Special Education Teacher

Position: SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
Definition:
Certified Special Education Teacher for students with varying levels and degrees of disabilities. Teacher is responsible for providing individualized instruction, curriculum and instruction accommodations, adaptation and modification; implementation of behavioral and academic intervention; and constant collaboration with general education teachers and support staff. A co-teaching model of instruction may be followed.

Supervision:
Works under the direct supervision of the building principal and Director of Special Services

Essential Functions:

Teacher is expected to:
Navigate, write and understand Individualized Education Plans/Programs (IEPs)
Ensure services are provided in accordance with the IEP
Monitor and report progress toward IEP Goals and Objectives
Design and implement assistive technologies
Perform special education eligibility assessments and other data collection tools
Submit necessary reports and documentation on time to administration and other necessary personnel
Collaborate/consult with other teachers to ensure students are receiving an appropriate education in the least restrictive environment and with accommodations as outlined in the IEP
Adapt and modify curriculum to meet the diverse and unique needs of each student
Plan, schedule, and participate in and/or facilitate IEP team meetings
Design, write and implement academic and behavioral intervention plans
Frequent communication with parents highlighting academic and behavioral progress or challenges
Participate in building-based and content-based professional development
Perform necessary duties of any teacher of the district as outlined in the teacher assignment and contract
Participate in and fulfill all aspects of the teacher evaluation program

Skills and Abilities:

Interpersonal and communication skills when working with parents and staff and for meeting facilitation
Knowledge of special education law, policies and procedures (outlined in IDEA)
Knowledge and application of special education eligibility assessments
Frequent and ongoing note-taking and observation of student classroom performance and behavior
Data collection and analyses
Ability to use data to make informed instructional decisions
Advocacy for student needs and resources
Modeling for staff and students the cooperative process and focus on student strengths, learning style, peers as role models and positive student achievement at individual ability levels
Recognition of an outside-the-box level of thinking and initiative when working with all students
Daily flexibility and quick-thinking skills
Organization and time management skills
Demonstrate knowledge of basic computer skills
Work on transitional services and in collaboration with outside agenices
Ability to move about the classroom and building efficiently to deliver instruction, perform classroom management