District Mission Statement: 

To inspire lifelong learners who are self-sufficient and ethical citizens.

CLASSIFICATION:        Certified

QUALIFICATIONS: 

1. Valid Missouri Teacher’s certificate and appropriate content area/grade level certification
2. Criminal justice fingerprint and background clearance
3. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board and/or Superintendent may find appropriate 

REPORTS TO:  Building Principal and Director of Special Education Services

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:            

1. Respect for the uniqueness of each individual learner.
2. Ability to meet the individual needs of each student to allow for growth and development.
3. Ability to convey information to students through written and verbal communications.
4. Ability to encourage student ownership of learning and appropriate social and emotional skills. 

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the direction of the school Principal and Director of Special Education and Student Services, the special education teacher plans and provides for appropriate learning experiences for students with disabilities in a variety of educational settings. The person in this position is responsible for creating a flexible program and learning environment that provides specialized instruction for students with disabilities, such that the students benefit from the general education curriculum to the greatest extent possible when supported with supplemental aides, accommodations, and other needed supports.

REQUIRED PERFORMANCE AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Creates relevant, engaging, and personalized learning experiences for each student.
2. Develops opportunities for students to take ownership and control of their learning.
3. Can work in a technology rich environment (Google Apps for Education and Chromebooks).
4. Understands how to use data to drive student learning.
5. Experience and knowledge of standards-based learning/grading.
6. Experience engaging students in assessments and activities that requiring critical thinking.
7. Teaches district approved curriculum and adheres to adopted Board of Education policies.
8. Establishes and maintains effective relationships with students, staff and community
9. Communicates clearly both verbally and in writing.
10. Learns and implements strategies to instruct students in higher and more challenging levels of learning.
11. Integrates technology consistently to enhance student learning opportunities.
12. Organizes and prioritizes educator workload to best meet the needs of students.
13. Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior to achieve an effective learning atmosphere.
14. Evaluates students’ academic and social growth and keeps appropriate records of student learning.
15. Identifies student needs, makes appropriate referrals and works with special education staff to develop IEPs.
16. Works well as a team member to serve all constituencies.
17. Adheres to and follows all deadlines and requirements as presented by administration/state/federal law.
18. Attends all meetings as requested by building and district administration.
19. Maintains strict confidentiality as required by law.
20. Develops a professional development plan annually and commits to lifelong learning and growth.
21. Report suspected child abuse/neglect cases as required by statute and district policy.
22. Participate on building, district and/or education committees.
23. Perform supervisory duties as assigned by the administration as reasonably required.
24. Provides direct and indirect instructional support to students in a positive environment.
25. Employs special educational strategies and techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, and memory.
26. Instructs students in academic subjects using a variety of techniques such as phonetics, multi-sensory learning, and repetition to reinforce learning and to meet students' varying needs and interests.
27. Teaches socially acceptable behavior, as determined by the students’ individualized education programs (IEPs) by employing techniques in an overall positive behavioral support system.
28. Modifies the general education curriculum for students with disabilities based upon a variety of instructional techniques and technologies as guided through modifications and accommodations.
29. Plans and conducts activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
30. Establishes and enforces rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining an environment conducive to learning for all students.
31. Meets with parents to discuss their child's progress and to determine priorities for their child and their individualized educational needs.
32. Confers with parents, administrators, school psychological examiners, counselors, and other professionals to develop individualized education programs (IEPs) designed to promote students' educational, physical, and social/emotional development.
33. Maintains accurate and complete student records and prepare reports on children and activities, as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
34. Establishes clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students.
35. Develops plans for effective communication, monitoring, and follow-up of students in inclusive classroom settings.
36. Provides crisis intervention, as needed, for students and those in inclusive classrooms.
37. Assists in collection of data for providing appropriate classroom interventions.
38. Serves as a member of a multidisciplinary team as appropriate. 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:     181 day teacher contract. Salary for this position is actual placement on the teacher’s salary schedule or special placement on the salary schedule as approved by the Board of Education.  Length of contract established and approved by the Board of Education.

EVALUATION: Performance in this position will be evaluated annually by the Building Principal and Director of Special Education Services in accordance with provisions of the Board of Education policy using the Performance Based Teacher Evaluation.  Summative evaluation forms will be forwarded to the Superintendent of Schools to be kept on record.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND VISUAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk and sit. Additionally, the employee may occasionally be required to push or lift up to 25 lbs. as necessary for the safety and well-being of others. Lastly, this job requires the employee to have the vision ability to read handwritten or typed materials, and meet multiple demands from several people while interacting with other staff and the public.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

JOB DUTIES: The most significant duties of this position have been included in this job description. However, this job description is not an exhaustive list of all duties performed. In addition, the District may modify this position as needed to reflect the assignment of additional or supplemental duties assigned. Employees are expected to perform all assigned duties regardless of whether such duties appear in this job description.

Revised:               October 23, 2023