What are the responsibilities and job description for the Secondary Special Education Teacher position at MSD of Decatur Township?
TITLE: Special Education Resource Teacher
REPORTS TO: Building Principal
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time
LOCATION: Decatur Central High School
The Special Education Resource Teacher provides specialized instruction and support to students identified for special education services with an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This role focuses on removing barriers to learning by addressing students’ academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and adaptive needs in both resource and general education settings.
The ideal candidate is student-centered, collaborative, and committed to equitable instructional practices and continuous professional growth.
Job Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education (required)
- Valid Indiana Teaching License in Special Education (required)
- Knowledge of instructional practices to support all learners
- Experience or familiarity with cross-curricular literacy instruction
- Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues
- Commitment to continuous professional growth and collaborative learning
Instruction & Student Support
- Deliver individualized and small-group instruction aligned to students’ IEP goals
- Design and implement lessons that meet diverse academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and adaptive needs
- Create engaging learning experiences that encourage active participation and independence
- Utilize research-based instructional strategies, including visual supports and transition techniques
- Maintain a safe, structured, and inclusive learning environment
- Provide services in both the general education classroom and resource setting as appropriate
- Develop initial and annual IEPs in compliance with Indiana Article 7
- Progress monitor student goals, maintain accurate data, and document student achievement
- Prepare and distribute progress reports, report cards, and semester updates
- Plan, prepare for, and actively participate in case conference meetings
- Ensure all documentation and services meet state and district requirements
Collaboration & Communication
- Collaborate with general education teachers, administrators, related service providers, and support staff
- Establish and maintain positive, consistent communication with families
- Partner with stakeholders to support student success across settings
- Contribute to a collaborative team culture focused on continuous improvement
Classroom & Program Management
- Develop instructional materials, assessments, and learning resources
- Organize and maintain classroom supplies, equipment, and learning spaces
- Supervise students to ensure a safe and productive learning environment
- Plan and implement supplemental educational activities and events as appropriate
- Demonstrate professionalism through reliability, punctuality, and adherence to district expectations
Key Skills & Competencies
- Strong commitment to supporting diverse learners with compassion and respect
- Effective classroom management and behavioral support skills
- Ability to design and implement individualized behavioral and instructional plans
- Excellent observation and data analysis skills
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with students, families, and staff
- Patience, empathy, organization, and adaptability
- Proficiency in integrating technology into daily instruction
- Knowledge of evidence-based instructional strategies, including cross-curricular literacy