Special Education Teacher

Jenks Public Schools Job Description

Position: Special Education Teacher

Reports to: Principal

Supervises: None

Qualifications:       

1. Hold or be eligible for an Oklahoma teaching certificate.
2. Meet all certification requirements including teaching area endorsement in the State of Oklahoma.
3. Satisfy all district requirements with regard to physical health and citizenship.
4. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

Position Goal: To lead students toward the fulfillment of their potential by translating the district curriculum goals and objectives into learning experiences for each student.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Instructional Planning and Preparation: Plans for and executes instructional strategies that encourage the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and performance skills relating to short and long-term objectives, while connecting current learning to prior learning.

1. Develops instructional plans that are in alignment with Oklahoma Academic Standards, district standards and objectives, and data-based instructional needs of students.
2. Plans consistently to address the diverse learning needs of students using flexible groupings that allow for differentiated instruction; including accommodations and modifications for specific sub-populations of students (SPED, ELD, Gifted).
3. Prepares materials and equipment before the start of the lesson, ensuring that they are accessible and adaptable to meet the news of students with various learning needs.
4. Collaborates with other members of the team to plan and contribute to team meetings in meaningful ways.
5. Maintains substitute plans that include class rosters, seating charts, behavior plans, emergency plans, and identification of diverse learning groups.
6. Uses pacing guides and primary sources consistent with district expectations.
7. Embeds literacy, mathematical practices, and science process skills into lessons.

Instructional Delivery and Implementation:

1. Uses ongoing assessments to evaluate student learning and groups students flexibly according to data obtained and provides timely feedback from assessments to students.
2. Regularly integrates technology into student instruction.
3. Consistently conveys a positive view of learning to students.
4. Uses higher-level questioning techniques and scaffolds questioning when necessary.
5. Gives clear and concise directions and models the desired skill before students attempt independent practice.
6. Adjusts lessons based on daily feedback from student assessments.
7. Engages students in active learning and uses a variety of strategies to support learning such as cooperative learning and peer support, to support diverse learners.
8. Monitors students' independent practice by moving about the room.

Classroom Management and Student Interaction:

1. Establishes a classroom climate where students are engaged and expectations are clear.
2. Monitors the behavior of all students during work time as well as transitions to recess, lunch, and specials and maintains student dignity when discussing misbehaviors.
3. Interacts with students, colleagues, and families positively and professionally.
4. Incorporates positive reinforcement strategies and individualized behavior supports for students with IEPs or behavioral goals.

Professional Learning and Collaboration:

1. Participates in learning opportunities to understand current state standards and leading practices.
2. Participates in professional learning and constructively contributes to collaboration
3. Finds ways to contribute to the profession.

Compliance and General Responsibilities:

1. Follows the procedures, practices, and guidelines outlined by the school, district, state, and federal laws intended to keep students healthy and safe.
2. Exhibits consistent reliability-based patterns of behavior (punctuality, dependability, complying with timelines and deadlines).
3. Maintains IEP records in compliance with district policy and applicable laws.
4. Performs all other duties as assigned.

Employment Terms: Nine (9) months a year. Salary, benefits, and work year to be established by the Board through the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Jenks Classroom Teachers Association. Special Education teachers certified in Special Education receive the required 5% stipend and an additional percentage between 3%-5% based on certification and position classification.

FLSA Qualification: Exempt

Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Jenks Public Schools Board of Education's policy on Staff Evaluation and by Oklahoma State Law.

Physical Demands:

This is an overview intended for compliance with the ADA – it is not an exhaustive list of the duties to be performed.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of a specific position.

Regular Requirements: Stand for extended periods; sit for extended periods; twist at the neck and trunk; bend at the waist; stoop, kneel, crouch; lift/move up to 20 pounds; handle objects and tools with hands; repetitive use of fingers and hands.

Occasional Requirements: Reach with hands and arms overhead, above shoulder and horizontally; lift/move up to 40 pounds.

Visual Requirements: Close, color, peripheral, depth perception, ability to adjust focus.

Hearing/Speaking Requirements: Adequate to exchange information.