Special Education Teacher - Moderate/Severe

LEAD SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER Primary Function: Under the direction of the principal or designated administrator, the special education teacher plans, implements, and evaluates learning programs and activities in assigned teaching areas and provides specialized academic instruction by diagnosing student individualized learning needs, prescribe and implement instructional services and utilize appropriate strategies to identified students with disabilities who meet eligibility criteria established by state and federal law. Directly Responsible to: Principal or to the designated administrator. Immediate Subordinates: Special Education Aides and volunteer aides, when assigned. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Directly Related to Student Progress: 1) Plans and Implements appropriate instructional strategies: Shows evidence of being consistently prepared; prepares appropriate materials for assignment; develops lessons appropriate to time constraints; and relates lessons to curriculum or course of study on a daily basis. 2) Utilizes a variety of instructional skills and methods: Varies instructional modes to accommodate student’s unique needs, interests, learning styles and ability levels that are based on peer-reviewed research to facilitate learning in core academic areas; provides opportunity for student inquiry and problem solving. 3) Selects appropriate learning materials: Utilizes appropriate materials for the learning task; assist students in understanding relationship of materials to concepts to be learned. 4) Monitors and evaluates student progress: Checks progress of individual student achievement frequently utilizing data that reflects student performance on his or her IEP goals; adjusts instruction as needed based on analysis of data; provides timely feedback to students, general education teachers and parents based on the data. 5) Maintains appropriate classroom control: Shows respect for students and their ideas; encourages participating consistent with objectives of lesson; counsels students displaying inappropriate behavior or performance; directs the activities of the class appropriate to learning tasks. 6) Demonstrates knowledge of subject matter: presents lessons with a clear and logical structure; assists students in understanding relationship of concepts; displays skill in making lessons interesting; stays abreast of current trends in subject matter. 7) Provides individualized instruction: Adjusts instructional approach and follow-up activities to the ability of the individual student; demonstrates knowledge of each student’s achievement level and needs; uses questions that require responses at a variety of cognitive levels. 8) Establishes appropriate relationships with students: Actively interacts with students; demonstrates enthusiasm, intellectual stimulations, and organization. 9) Helps to develop each student’s self image: Promotes recognition of others’ rights and ideas, respects the dignity of each student; strives to develop positive student attitudes of self-worth and confidence. 10) Encourages students to accept responsibility: Educates students of the rights and responsibilities of living in a democracy; encourages participation in school activities; promotes worth of accomplishment and self-discipline; allows for individual responsibility and freedom commensurate with maturity level. 11) Assists the student in setting and achieving goals: Assures that students are knowledgeable of objective of the lesson being taught; communicates with students about their achievement and goals; offers specific guidance and suggestions that aid students in the process of achieving goals. 12) Communicates and consults effectively with parents, general ed teachers, support staff, aides and administrators regarding needs and progress of each individual student toward attainment of IEP goals/objectives. Reports to parent on student progress toward IEP goals/objectives as required by District procedures. 13) Provides for student growth and enrichment: Make specific suggestions for continued academic growth; set standards which are challenging and attainable; provides for opportunity of transfer of learning and application of required skills; assists students in understanding and developing healthy peer relationships. 14) Utilizes academic learning time: Adheres to an on-task agenda with procedures that are well understood by students; develops program of intermediate difficulty with high levels of success; develops a sense of pride in academic achievement. 15) Prepare and implement legally defensible IEPs: Individualized goals aligned to state content standards that are reasonably calculated to provide educational benefit to students; utilizing assessment results from psychological reports, academic reports and other related service provider reports to develop the draft IEP; implement each student IEP as it is written in accordance with the law; demonstrate knowledge of special education laws as well as SELPA and District policies and procedures. 16) Prepare and implement effective behavior plans for students: Monitor and adjust behavior plans, as needed; participate in manifestation determinations for students as necessary. 17) Schedules and participates in IEP meetings: Schedules IEP meetings with parents, general education teachers, administrator and any member of the IEP meeting required by law; develops and monitors student objectives in conjunction with members of the IEP team. 18) Writes appropriate transition plans: Aligned with student’s preferences and interests; develops measurable post-secondary goals to help the student achieve; has awareness of the agencies and services available to help students meet post secondary goals. 19) Performs assessment duties: Understands and is able to administer and interpret state standardized tests, teacher made tests and individual and group administered academic tests. 20) Communicates effectively and provides support to general ed staff to facilitate student success in mainstreamed general education environments as appropriate. Assists general ed teachers in modifying core curriculum and adapting instruction to meet the needs of special education students served in general ed mainstreamed classes. 21) Collaborates with general education teachers, other special education teacher, related service providers, counselors, administration and agencies. 22) Serves as a liaison between staff and principal 23) Participates in professional growth activities. 24) Performs reasonable related duties as assigned. Other Pertinent Duties and Responsibilities Normally Performed by Certificated Personnel: 25) Conducts conferences and communicates with students, parents and support personnel concerning individual student needs prior to annual review and other times as needed. 26) Performs basic student attendance accounting, textbook accounting, and business services as required by staff rules or established local procedures. 27) Maintains cooperative, professional attitudes with peers and supervisors. 28) Ensures the care and protection of school property. 29) Fulfills assigned co-curricular responsibilities such as supervision of student social/athletic events and other extracurricular activities. Minimum Qualifications: Holds a valid special education credential Meets the Highly Qualified Teacher (HQT) requirements Possession of a general education multiple or single subject credential is preferred.