Special Education Teacher (Connections Program)

-Teaches district approved curriculum. -Demonstrates competencies in teaching as defined by the district's teacher’s evaluation instrument. -Meets and instructs assigned classes in the locations and at the times designated. -Develops lesson plans and instructional material for individualized and small group instruction to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each student. -Communicates with parents (example: newsletters, phone calls, notes, conferences, e-mails, etc.) -Identifies students’ needs and makes appropriate referrals and develops strategies for individual students’ education plans and Section 504 plans -Is available to students and parents for education –related purposed within the contractual work day. -Provides individualized and small group instruction to adapt the curriculum to the needs of the student. --Performs other non-teaching duties as assigned by the building administrator (i.e., bus duty, recess duty, lunch duty) Connections Program - Connections provides a predictable and structured routine that focuses on growth and learning and is designed to increase a child’s coping, self-regulation, and problem-solving skills as well as their capacity to establish positive connections with peers and adults. The intentional structuring of this learning environment is designed to equip students for academic and behavioral/social success based on principles grounded in research. Strategies utilized within the program include room arrangement, structured, predictable daily schedules, appropriate and motivating curriculum and lessons, appropriate instructional pacing based on student need and grade level curriculum expectations, high rates of positive responses from staff, positive behavioral supports, home/school collaboration and communication, de-escalation techniques, planned ignoring techniques, assistive technology as appropriate, data collection and documentation, social skills instruction, problem-solving skills instruction, self-regulation instruction, individualized behavior intervention plans, and counseling as needed. The ultimate goal is that the students can learn to manage their behavior and be successful in the least restrictive environment.