Special Education Teacher - JAG Advisor

Topeka Public Schools USD 501

Advisor (SPED)

Title: Advisor (SPED)

Reports To:Building Administrator 

Position Purpose:         

Educators in the Advisor role demonstrate a commitment to learning for all students by maintaining organized, child-centered classrooms, by presenting content-rich and standards-based lessons and activities, by meeting individual needs through the use of assessments and data, and by using a variety of instructional strategies that are reflective of current best practices and research. This Advisor is needed to deliver instruction, support staff and students needs, and intervene during classroom behavior related disruptions.

The teacher prescribes and implements an educational program that enables children on individual education plans to achieve their fullest potential. The Advisor may be responsible for planning and implementing the goals of the Individual Education Plan (IEP).

The Advisor role can include:

• May plan, develop, and implement Individualized Education Plans
• Support and model behavior intervention strategies for classroom teachers
• May co-teach in any content area classroom as determined by administration
• Respond to classroom behavior concerns and incidents throughout the school day
• Supervise and deliver instruction to students unable to regulate in the classroom
• Organize, plan, and deliver lessons in the classroom as needed determined by administration
• Member of Ci3T, Mental Health, and Building Leadership Teams
• Support school based teams with data collection for ongoing adjustments to Individualized Education Plans, and Behavior Intervention plans
• Supporting administration when program related concerns arise

Qualifications:

• Must meet Kansas State Department of Education licensure requirements for Special Education.
• Current K-6 Kansas Teaching License
• The candidate should have a background in programming for and educating students on IEP’s specifically in the J or alternative school setting, and management of IEPs, collaborating with a wide variety of other educational specialists, and consulting with other educational staff.
• Good communication and consultation skills, team building, management knowledge of special education procedures and regulations are important.
• Ability to communicate effectively with parents and families.
• An advanced degree is preferred.
• ESOL Endorsement preferred.

Physical/Emotional Requirements:  The incumbent may be required to use the below requirements during any part of the working day.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk, and listen.  The employee is frequently required to stand and reach with hands and arms.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Additional Performance Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates an understanding of how students develop and learn
• Adapts instruction to accommodate student needs
• Participates in professional growth opportunities
• Demonstrates effective solution based problem-solving skills
• Assist students in developing self-regulation skills
• Maintains up-to-date records of student progress
• Creates a positive, and safe learning environment
• Communicates realistic and consistent expectations for student behavior
• Develops positive working relationships with all stakeholders
• Demonstrates conflict resolution skills
• Models enthusiasm for learning and teaching
• Maintains confidentiality
• Supervises students in out-of-classroom activities during the school day

Terms of Employment:

9 months; salary and work year to be determined by the Board of Education.

Evaluation:

Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with the USD 501 Board of Education policy on certified staff evaluations.

Significant associations:

The performance responsibilities are not limited to those outlined in this description and may include any other responsibilities as assigned by the administrator/supervisor