POSITION DESCRIPTION
Under the general supervision of the School Principal and Coordinator of Special Service, to maximize the learning experience of students with special needs, in academics, interpersonal skills and activities of daily living by implementing district approved curriculum with necessary modifications and accommodations; documenting teaching and student progress/activities, outcomes; addressing students' specific needs; providing a safe and optimal learning environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
· Design and implement the individualized education plan (IEP) for each assigned student consistent with each student's individualized learning needs, total educational philosophy of the district, Common Core Standards and state and federal law.
· Design, implement, and submit weekly unit and lesson plans that are aligned to Common Core and district initiatives.
· Conducts assessments, testing and diagnostic examinations of students for the purpose of identifying learning issues, and recommending courses of action or corrective procedures to overcome issues and maximize learning.
· Provide specialized instructional techniques and media through individual and/or group sessions designed to meet the educational, social, and emotional needs of the students.
· Participates in PST’s and assists in developing Individual Educational Plans (“IEP”) for students.
· Assists students and teaching staff in implementing students’ IEP’s and behavior management plans.
· Coordinates with outside agencies, organizations and institutions, including state and federal authorities as needed.
· Coordinates with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain individual student’s abilities and needs, including students with special needs, and to familiarize stakeholders with social work services
· Serves as ready resource to students and parents to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and behavioral management; serves as liaison between home and school.
· Establish techniques and procedures that result in an atmosphere for teaching/learning in which students can grow in their capacity for self-discipline.
· Understand and accept students as individual human beings with dignity and worth, and helps them improve their self-image by helping them grow in their understanding of their capabilities and limitations.
· Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships with members of institutions of higher learning and the business community.
· Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record keeping and providing student information to prospective colleges and employers, as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
· Encourages parental involvement in students’ education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
· Assists in the orientation of new teachers, and provides in-service training in guidance.
· Selects and requisitions appropriate books, aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records.
· Recognize the differences in needs, abilities, and interests among students and adjusts instruction to meet those needs, abilities, and interests.
· Stimulate students to work toward maximum potential and to take pride in their accomplishments.
· Plan effectively both for the present and future with respect to establishing teaching strategies which are goal oriented and purposeful.
· Select, evaluate, and use effective materials, services, and methods of instruction to motivate students to learn.
· Establish rapport and understanding with school staff colleagues.
· Recognize that being a constant and avid learner is prerequisite to being a good teacher; the teacher realizes that learning and teaching are dual aspects of a never-ending development process.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES
· Knowledge of Special Education principles, theories, testing, methods, etc. as well as proven methods of maximizing the
· Educational experience of students with special needs.
· Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
· Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
· Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
· Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
· Ability to organize and coordinate work.
· Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
· Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
· Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
QUALIFICATION/LICENSE:
· State Certification as a Special Education Teacher.
· LBSI.
· LBSII Optional
EDUCATION
· Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.
· Master’s Degree in Special Education preferred.
EXPERIENCE
· Successful prior special education teaching experience for the appropriate grade level preferred
ADDITIONAL DUTIES
· Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other district office administrators as designated by the
Superintendent.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
EQUIPMENT
· Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
· 10 month position
· Yearly evaluation are conducted by the building administrator and Coordinator/Director of Special Services and can include district administrators.
· Salary and increases are set by the Professional Negotiations Contract between District 151’s Educational Association and the Board of Education