MORGAN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT RE-3

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Special Education Teacher

REPORTS TO: Building Principal / Site Administrator

POSITION SUMMARY:

The special education resource teacher will collaborate with the building administration and other staff as well as the district’s Director of Special Education in creating a resource environment favorable to learning and personal growth for ALL students but primarily facilitating for learners with identified special needs. Responsibilities include those related to effective rapport with pupils, conducting assessment and development of skills, attitudes and knowledge needed to provide a good foundation in accordance with each pupil’s ability as well as the establishment of good relationships and communication with parents and other staff members.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Guides the learning process toward the achievement of Individual Education Plans, State, and local standards as well as curriculum goals. Establishes and communicates clear objectives for all lessons, and activities.
2. Provides direct instruction relevant to accomplishment of standards, goals and objectives Instruction will address the identified individual needs of each child and to the greatest extent possible, lessons will be from district-adopted curriculum, utilizing necessary modifications and accommodations.
3. Assists in setting schedules for special education staff based on numbers of students with priority needs that allow maximum support to those most in need of support services.
4. Assures administration of the required staffing procedures, testing, recording, and reporting. (This includes training of any staff that will be assisting with assessments.)
5. Develops lesson plans that, as much as possible, meet the individual academic needs, interests, and abilities of identified students.
6. Meets and instructs special education students in the locations and at the times designated by the administration of the school.
7. Differentiates instruction for students by employing a variety of instructional techniques and accommodations to meet the needs and capabilities of diverse learners.
8. Depending upon the site’s use of paraeducators, assists in lesson planning, provision of materials and instructional strategies for their use with students. (Special education teachers may or may not be responsible for direct supervision of paras, again depending upon how a site has been organized for instruction.)
9. Assists in the development and maintenance of an individualized plan for each student staffed into the special education program.
10. Evaluates pupils’ academic and social growth, prepares progress reports for parents and district Director of Special as required.