School Year 2024-25: Special Education Teacher - High School

Position:          Special Education Teacher                               

Building:           High School

Reports to:      Coordinator of Student Services – Principal            

Assignment:    189 days

                        7.5 hours/day

Job Summary:   Provide special education students with learning activities and experiences designed to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth.  Develop or modify curricula and prepare lessons and other instructional materials to student ability levels.  Work in self-contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned.  Develop and provide specialized instruction to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities.  Evaluate and assess student progress against instructional objectives.  Follows State mandates, due process procedures and functions as IEP case-manager to assigned students.  

Qualifications:  Bachelors Degree in special education.  Valid Pennsylvania teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignments.   Demonstrate competency in the subject area(s) assigned.  Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned area.  Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation.  General knowledge of curriculum and instruction.

POSITION FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP for each student assigned to the teacher’s caseload.
• Implement an instructional or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required (lesson plans).
• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
• Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments.
• Conduct assessment of student learning styles and use results to plan for instructional activities.
• Present subject matter according to guidelines established by IEP.
• Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned.
• Plan and supervise assignments for teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s).
• Use technology in teaching/learning process.
• Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing
• Provide or supervise personal care of students as stated in IEP.
• Be a positive role model for students; support mission of school district
• Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
• Manage student behavior and administer discipline.
• Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP.
• Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
• Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
• Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills
• Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Other duties as assigned.

Perform other duties which may be assigned by the Coordinator of Student Services, Building Principal, Assistant Superintendent and/or Superintendent.

GENERAL POSITION REQUIREMENTS

PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES:                 Must be able to stand 1 hour at one time

                                                      Must be able to sit 4 hours at one time

                                                      Must be able to walk 1 hour at one time

                                                      Must be able to bend/stop, squat, and reach above                                                                                                            shoulder

                                                      Must be able to lift and carry up to 20 lbs. frequently

                                                      Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. occasionally

                                                      Must be able to do repetitive actions including                                                                                                                    grasping, pushing, pulling, fine manipulation,                                                                                                                    twisting/turning, writing, or printing

                                                      Must be able to adhere to daily time schedule

                                                      Must be able to hear (40 decibel loss maximum)

                                                      Must be able to verbally communicate

                                                      Must have vision requirements or near acuity of 20                                                                                                            inches or less and far acuity of 20 feet or more with                                                                                                            depth perception, accommodation, and field of vision.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT:       Position encompasses entire building and grounds.  Center                                                 

                                             of operation is the classroom which is ventilated and well                                                                                                   lighted. 

SPECIFIC SKILLS:                            Must possess computer/software skills

                                                      Must possess excellent math skills

                                                      Must possess general office skills

                                                      Must possess excellent oral and written                                                                                                                              communication skills

                                                      Must have ability to operate various office equipment