2026 Summer Program ESY or Therapeutic Teacher

POSITION PURPOSE:

The EC Teacher plans and provides appropriate learning experiences for students with disabilities in a variety of educational settings, but primarily in a separate setting. The EC Teacher is responsible for creating a flexible program and learning environment that provides specialized instruction for students with disabilities, enabling them to benefit from the Extended Content curriculum to the greatest extent possible when supported by supplemental aides, accommodations, and other necessary supports. Work involves developing and implementing the Individual Education Program in classroom settings aligned with the student’s age and developmental level. The EC teacher is responsible for developing lesson plans, adapting materials, and designing activities to help EC students develop appropriate academic, behavioral, and social skills and meet their IEP goals. The EC Teacher is responsible for monitoring each student’s progress and for maintaining EC records in compliance with state and federal guidelines. This position description applies to all EC areas with additional requirements added as necessary.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of the necessary principles and application of theory into practice for effective instruction and positive behavioral supports that are beneficial for implementation with all students with disabilities

• Considerable knowledge of the OCS curriculum and instructional strategies connected to the Extended Content Standards
• Considerable knowledge of human behavior, development, and skill performance
• Considerable knowledge of individual differences in ability, personality, and interests
• Considerable knowledge of student learning and motivation techniques
• Considerable knowledge of the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders
• Thorough knowledge of OCS policies and effective instructional practices
• Ability to provide positive behavioral support to students in a group and an individual setting
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local mandates governing the determination of delivery of special education services
• Ability to complete observations, conduct IEP (Individual Education Plan) meetings, and create relevant IEPs for each student

• Complete the initial eligibility and reevaluation process for each student
• Ability to work effectively with administrators, colleagues, central office and school-based staff, students, parents, and community members

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in an approved program in special education
• Experience working with students with special needs
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a valid NC certification in the area of Exceptional Children in one or more specialty areas, or be eligible to receive certification
• Must possess a valid driver’s license issued by the NC Department of Motor Vehicles

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in an approved program in special education
• Three (3) to five (5) years of successful, highly qualified experience teaching students with special needs

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide direct and indirect instructional support to students in a positive environment
• Employ special educational strategies and techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, and memory
• Instruct students in academic subjects using a variety of techniques such as phonetics, multi-sensory learning, and repetition to reinforce learning and to meet students’ varying needs and interests

• Teach socially acceptable behavior, as determined by the student's individualized education plans (IEPs), by employing techniques in an overall positive behavioral support system
• Modify the general education curriculum for students with disabilities based on a variety of instructional techniques and technologies
• Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate
• Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining an environment conducive to learning for all students

• Meet with parents to discuss their children’s progress and to determine priorities for their children and their individualized educational needs
• Confer with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, and other professionals to develop individualized educational plans (IEPs) designed to promote students’ educational, physical, and social/emotional development

• Initiate and monitor the re-evaluation process for continued eligibility
• Maintain accurate and complete student records, protect their confidentiality, and prepare reports on children and activities, as required by law, district policies, and administrative regulations
• Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students effectively
• Develop plans for effective communication, monitoring, and follow-up of students in inclusive classroom settings

• Provide crisis intervention, as needed, for students and those in inclusive classrooms
• Assist with the collection of data for providing appropriate classroom interventions
• Serve as a member of a multidisciplinary team as appropriate
• Assist with the preparation of data for local, state, and federal reports
• Maintain professional competence by participating in staff development activities, curriculum development meetings, and other professional opportunities

• Assist students with daily living skills
• Perform other duties as assigned by the principal

Adapted Curriculum

• Collect data for Functional Behavioral Assessments/Analysis and development of Behavioral Intervention Plans

• Collaborate with related service staff for the implementation of treatment
• Facilitate transitional planning as the student moves to a new
• Work with multi-disciplinary teams such as community agencies and departments within OCS to facilitate educational and therapeutic plans
• Participate and provide supervision during off-campus outings
• Act as a case coordinator for assigned students; consult with community caregivers, school support professionals, and parents to better understand and meet student needs

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to be, and should not be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by the supervisor, with HR review and approval, at any time.