Special education teacher

Position Purpose

Under the general supervision of the school principal, to maximize the learning experience of students with special needs in academics, interpersonal skills, behaviors, and/or activities of daily living by implementing the district’s approved elementary curriculum.  Special education teachers document student progress, activities and outcomes; address students’ specific needs; provide a safe and optimal learning environment; and provide feedback to students, parents, and administration regarding student progress, expectations, and goals as required by the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP).

Essential Functions:

The following description is illustrative of the tasks and responsibilities associated with this position.  It is not meant to be an inclusive list of every task or responsibility.

• Provides accommodations to students with special needs based on their current IEP goals for the purpose of allowing them access to the core curriculum.
• Plans individual and group activities to stimulate growth in language, social, and motor skills.
• Provides individual and group instruction designed to meet the individual needs of students in communication skills, health habits, physical skills, and development of self-concepts.
• Conducts assessments, testing and diagnostic examinations of students for the purpose of identifying learning issues, and recommending courses of action or corrective procedures to overcome issues and maximize learning.
• Participates and assists in developing Individual Educational Plans (IEP) for students.
• Assists students and teaching staff in implementing students' IEP's and/or behavior management plans.
• Coordinates with administrators and other teaching staff members to meet the individual student’s needs and to familiarize stakeholders with student services.
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student's needs, including students with special needs; conducts individual and small group instruction as needed.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Serves as a resource to students and parents that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and behavioral management; serves as liaison between home and school.
• Coordinates with other professional staff members and participates in faculty meetings and committees.
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, instructional aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records.
• Maintains a regular and predictable attendance history while employed by the district
• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Equipment:
Uses standard school and office equipment such as personal computers, printers, copy and fax machines, and telephones.

Travel Requirements:
Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of special education principles, theories, testing, methods, etc… as well as proven methods of maximizing the educational experience of students with special needs.
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with other contacted in the course of work.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

• Works in standard school building environment.
• Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.
• For a complete list of the physical and mental demands needed to perform the essential functions for this position, please see the Summary of Physical, Sensory, and Environmental Requirements.

Qualification Profile:

• Certification:  Nebraska teaching certificate with an endorsement in special education.
• Education:  Bachelors degree in education from an accredited college or university.
• Experience:  Successful prior teaching experience (preferred).

FLSA Status:  Exempt