JOB SUMMARY: Working in collaboration with teachers, families, students, administrators, and other professional and paraprofessional personnel, and consistent with state and federal law, the Special Educator case manages, coordinates, and oversees the implementation of effective interventions for students in the CVSU community (kindergarten-fifth grade) who have demonstrated behavior and/or learning barriers that require intervention and instruction. The position shall focus on foundational learning social skills, literacy, math, as well as behavior support services designated to enable assigned students to meet Vermonts learning expectations for students in the least restrictive environment. In addition, the Special Educator develops and evaluates individual Educational Programs (IEP), specialized literacy and math instruction, and potentially, behavior plans. The Special Educator provides comprehensive evaluation services with professional and technical assistance from the Director of Special Services, district-wide specialists, and other Special Educators within the building.
PLANNING AND PREPARATIONA successful candidate will work in conjunction with classroom teachers, support staff, outside agencies, and other district-wide professional to:: develop standards-based individualized Educational Plans (IEP) for those students who qualify for such services. coordinate and implement regularly scheduled community-based screenings that will properly identify children who may need a more comprehensive assessment. administer/coordinate a thorough assessment of identified students using a variety of techniques including standardized tests, rubrics, checklists, curriculum based measures, developmental scales, observation, behavior objectives, etc. confer with parents, school counselors, classroom teachers, social workers, administrators, testing specialists and other professionals as needed to determine proper assessment tools and procedures, and to discuss the evaluation.
interpret both educational and clinical findings to accurately determine program eligibility and to assess student progress. integrate knowledge and understanding of assigned students with current best instructional practices and research to provide the most effective educational program for students in compliance with federal and state laws/regulations. interpret research findings related to the improvement of reading and math instruction and assessment; communicate these findings to colleagues and the wider community in order to improve classroom practice. research, coordinate, and effectively utilize available school and community resources, including para support personnel, and outside agencies to ensure proper delivery of students IEP.
plan, develop, and monitor extended school year programs for identified students to ensure an effective educational program. Provides technical assistance to summer tutors as needed (if applicable). Communicates students summer programming to the assignment teachers and Special Educator for the subsequent school year. LEARNING ENVIRONMENTA successful candidate will work in conjunction with classroom teachers, support staff, outside agencies, and other district-wide professional to: create and maintain an environment of respect and rapport.
provide a safe learning environment for all students in compliance with all federal and state laws/regulations. assist with the integration of assigned students into regular classroom settings using the concepts of inclusion and least restrictive environment. develop, implement, and monitor effective behavior management plans and crisis prevention/intervention plans for assigned students. as needed.
identify and implement appropriate assistive technology devices. and other adaptive or augmentative systems, that will enhance student communication and accessibility to learning. INSTRUCTIONA successful candidate will work in conjunction with classroom teachers, support staff, outside agencies, and other district-wide professional to: communicate and support the implementation of research-based best practices in all aspects of social skills development, literacy and math instruction and assessment, including modeling or co-teaching of specific instructional approaches, when appropriate. select, design/modify classroom instruction for assigned students designed to promote the academic, vocational, physical and social development needs of students.
implement appropriate activities/educational materials to effectively engage students in learning and to maximize student comprehension of the lesson. effectively provide academic instruction, social skills training and other direct services to assigned students to develop the readiness skills necessary for success in future school placements; adjust pace and degree of explicit instruction, in order to meet the needs of individual students. use a range of progress monitoring tools to accurately evaluate individual students progress, and adjust approaches, interventions, and supplementary instruction depending on student progress. provide effective, timely, and quality feedback on student progress to parents, students and other professionals.
teach students socially acceptable behavior by employing techniques such as behavior modification and positive reinforcement; use a variety of social skills curricula (including established school curricula) to teach prosocial behavior and de-escalation strategies.OTHER PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Assist the school principal in planning and evaluating program effectiveness and identifying program needs. In collaboration with the classroom teacher, routinely observes student interactions and learning environments in the classroom, school and community to assess instructional effectiveness in reading and math, and the effectiveness of behavior management plans. In collaboration and/or consultation with other Special Educators and/or districts-wide specialists, identifies, coordinates, and implements training for teachers, paraeducators and other school personnel as it relates to understanding disabilities, managing and implementing student programs, remedial instruction strategies, differentiated instructional strategies, screening and assessment, behavior management techniques, developing IEPs, and evaluating student progress. Assist the Director of Special Services in planning and evaluating program effectiveness and identifying program needs.
Prepares and maintains accurate, timely, complete, effective and confidential student records and related reports as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations. Communicates/collaborates effectively with parents to keep families informed of the instructional program and individual student progress; and effectively engages families to help meet the educational needs of the student. Means of communication may include annual open house, observation sessions for parents, conference, sessions for programs discussion, making home visits, and other individual meetings as necessary. Implements and evaluates systemic strategies to include parents as partners in the literacy and math development of their children and adolescents.
Works effectively, cooperatively and respectfully with supervisors, colleagues, and subordinates. Implements strategies such as collaborative teaming, conflict resolution, and mediation strategies to facilitate team decision around student programs. Participates in EST/MTSS functions including, but not limited to, meetings, developing referral processes, screening referred students, providing supplemental support, and consulting services as requested. Implement Handle With Care as necessary to ensure the emotional and physical safety of students.
Actively participates in school events, workshops, in service meetings, building-level staff meetings, district meetings, and other school and district committees/projects. Responsible for on-going professional growth activities consistent with supervision and evaluation goals, district goals and school action/strategic plans, and as directed by the Director of Special Services and/or his/her designee. Keeps abreast of current best practices, research, special education laws, and other applicable federal and state laws/regulations. Assist in the development and implementation of school-wide discipline programs.
Act as a general resource person for classroom teachers, paraeducators, and administration; and participates as a leader in teacher training activities (both school-wide and district-wide). Shows professionalism and considers Whats best for students in serving and advocating for students, and in decision making. Follows and assists in upholding and enforcing school rules, administrative regulations and procedures, policies of the CVSU. Trains and plans, assigns/directs the activities, and is responsible for the quality of work of assigned paraeducators; play key advisory roles in evaluation, hiring, and continued employment.
Participate in the implementation of the school safety and crisis response plans including training and drill practice. Other duties as assigned. Reports to, evaluated by, and receives general administrative direction from the School Principal with input from the Director of Special Services and/or his/her designee. Receives technical direction and oversight from the Director of Student Special Services in consultation with the Director of Curriculum.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: Central Vermont Supervisory Union is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identify, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation. Our organization is committed to building a diverse team that represents the students we serve. We welcome applications from people of color, people from the LGBTQ community, and individuals with disabilities.
DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.