Independence- Elem. Low Incidence Special Education Teacher

Job Description – Special Education Teacher

The Teacher provides students with an opportunity to master appropriate curriculum, promote positive social behavior and assist in the development of adaptive and functional skills to respond to the individual needs and abilities of students.

Essential Responsibilities

• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in written form, in a variety of situations (ie. With students, school personnel, administration, parents, and community groups).
• Analyze a situation and develop appropriate responses and interventions.
• Respond in a timely manner to requests for information.
• Use current software and programs to perform job responsibilities.
• Work effectively with other personnel.
• Establish a positive learning environment and respond to the individual needs of students.
• Ensure that all student activities conform to federal, state and Interlocal guidelines.
• Work effectively with community organizations.
• Follow chain of command.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Be a mandated reporter.
• Monitor and provide training/assistance to staff on student activities.
• React to change productively and handle other tasks as assigned.
• Support the value of education.
• Maintain professional and ethical standards.
• Support the philosophy, mission and policies of the Interlocal and the school district & ensure they are observed.
• Other essential functions: Energetic, caring, leadership skills, ability to collaborate.
• Perform other duties, as assigned.

Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions

• Requires prolonged sitting or standing.
• Requires physical exertion to manually move, lift, carry, pull, or push heavy objects or materials.
• Occasional stooping, bending, and reaching.
• Exposure to biological hazards (feces, blood, spit, etc)
• May have to manage behavior through physical restraint.
• Must be able to work in a variety of noisy and crowded environments.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and be able to operate a vehicle, if the position requires travel.

General Responsibilities

• Build instruction on previously learned materials.
• Use a variety of teaching materials and techniques as appropriate to meet individual student needs.
• Provide services to meet students’ IEPs, including goals/instruction, accommodations/modifications, and personal needs.
• Sets learning environment for students, appropriate to their needs.
• Develops and maintains a classroom management plan and individual behavior plans, based on student need.
• Plan, implement and assess instruction.
• Prepare and follow student, para and teacher schedules.
• Prepare for assigned classes and show evidence of preparation (ie. Lesson plan).
• Administer and, if applicable, analyze summative and formative assessments - from achievement, state assessments to progress monitoring.
• Monitor student progress and make informed, timely educational decisions.
• Develop and maintain a safe classroom environment conducive to learning.
• Implement the Interlocal and district curriculum and instructional strategies to the maximum extent possible, based on the abilities of the student population.
• Demonstrates a commitment to learning and apply new knowledge of instructional strategies and technology skills.
• Participate on teams to support student intervention, evaluation, etc (I.E. SIT, as per building expectations), following state and federal laws.
• Complete IEPs, progress reports, & evaluations as required by law and in a timely fashion.
• Motivate students through effective communication and evaluative feedback.
• Demonstrate awareness of the needs of students and provide for individual differences.
• Set high expectations for student achievement and behavior.
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal relationships with others.
• Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and others concerning the needs of students and special services that are available.
• Be a positive role model for students and support the district and Interlocal mission.
• Cooperate with agencies serving students and their families.
• Maintain appropriate, confidential records and provide timely reports.
• Keep abreast of new information, innovative ideas, and techniques.
• Supervise and train paraprofessionals to support the individual needs of each students.
• As needed, be designated by nurse or administrator to support students’ personal needs (toileting/diapering, catheterization, tube feeding, suctioning, lifting, etc).
• See that school district and Interlocal policies are observed during all activities.
• Obtain advance approval for all special activities and expenditures.
• Order and maintain an adequate inventory of materials and supplies.
• Participate in collaboration and staff meetings.
• Adhere to all district and Interlocal health and safety policies, including all precautions of the Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan.
• Participate in district and Interlocal activities, as requested.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Special Education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university. OR
• 1) Long term substitute license and 2) Working toward special education degree and 3) experience working with students with special needs

Appropriate and current license from KSDE.

Length of term

Based on District assignment -calendar and work hours, plus 2 PD days for Interlocal, plus 2 new teacher days (first year). See negotiated agreement.

Responsible to

Interlocal and District Administration

Additional Information to specific roles:

Functional/Low Incidence Teacher

• Teach, administer and receive all trainings regarding DLM (state assessment).
• Monitor post-secondary outcomes through the transition process to support students and families.

Salary : $45,000