SY 25-26 Special Education Teacher

Employment Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Calendar: 185 Days

Minimum Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in a related field

Department: Teacher

Direct Supervisor: Building Principal.

Primary Work Location: District

Certification: Proper Certificate in related field.

Job Summary: Provide support to the instructional process by serving as a teacher with the specific responsibility of developing special education students’ success in communication, social interaction, independent functioning, and academic achievement.

Essential Job Functions

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential duties:

• Establish baseline functioning for students in all areas of need including academics, social skills, communication, behaviors, verbal behaviors, sensory needs, and independent function.
• Balance a variety of student needs ranging from students who are building early language skills and currently functioning from 0-48 months to supporting students who are functioning near or on grade level.
• Schedule and facilitate Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, review of existing data meetings, and eligibility determination meetings, as assigned, in accordance with district procedures.
• Collaborate with related service providers regarding student progress to ensure that services are provided in accordance with IEPs.
• Collect, maintain, and interpret student progress data to make program-planning recommendations leading to attainment of goals and improved student achievement.
• Maintain appropriate special education documentation for the purpose of providing up to date information and records in accordance with established guidelines and legal requirements.
• Collaborate with general education teachers regarding instructional issues and student progress, and to ensure that classroom accommodations and modifications are being provided in accordance with IEPs.
• Supervise students and manage behavior in order to provide a safe learning environment; develop lesson plans and differentiate group and individual instruction within established curriculum guidelines to meet the individual needs of assigned students.
• Communicate regularly with students and parents regarding instructional programs and student progress.
• Attend and participate in special education team meetings.
• Administer developmental testing, district assessments and/or state assessments to assess student competency levels and identify learning objectives.
• Conduct Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), develop and implement Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), as needed.
• Follow all Head Start, NAEYC, and IDEA Special Education guidelines.
• Conduct home visits.
• Input DRDP data weekly and rate data three (3) times per year.
• Perform related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA’s) for Position

An employee in this class must have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities upon application:

Knowledge

• Evidence practices-ABC’s of behaviors and individualized program planning in all educational environments.
• Special education eligibility criteria and procedural requirements of Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA).
• Human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

Skills

• Strong written and oral communications and relational skills.
• Social Perceptiveness and being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Operate a variety of office equipment, including computer, printer, calculator, and copier.

Abilities

• Interpreting educational implications of evaluation results, designing interventions, and providing specially designed instruction.
• Teach in a blended classroom teaching both as an ECSE and EC instructor.
• Handle challenging student behaviors and be ready to assist with student daily living needs.
• Supervise paraprofessionals to effectively meet the needs of students and provide a safe learning environment.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, teachers, parents, and the public.
• May be required to work outdoors for special events depending on assignment.
• Effectively welcome and embrace differences among employees and students.
• Must be able to successfully complete a background investigation.

**This position description is a general guideline for work behavior and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all job duties.  Therefore, it is also not, nor can it be implied to be, a contract of employment.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks. Must be able to successfully complete an intense background investigation.