Anticipated Opening- High School Special Education

NORWALK COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Job Title - Secondary Special Education Teacher (Strat I)          

Reports to - Building Principal

Position Purpose

Under the general supervision of the building principal, to facilitate student success and growth in academic and interpersonal skills through implementing district and state approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities/outcomes; addressing specific educational needs of individual students by creating a flexible, safe and optimal learning environment; and providing feedback to students, parents and administration regarding student progress, expectations and goals.

Essential Performance Responsibilities

• Develops and administers district and state approved curriculum consistent with school district goals and objectives.
• Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small group instruction, and student learning.
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and translates lesson plans into learning experiences so as to best utilize the available time for instruction.
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student's needs, including students with special needs; conducts individual and small group instruction as needed.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Ensures that student conduct conforms to the school's standards and school district policies, and establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
• Coordinates with other professional staff members, especially within grade level and department, to evaluate and assess curriculum, and participates in faculty meetings and committees.
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, instructional aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records.
• Supervises students in activities that take place out of the classroom during the school day, including activities involving school transportation.
• Administers standardized tests in accordance with district testing programs.
• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the principal and other central office administrators as designated by the superintendent.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiates instruction based upon student needs.
• Knowledge of district and state curriculum.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Qualifications Profile

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Valid Iowa Teaching License with 5-12 Instructional Strategist I: Mild/Moderate required and/or 5-12 Instructional Strategist II: BD/LD preferred.
• If candidate does not currently hold Strat I, candidate must be willing to sign an employment agreement to obtain a conditional Strat I endorsement and/or transition to a full Strat II endorsement upon hire.

Physical Requirements

Physical requirements vary by individual job assignment but requires a minimum of the following physical requirements:  Walking, standing, bending, carrying, climbing, lifting minimum of 20 pounds, driving, pushing, pulling, reaching, sitting, and stooping.

Working Conditions

Varied.

Terms of Employment

190 day contract in accordance with the Master Contract.

Evaluation

In accordance with state code, Iowa Teaching Standards and local performance criteria.

FLSA Status

Exempt.