7th-8th Grade Special Education Teacher

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Special Education K-12
• A valid teaching certificate obtained through the South Dakota Department of Education in the area of K-12 Special Education
• Youth Suicide Awareness and Prevention Training

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

Provide specially designed instruction to junior high students (grades 7–8) with disabilities across a range of educational settings. The teacher is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to support students’ academic, behavioral, and functional growth while ensuring access to the general education curriculum.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Implement special education processes and eligibility guidelines
• Assess students’ skills to determine qualifications and needs for special education services
• Develop well-rounded Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for each student
• Implement IEPs, assess students’ performance, and track progress
• Collect evidence/data weekly/biweekly to reflect students’ progress and goals
• Communicate effectively and confidentially with all stakeholders, especially parents
• Collaborate and plan with general education teachers, related services, paraprofessionals, and other staff on a regular basis
• Develop plans for effective communication, monitoring, and follow-up of students in inclusive classroom settings
• Guide general educators on how to adapt curriculum materials and teaching techniques to meet the needs of students with disabilities within the general classroom setting
• Supervise and mentor paraprofessionals who work with students with disabilities
• Design schedules to provide instruction in the resource room and support in the general classroom based on students’ needs and service requirements within their IEP
• Develop weekly lesson plans and use various teaching methods to promote learning, including intensive individualized instruction, evidence-based interventions, problem-solving strategies, social skills, and small-group work
• Adapt and modify lessons to meet the needs of students in a variety of settings
• Instruct students in academic subjects using a variety of techniques such as phonetics, multi-sensory learning, explicit instruction, and repetition to reinforce learning and to meet students' varying needs and interests
• Employ special educational strategies and techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, and memory
• Teach socially acceptable behavior, as determined by the students’ individualized education plan by employing techniques in an overall positive behavioral support system, along with developing, implementing, and modifying behavior plans
• Maintain professional competence by participating in staff development activities, curriculum development meetings, and other professional opportunities
• Effective time management, prepared, organized, goal-oriented, team player
• Complete various tasks based on students' needs: i.e., transportation, bathrooming needs, lifting, scheduling, seizure protocols, etc. 
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with FERPA and IDEA
• Follow district policies, procedures, and chain of command
• Demonstrate professionalism in communication, attendance, and performance
• Follow the mission/vision, policies, and goals of the Lennox School District
• Complete all/other duties assigned by the principal, director, and/or superintendent

Position Open Until Filled