Special Education Teacher

Job Summary:  

A Special Education Teacher's role is to educate students who require additional support outside of the traditional classroom. They work with many different types of children, from those who are physically disabled or sensory impaired to those with speech difficulties or autism. They adapt or modify general education lessons to meet students' abilities and needs.  A Pre-Primary & Primary School Special Education Teacher may also teach basic skills to students and create materials that support the child's social development as well as academics.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:  Other duties may be assigned.

Typical responsibilities for Special Education Teachers include providing small group instruction, writing and delivering lesson plans, assessing student work and collaborating with their students’ other Teachers to ensure they’re meeting their student’s needs.  Additional details of responsibilities are provided below:

Any one position may not include all of the listed duties, nor do all of the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions within this classification.  The role holds the expectation that the Pre-Primary & Primary School Special Education Teacher be familiar with early childhood:

• Developmental stages
• Social development
• Language development
• Physical development
• Readiness to learn

The Pre-Primary and Primary School Special Educator would be proficient in the following areas:

• Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): Develop and implement IEPs for students with special needs, outlining specific goals and strategies to support their learning.
• Differentiated Instruction: Modify curriculum and teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of students with various learning abilities.  When needed plan, design and implement a comprehensive standards-based instructional program. 
• Collaboration: Work closely with general education teachers, support staff, and parents to create a collaborative and inclusive learning environment.  Act as case manager for assigned students.

• Assessment and Progress Monitoring: Conduct assessments to identify students' strengths and challenges, and regularly monitor their progress to adjust teaching strategies accordingly.  This also includes familiarity with the required State of Vermont assessment tools.
• Behavioral Support: Provide behavior management strategies and support to create a positive and inclusive classroom environment. Monitor appropriate behavior management techniques for use in instructional and disciplinary purposes.  Writes and implements effective behavior plans for students and participates in manifestation demonstrations for students as necessary.  Report incidents (e.g. fights, suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining personal safety of all students
• Adapted Materials: Create or adapt instructional materials to cater to the individual needs of students with disabilities.
• Communication: Maintain open and regular communication with parents, discussing students' progress, goals, and strategies for continued improvement. Schedule required IEP meetings at appropriate intervals with required members
• Professional Development: Stay informed about current special education practices, attend workshops, and engage in professional development opportunities to enhance teaching skills.
• Advocacy: Advocate for the needs and rights of students with special needs within the school community and beyond.
• Record Keeping: Prepare all necessary reports and maintain educational records required and necessary to provide a quality educational program.

Additionally, the Pre-Primary & Primary Special Education Teacher would:

• Establishes and maintains a safe, orderly, and child centered classroom environment
• Perform other duties normally required to be performed by certificated employees as adjunct to the regular teaching assignment
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with administrators, teachers, district, classified personnel
• Exercise initiative and possess mature judgment
• Communicate effectively both orally and in written form; facilitate problem solving with diverse groups of educators
• Prepare teaching materials and reports (e.g. grade, attendance, anecdotal records, etc.) for the purpose of implementing instructional plans and providing documentation of teacher and student progress

Supervision Received:  Reports to, receives daily work assignments, and is evaluated by the Principal.

Supervisory Responsibilities:  None

Qualification Requirements:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each job function in an efficient and compliant manner.  The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job functions.

• Education and Experience: A/B.S degree in Special Education from an accredited institution or related field of teaching (Master’s degree may be preferred in some cases), with a Vermont teaching endorsement. State certification/licensure in Special Education. Knowledge of special education laws and regulations

1. Language Skills:   Ability to read and write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals.
2. Mathematical Skills: Good basic mathematical skills including the ability to calculate percentages, proportions, averages, and other concepts of basic algebra. 
3. Reasoning Ability/Mental Requirements: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written or oral instructions.  Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
4. Communication & Interpersonal Skills:  Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively resolve conflicts; to communicate courteously, efficiently and effectively with a variety of individuals, including students, faculty, administrators, parents, and representatives of outside organizations.

1. Other Skills and Abilities:

• 1. Valid driver’s license.
• 2. Attention to detail is essential.
• 3. Patience, empathy, and a passion for working with students with diverse needs.
• 4. Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job in accordance with federal and state federal law and regulations, and Springfield School District policy and procedures is required.
• 5. Strong organizational skills are essential.
• 6. Strong written, verbal and interpersonal skills are essential.
• 7. Follow through and follow-up skills are essential.
• 8. Operating knowledge of and experience with typical office equipment, including: telephones, copier, scanner, printer, calculator, postage meter and fax machine is essential.
• 9. Working knowledge of personal computer applications including Microsoft Office Windows Suite and Google Suite.

Competencies.  The individual in this position must possess the following:

1. Attention to Detail:   being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
2. Cooperation:  being pleasant on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
3. Concern for Others:  being sensitive to others’ needs and feelings and understanding on the job.

Patience, empathy, and a passion for working with students with diverse needs.

1. Dependability: being reliable, punctual, and responsible and fulfilling obligations.
2. Stress Tolerance:  accepting feedback from your supervisor and colleagues as well as, dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.