Life Skills Teacher

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

The job of Special Education Teacher was established for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional process by serving as a teacher with specific responsibility for developing special education students' success in academics, interpersonal skills and activities of daily living; supervising students within the classroom and other assigned areas; developing lesson plans and delivering individual student instruction within established curriculum guidelines;

collaborating with other teachers, other professional staff, and administrators in addressing instructional and/or classroom issues; and responding to a wide range of inquiries from students' parents or guardians regarding instructional program and student progress.

This job reports to Special Services Director.

• Adapts classroom work for the purpose of providing students with instructional materials that address individualized learning plans within established lesson plans.
• Advises parents and/or legal guardians of student progress for the purpose of communicating expectations; student's achievements; developing methods for improvement and/or reinforcing classroom goals in the home environment.
• Assesses student progress towards objectives, expectations, and/or goals (e.g. behavioral, motor development and communication skills, academic needs, vocational abilities, etc.) for the purpose of providing feedback to students, parents and administration.
• Collaborates with instructional staff, other school personnel, parents and a variety of community resources for the purpose of improving the overall quality of student outcomes and achieving established classroom objectives in support of the school improvement plan.
• Conducts IEP meetings for the purpose of conveying and sharing information about the student with parents, guardians and teachers.
• Counsels students for the purpose of improving performance, health status, problem solving techniques and a variety of personal issues.
• Develops IEPs for the purpose of ensuring students receive the proper services and instructions according to their disabilities.
• Directs aides, volunteers, etc. for the purpose of providing an effective classroom program and addressing the needs of individual students.
• Educates staff about students with disabilities for the purpose of ensuring the staff is aware of the disability and the proper instruction and care is given to the student.
• Instructs students for the purpose of improving their success in academic, interpersonal and daily living skills through a defined course of study.
• Manages student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment.
• Monitors students in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom, playground, field trips, etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.
• Orders supplies and materials for the purpose of ensuring the proper items are available to help in the education of the student.
• Participates in a variety of meetings (e.g. IEP meetings, faculty meetings, workshops, seminars, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
• Prepares a variety of written materials (e.g. grades, attendance, anecdotal records, IEP records, special education paperwork, etc.) for the purpose of documenting student progress and meeting mandated requirements.
• Reports incidents (e.g. fights, suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining personal safety of students, providing a positive learning environment and adhering to Education Code and school policies.
• Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution.
• Responds to inquiries from a variety of sources (e.g. other teachers, parents, administrators, etc.) for the purpose of resolving issues, providing information and/or direction.
• Supports classroom teachers for the purpose of assisting them in the implementation of established curriculum and/or individual student plans.
• Tests students to determine if they qualify for special education and at what level for the purpose of ensuring students receive the services they need to be successful.

Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; read technical information,…