What are the responsibilities and job description for the Education Specialist: Special Education Teacher position at In STEPPS Academy?
Essential duties and responsibilities include the following (other duties may be assigned):
- Planning
- Adapt classroom work for the purpose of providing students with instructional differentiation to address individualized learning plans within established lesson plans.
- Contribute to the evaluation, selection, and implementation of instructional materials and software utilized for teaching
- Maintain classroom learning materials and asses need for additional materials
- Instruction
- Teach individualized material to each student to ensure closing of skill gaps, and furthering student’s knowledge and skillsets
- Utilize Common Core State Curriculum Standards as guidelines for grade-relevant instruction, augmented by In STEPPS academy learning materials and curricula
- Collaborate with all specialists to ensure a safe, therapeutic and productive learning environment.
- 3. Classroom Management
- Maintain and support all behavior intervention protocols established by BCBAs
- Provide ongoing positive reinforcement to students and staff
- Manage disruptive or interfering behaviors in close collaboration with the BCBA and RBT team, and according to Academy policies
- Direct assistant teachers, student teachers, instructional assistants, volunteers and/or student workers for the purpose of providing an effective classroom program and addressing the needs of individual students.
- Monitor students’ behavior/activities in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom, playground, field trips, etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.
4. Assessment
- Continually assess progress on IEP goals and collaborate on goal setting with the IEP team
- For non NPS students, formulate, monitor, and evaluate academic and behavior goals for each academic area of need.
- Administer developmental testing programs, subject specific assessments, etc. for the purpose of assessing student competency levels and/or developing individual learning plans.
- Assess 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.
- Reporting
- Advise 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.
- Prepare a variety of written materials (e.g. grades, attendance, anecdotal records, etc.) to document student progress and meeting mandated requirements.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Extensive knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT)/NDBI highly preferred
- Experience working in special education classrooms highly preferred
- Experience with curriculum and curriculum differentiation
- Out of the box thinker
- Effectively manage multiple responsibilities
- Effectively manage confidential records
- Ability to independently plan and manage time
- Flexible
- Must be able to identify and seek supervision as appropriate
- Effectively report concerns directly to necessary parties using observable, objective language
- Must possess strong organizational skills
- Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills nd experience interacting with parents and other professionals
- Must possess excellent professional and person-centered skills to liaison between all parties
- Compassionate (ensure caregivers and students feel heard, empathetic while staying on task, staff connects well with family and builds good rapport)
- Team Collaboration (team player, collaboration with other, initiative, communication to others on team)
- Creative (can make learning fun)
Physical Requirements
- Maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing, and sitting for prolonged periods of time; may be required to push, pull, bend, lift light to moderate objects (10 lbs.), carry, reach, and stoop; finger dexterity is essential.
- Maintain mental capacity that permits making sound judgments regarding work and have regular attendance.
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.
In STEPPS is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. We celebrate diversity and welcome applicants from every background and life experience.