Job Special Education Teacher

Primary Purpose:Teach various special needs students as well as provide special education students with learning activities and experiences designed to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Develop or modify curricula and prepare lessons and other instructional materials to student ability levels. Work in self contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned.
Qualifications:Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited university
• Valid teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignments
• English as a Second Language Certification preferred
• Gifted and Talented Certification preferred
• Demonstrated competency in the subject area(s) assigned

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned area
• Knowledge of Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation
• General knowledge of curriculum and instruction

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Instructional Strategies
• Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP for each student assigned.
• Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required.
• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
• Work cooperatively with professionals to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments.

Special Education TeacherJob Description:

• Conduct assessment of student learning styles and use results to plan for instructional activities.
• Present subject matter according to guidelines established by IEP.
• Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned.
• Plan and supervise assignments for teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s).
• Use technology in the teaching/learning process.

Student Growth and Development

• Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
• Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP.
• Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by the board co-ordinator.
• Be a positive role model for students; support the mission and vision of Chrysta.

Classroom Management and Organization

• Create classroom environments conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
• Manage student behaviour and administer discipline. This includes intervening in crisis situations and physically as necessary according to IEP.
• Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP.
• Consult internal and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials as required.

Communication

• Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, professionals, and teachers.
• Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
• Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.

Other

• Participate in staff professional development activities to improve job-related skills.
• Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervise Education Interventionists and Room Lead(s).

Working Conditions:Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom or adaptive equipment.
• May be required to lift and position students with physical disabilities; manage behavior; and assist non ambulatory students.
• Exposure to biological hazards.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.