Elementary Special Education Teacher

Special education teachers work with students who have mental, emotional, physical, or learning disabilities. As teachers, they are responsible for leading learning for their students. Teachers develop curriculum and lesson plans, and present those lessons to their students, individually or in groups. They track the progress of their students and create reports to inform parents about their progress. Teachers are responsible for maintaining a safe and respectful classroom environment in order to optimize student capabilities and develop their love of learning.

Job Tasks Descriptions

1. Create instructional resources for use in the classroom and by team members.

2. Prepare, plan, and deliver instructional activities.

3. Create a positive educational learning environment.

4. Develop curriculum and essential standards to meet student learning goals and instructional activities.

5. Prepare lesson materials, grade papers, manage the classroom, and evaluate and give feedback to students.

6. Exercise open and respectful communication with families, co-workers, supervisors, and other school staff.

7. Measure progress and accomplishments of students towards their academic achievements on a regular basis and provide progress reports as required.

8. Create and keep records on attendance, accidents, incidents, and other noteworthy events in accordance with licensing guidelines and program policies.

9. Attend workshops and training, in district and within the state, in order to further advance professional development.

10. Stay abreast with learning strategies and current opportunities for students.

11. Utilize curriculum to incorporate diverse intellectual, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds of the students served.

12. Manage student behavior in accordance with outlined guidelines.

13. Work collaboratively with grade level, subject area, and building teachers to enhance learning opportunities for students.

14. Collaborate with teacher team to contribute to the professional learning and development of themselves and their fellow colleagues

15. Provide a safe, thriving, and respectful environment for all students in the classroom and on the school campus

16. Special Education Responsibilities:

• Assess students’ skills and determine their educational needs

• Adapt general lessons to meet students’ needs

• Develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for each student with the IEP Team

• Plan activities that are specific to each student’s abilities

• Teach and mentor students as a class, in small groups, and one-on-one

• Implement IEPs, assess students’ performance, and track their progress

• Update IEPs throughout the school year to reflect students’ progress and goals

• Work collaboratively in with general education teachers in support of student IEP needs

• When appropriate co-teach in the general education classroom

• Discuss students’ progress with parents, other teachers, counselors, and administrators

• Supervise and mentor teacher assistants who work with students with disabilities

• Prepare and help students transition from grade to grade and from school to life outside of school

16. Perform other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

Amount of Time

None

Under 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

Stand

X

Walk

X

Sit

X

Use hands to finger, handle or feel

X

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

Amount of Time

None

Under 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

Reach with hands and arms

X

Climb or balance

X

Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl

X

Talk

X

Hear

X

Taste

X

Smell

X

WEIGHT AND FORCE DEMANDS

Amount of Time

None

Under 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

Up to 10 pounds

X

Up to 25 pounds

X

Up to 50 pounds

X

Up to 100 pounds

X

More than 100 pounds

X

MENTAL FUNCTIONS

Amount of Time

None

Under 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

Compare

X

Analyze

X

Communicate

X

Copy

X

Coordinate

X

Instruct

X

Compute

X

Synthesize

X

Evaluate

X

Use Interpersonal Skills

X

Compile

X

Negotiate

X

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Amount of Time

None

Under 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

Wet or humid conditions (non-weather) 

X

Work near moving mechanical parts

X

Work in high, precarious places

X

Fumes or airborne particles

X

Toxic or caustic chemicals

X

Outdoor weather conditions

X

Extreme cold (non-weather)

X

Extreme heat (non-weather)

X

Risk of electrical shock

X

Work with explosives

X

Risk of radiation

X

Vibration

X

VISION DEMANDS

REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

No special vision requirements

Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)

X

Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more)

X

Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)

Peripheral vision

Depth perception

Ability to adjust focus

NOISE LEVEL

Level of noise typical in the work environment for this job

Very quiet

Quiet

X

Moderate

X

Loud

Very loud