Learning Specialist (Special Education Teacher)

Summary:

The Learning Specialist (resource room teacher) is primarily responsible for providing specialized instruction to students with disabilities who have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).  This instruction may take place in an individualized or group setting within the special education and/or general education setting.  The Learning Specialist, along with other members of the students’ primary team, contributes to the organizing, writing, reviewing and monitoring of programming and services as outlined in the students’ IEPs.  

Duties and Responsibilities:

Employee’s duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following

• Provides instruction, assessments, and academic support for students with varying disabilities identified as needing special education programming and services;
• Research, identify, obtain and provide instructional materials to support students’ educational academic and functional needs; 
• Provides appropriate academic achievement assessments to students to determine their strengths and weaknesses for the use of creating Individualized Education Plans;
• Develops comprehensive IEPs that address the students’ academic and functional needs and develops measurable goals and objectives that address learning gaps;
• Progress monitors the programming and services for effectiveness and makes necessary changes to support the growth of the students;
• Provides quarterly progress reports to parents/guardians, and keeps the classroom teacher, parents and school administrator up to date on student progress;
• Completes necessary paperwork to maintain compliance with IDEA and MARSE;
• Maintains current knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations and abides by said laws and regulations with emphasis on persons with disabilities;
• Addresses the needs of the school, student, families, and community by collaborating with team members from the Student Development Department and the schools to design a holistic approach to any barriers or problems with the educational process;
• Promotes family support of students’ learning experiences within the context of culturally responsive understanding and competencies;
• Provides services to students in ways that build upon individual strengths and offers students maximum opportunities to participate in the planning and direction of their own learning experience;
• Provides appropriate scheduling that minimizes the interference with core instruction;
• Confers with the classroom teacher developing strategies/interventions and assisting with accommodations and modifications within the classroom;
• Develops and provides training and educational programs that address the goals and mission of the educational institution;
• Assists students and their families in gaining access to formal and informal community and/or educational resources that will support the goals of the students;
• Collaborates with outside providers, when necessary, to coordinate services for students who receive services from outside agencies; 
• Assists in the evaluation of effective departmental, school-based, system, community, and statewide programs;
• Maintains accurate case records and documentation, and meets required deadlines;
• Participates in appropriate professional development activities to improve knowledge and skills; and,
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Desired Competencies:

• Willingness to collaborate with others within the UPrep Network;   
• Highly-developed organizational, planning, and time management skills;
• Implements and follows through on simultaneous projects and tasks;  
• Displays pleasant, professional demeanor at all times;
• Ability to work with families to improve the educational outcomes for students;  
• Contributes to the development of a positive, supportive environment; and,
• Maintains knowledge of changing trends and best practices in the field of special education and puts this learning into action in the schools.  

Education/Experience:

• Holds a valid Michigan teaching certificate from an accredited educational program in the field of special education;   
• Experience planning lessons and providing specialized instruction to students with disabilities and/or student teaching experience working with students with disabilities; 
• Strong communication skills, verbal and written;
• Knowledge of the rules and regulations of IDEA and MARSE;   
• Cohesive team ethic; ability to work with others to create comprehensive Independent Educational Plans; and,
• Proven success in implementing systems for record and case management.