Job Description : Special Education Teacher - Behavior Disorder Classroom
Position Title : Special Education Teacher - Behavior Disorder Classroom Reports To : School Principal and Special Education Coordinator Employment Status : Full-Time Location : Central Iowa School Districts
Position Summary
The Special Education Teacher for the Behavior Disorder Classroom is responsible for creating a supportive and structured environment tailored to meet the academic, emotional, and behavioral needs of students with behavior disorders. The teacher will develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs), provide effective instruction, and utilize behavior management strategies to foster student success. This role requires collaboration with families, school staff, and support teams to promote a positive and inclusive learning environment.
Key Responsibilities
Instruction and Curriculum Development :
- Design and deliver engaging, differentiated lessons aligned with students' IEP goals and state standards.
- Utilize evidence-based instructional strategies to support academic progress.
- Incorporate social-emotional learning (SEL) activities to address students' emotional and behavioral needs.
- Adapt teaching methods and materials to accommodate diverse learning styles and needs.
Behavior Management :
Develop, implement, and monitor behavior intervention plans (BIPs) tailored to individual students.Use positive behavior support (PBS) strategies to encourage appropriate behaviors and reduce challenging behaviors.Maintain a structured classroom environment with clear expectations and routines.Respond to behavioral incidents in a calm and professional manner, employing de-escalation techniques when necessary.Student Support and Monitoring :
Conduct ongoing assessments to monitor student progress and adjust instruction or interventions as needed.Provide one-on-one and small-group instruction to address specific skill deficits.Teach and reinforce coping strategies, problem-solving skills, and emotional regulation techniques.Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, including IEP documentation, progress reports, and behavioral data.Collaboration and Communication :
Collaborate with general education teachers, paraprofessionals, school counselors, and other support staff to ensure student needs are met.Engage with parents / guardians to communicate student progress, challenges, and successes.Participate in IEP meetings, team planning sessions, and professional development opportunities.Serve as an advocate for students with behavioral disorders, fostering a culture of understanding and inclusion.Qualifications
Education and Certification :
Bachelor's degree in Special Education, Education, or a related field.Valid Iowa Teaching License with appropriate special education endorsements (e.g., Instructional Strategist I or II). Strategist II Endorsement PreferredAdditional training or endorsement in Emotional / Behavioral Disorders (EBD) preferred.Skills and Competencies :
Strong knowledge of behavior management strategies and de-escalation techniques.Familiarity with developing and implementing IEPs and BIPs.Excellent classroom management and organizational skills.Ability to build positive, respectful relationships with students, families, and colleagues.Effective communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.Experience :
Prior experience working with students with behavioral or emotional disorders is highly desirable.Experience using data to inform instruction and behavior interventions.Work Environment and Physical Requirements
Classroom setting with potential exposure to challenging behaviors.Ability to stand, sit, and move around the classroom as needed.Occasional lifting of materials or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.Compensation and Benefits
Competitive salary based on experience and district pay scale.Benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development opportunities
