Special Education Teacher

 

POSITION:           Special Education Teacher

 

QUALIFICATIONS:           

• Bachelor’s Degree and Missouri Special Education Teacher Certification
• Core Competency, as needed for teaching assignment
• Five (5) years special education teaching experience (preferred)
• Knowledge of special education eligibility criteria and procedural requirements of IDEA
• Experience interpreting educational implications of evaluation results, designing interventions, and providing specially designed instruction
• Experience supervising paraprofessionals to effectively meet the needs of students and provide a safe learning environment
• Ability to work cooperatively with staff, parents and community members
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position
• Such appropriate alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board of Education finds appropriate or acceptable

 

REPORTS TO:                      Building Principal

 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 185 days

 

JOB GOALS:                        To provide support to the instructional process by serving as a teacher with the specific responsibility for developing special education students’ success in communication, social interaction, independent functioning and academic achievement; supervising students and managing behavior for the purpose of providing a safe learning environment; developing lesson plans and differentiating group and individual instruction within established curriculum guidelines to meet the individual needs of assigned students

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintains regular communication with the Building Administrator(s) and Process Coordinator
• Adheres to district procedures for implementing state and federal procedural and compliance requirements related to special education
• Attends and participates in special education team meetings
• Collaborates with related service providers regarding student progress and to ensure that services are provided in accordance with IEPs
• Collaborates with general education teachers regarding instructional issues and student progress, and to ensure that classroom accommodations and modifications are being provided in accordance with IEPs
• Communicates regularly with students and parents regarding instructional programs and student progress
• Instructs students for the purpose of improving their success in communication, social interaction, independent functioning and academic achievement through a designed course of study
• Develops drafts documents, as necessary for meetings
• Schedules and facilitates IEP meetings, Review of Existing Data meetings, and Eligibility Determination meetings, as assigned, in accordance with district procedures
• Collects, maintains, and interprets student progress data to make program-planning recommendations leading to attainment of goals and improved student achievement
• Administers developmental testing, district assessments and/or state assessments to assess student competency levels and identify learning objectives
• Maintains appropriate special education documentation for the purpose of providing up to date information and records in accordance with established guidelines and legal requirements
• Meets IEP and reevaluation timeline requirements for assigned students
• Participates in the initial special education referral, evaluation, and reevaluation processes, as assigned
• Conducts Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), develops and implements Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), as needed
• Advocates for special education students and parents to ensure Procedural Safeguard rights
• Performs any and all duties as requested by the Board of Education, Superintendent, Administrators, or Special Education Administrative Team Members

 

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participates in professional growth activities. Stays current with educational and disability research, research-based instructional strategies, and effective service delivery models
• Follows the policies and procedures of the school district
• Demonstrates professional responsibility
• Appearance and grooming are professional and appropriate
• Consistent punctuality is representative of concern for job responsibility
• Consistent attendance is representative of concern for fulfillment of job responsibilities

 

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• Ability to write reports, IEPs and correspondence consistent with the duties of this position
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written communication to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts and feedback
• Ability to collect, read, analyze and interpret information/data
• Displays courtesy, tact and respect when dealing with others

 

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Maintains appropriate confidentiality
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with students, educational staff, parents, community members and administrators
• Demonstrates a commitment to teamwork
• Demonstrates excellent computer and keyboarding skills
• Ability to react well under pressure, handle and balance multiple demands at one time, work with frequent interruptions, and perform duties and tasks at expected levels of professionalism
• Extensive knowledge of and ability to perform duties in full compliance with all district, Board of Education, state and federal laws, requirements, policies, procedures and activities pertinent to the duties of this position