils with a wide range of mental, physical, and emotional maturity.
• Review, analyze, and evaluate the history, background, and assessment of pupils in designing an educational program to meet individual educational needs.
• Individual­ize instructional processes and adapt program activities to enhance pupil educational opportunities.
• Provide individual and group instruction in order to properly motivate pupils, and to effectively utilize the time available for instruction.
• Establish and maintain standards of student behavior utilizing behavior management strategies and techniques, including behavior modification, reinforce­ment, and other positive behavior shaping processes.
• Review, analyze, and evaluate pupil academic and social growth.
• Record and report appropriate analyses and perceptions of pupil progress.
• Administer, score, and record the results of criterion referenced, group standardized and specialized tests in evaluating pupil growth and progress.
• Counsel, confer, and communicate with parents, school and District personnel regarding pupil progress, and in the interpretation of the educational program.
• Work cooperatively with the Individual Education Plan Team in assessing pupil needs and learning deficie­ncies, and develop alternative solutions to pupil learning difficulties.
• Plan, create, and maintain an effective learning environment through the utilization of functional and aesthetically conceived displays, exhibits, bulletin boards, interest, learning and activity centers.
• Select and requisition appropriate educational supplies, materials, books, equipment, and learning aids.
• Perform a variety of non-instruc­tional duties, including curriculum and instructional development activities, student supervision, and advisory and consultation activities.
• Demonstrate effective positive interpersonal and communication skills, with students, parents and staff.
• Demonstrate regular attendance and punctuality.
• Perform other duties consistent with the position assigned as may be requested by the Principal or Superintendent. 

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

        KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles, theories, methods, techniques, and strategies pertaining to teaching and instruction of students with disabilities;
• Child growth and development and behavior characteristics of children experiencing educational and social dysfunctions;
• Educational curriculum and instructional goals and objectives, and the educational trends and research findings pertaining to students with disabilities;
• Behavior management and behavior shaping strategies, techniques and methods, and conflict resolution procedures;
• Socio-economic and cultural background differences of the school population.

        ABILITY TO:

• Plan, organize, develop, and conduct a comprehensive teaching and instruction program for students with disabilities;
• Provide effective learning experiences for pupils from a wide range of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and with varying mental, social and emotional levels;
• Effectively assist in the assessment of the educational needs of students with disabilities, and the design, development, and implementation of individualized educ­ation plans;
• Provide an attractive, inviting, and stimulating learning environment;
• Perform research and development activities pertaining to curriculum and instruction programs, pilot projects, and innovative programs designed to enhance pupil educational opportunities and experiences for students with disabilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and skill is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skill would be:

Experience:

Successful completion of student teaching at a recognized college or university or two years of full time classroom teaching experience with the learning disabled child.

Education:

Possession of an earned Baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited college or university with emphasis in special education, instructional technology, a subject matter field commonly taught in the elementary grades, or closely related field.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT: Possession of certification as required by Kentucky law.