SPED Teacher (PK-8)

Job Title: Special Education Teacher

Reports to: Principal/Assistant Principal/Director of Special Education

School: Campus as assigned

Primary Purpose:

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.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited university
• Valid Oklahoma teaching certificate with required special education endorsements
• Demonstrated competency in the subject area(s) assigned

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of students with disabilities in assigned categories
• Knowledge of special education process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) implementation
• General knowledge of curriculum and instruction

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Strategies

• Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEPs through for each student assigned.
• Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required.
• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the needs of students assigned.
• Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to accommodate regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments.
• 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 paraprofessionals.

Student Growth and Development

• Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
• Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and/or feeding of students as stated in IEP.
• Be a positive role model for students; support mission of school district.

Classroom Management and Organization

• Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
• Manage student behavior and administer discipline. This includes intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP.
• Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP.
• Consult district and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials as required.

Communication

• 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.

 Other

• 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.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervise assigned paraprofessionals

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling.
• Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom or adaptive equipment.
• May be required to lift and position students with physical disabilities; control behavior through physical restraint; and assist nonambulatory students.
• Possible exposure to biological hazards.