Forks High School Special Education Teacher - Life Skills

FORKS HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER - Life Skills

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current Washington Teaching Certificate with a Special Education Endorsement
• Evidence of successful experience in working as instructor or specialist, with students at appropriate grade level and in subject area
• Strong classroom management skills
• Genuine desire to work with all students

POSITION INFORMATION:

• Full time position, 183 days
• Salary per State Scale

JOB DESCRIPTION

Quillayute Valley School District

TEACHER SPECIAL EDUCATION

Purpose Statement

The job of Teacher Special Education was established for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional process by serving as a teacher with specific responsibility for developing special education students' success in academics, interpersonal skills and activities of daily living; supervising students within the classroom and other assigned areas; developing lesson plans and delivering group and individual student instruction within established curriculum guidelines; collaborating with other teachers, other professional staff, and administrators in addressing instructional and/or classroom issues; and responding to a wide range of inquiries from students’ parents or guardians regarding instructional programs and student progress.

This job reports to Principal

Essential Functions

• Administers developmental testing programs, district assessments and/or state tests, etc. for the purpose of assessing student competency levels and/or developing individual learning plans.
• Administers under supervision, first aid and assistance to medically fragile children (e.g. tube feeding, toileting, diapering, etc.) for the purpose of providing appropriate care for children as assigned.
• Advises parents and/or legal guardians of student progress for the purpose of communicating expectations; student's achievements; developing methods for improvement and/or reinforcing classroom goals in the home environment.
• Assesses student progress towards objectives, expectations and/or goals (e.g. behavioral, motor development and communication skills, academic needs, vocational abilities, etc.) for the purpose of providing feedback to students, parents and administration.
• Collaborates with professional learning community, instructional staff, other school personnel, parents, business partners, and a variety of community resources (e.g. OT, PT, SLP, etc.) for the purpose of improving the overall quality of student outcomes, achieving established classroom objectives in support of the school improvement plan.
• Counsels students for the purpose of improving performance, health status, problem solving techniques, and a variety of personal issues.
• Demonstrates methods required to perform classroom and/or subject specific assignments for the purpose of providing an effective program that addresses individual student requirements.
• Differentiates classroom work for the purpose of providing students with instructional materials that address individualized learning plans within established lesson plans.
• Directs para professionals, volunteers and/or student workers for the purpose of providing an effective classroom program and addressing the needs of individual students.
• Instructs students for the purpose of improving their success in academic, interpersonal, and daily living skills through a defined course of study.
• Maintains a variety of confidential and non confidential manual and electronic files and records (e.g. IEPs, SEAS, etc.) for the purpose of providing up to date information and/or historical reference in accordance with established administrative guidelines and legal requirements.
• Manages student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment.
• Monitors students in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom, playground, field trips, etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.
• Participates in a variety of meetings (e.g. SAP, IEP, PLC, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
• Prepares a variety of written materials (e.g. IEPs, grades, attendance, anecdotal records, etc.) for the purpose of documenting student progress and meeting mandated requirements.
• Reports incidents (e.g. fights, suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining personal safety of students, providing a positive learning environment and adhering to Education Code and school policies.
• Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution.
• Responds to inquiries from a variety of sources (e.g. students, teachers, parents, administrators, etc.) for the purpose of resolving issues, providing information and/or direction.
• Schedules students with para professionals and other school personnel for academic and/or therapeutic instruction (e.g. OT, PT, SLP, etc.) for the purpose of meeting IEP goals.
• Supports classroom teachers for the purpose of assisting them in the implementation of established curriculum and/or individual student plans.

Other Functions

• Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to routinely upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: Board of Education codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; District processes and procedures; age appropriate activities; lesson plan requirements; stages of child development; and behavioral management strategies.

ABILITY is required to schedule a number of activities, meetings, and/or events; often gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; analyze data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of varied types and/or purposes; and utilize job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires analysis based on organizational objectives; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: establishing and maintaining constructive relationships; adapting to changing work priorities; maintaining confidentiality; exhibiting tact and patience; and working flexible hours.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; directing other persons within a small work unit; and operating within a defined budget. Utilization of resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to significantly impact the organization’s services.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; significant stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 10% sitting, 50% walking, and 40% standing. The job is performed under temperature extremes and under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Experience Job related experience is required.

Education Minimum of a Bachelors degree in job related area.

Equivalency None Specified

Required Testing Certificates & Licenses

None Specified WA State Teaching Certificate with Special Education Endorsement (if assigned to Elementary School would also require Elementary Education Endorsement)

Continuing Educ. / Training Clearances

None Specified Fingerprint/Background Clearance