Special Education Teacher (SDC Moderate/Severe)

SAUGUS UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT

TEACHER - SEVERELY HANDICAPPED

DEFINITION

Under direction, to provide an educational program for individuals with exceptional needs who require intensive instruction and training in programs serving pupils with the following profound disabilities : Autism, deafness-blindness, deafness, hearing impairment, severe orthopedic impairments, emotional disturbances, severe mental retardation / severe developmental delays, multiple handicaps, specific learning disability, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, and visual impairment.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This position classification requires subject matter expertise commonly associated with teaching and instruction of pupils who are severely handicapped. Directly related teaching and instruction experience is required to perform specialized teaching of severely handicapped pupils, and problem analysis using prescribed educational principles, methods and concepts. The position classification makes decisions of considerable consequence, in determining how best to instruct special day class severely handicapped pupils. The functional role of this position classification requires the application and interpretation of data, facts, procedures, and policies. The incumbent meets frequently with school administrators, teachers, and other staff and parents to communicate information, data, and alternative problem solutions.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

• Teach pupils in a Division of Special Education class the skills and subject matter commensurate with their intellectual, physical and emotional needs, as determined by assessment and utilizing State / Board adopted curriculum
• Provides an appropriate physical and psychological environment to establish and reinforce appropriate pupil behavior, attitudes and social skills
• Assesses pupils to determine their functional and cognitive levels
• Develops and implements standards-based lesson plans
• Develops and implements appropriate standards-based IEP goals and objectives
• Works cooperatively with the IEP team in assessing pupil needs and learning deficiencies, and develops alternative solutions to remediate pupil learning and behavior problems
• Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior utilizing behavior management strategies and techniques, including behavior modification, reinforcement, and other positive behavior shaping processes
• Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates pupil academic and social growth
• Counsels, confers, and communicates with parents, school and District personnel regarding pupil progress, and in the interpretation of the educational program
• Maintains a variety of pupil records, including attendance, report cards, progress reports and transcripts
• Selects and requisitions appropriate educational supplies, materials, books, equipment, and learning aids
• Establishes and maintains a suitable room environment through the proper control of heating, lighting, and ventilation
• Performs a variety of non-instructional duties, including curriculum and instructional development activities, student supervision, and advisory and consultation activities

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE

Knowledge of :

Ability to :

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and skill is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skill would be :

Experience :

Education :

Certification Requirement :

Physical :

Good physical condition; able to pass required District physical.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

This is a position classification that performs light work, but does require walking and standing for extended periods. This position requires the ability to move quickly to respond to pupils' severe physical and behavioral problems. The job also requires the accurate perceiving of sound, near and far vision, depth perception, handling and working with educational learning aids, instructional materials and objects, and providing oral information and instructional detail.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS :

While the ideal candidate will possess all these abilities, duties assigned can be modified to accommodate some physical restrictions.

Requirements / Qualifications

Resume, Letter of Introduction, 2 Current Letters of Recommendation, Copy of Credential, Copy of Transcripts, Recent Evaluations (if available),

Electronic application and document attachments required.

Education Specialist Moderate / Severe Credential

Comments and Other Information

Incomplete applications will not be considered.