Special Education Teacher

PURPOSE STATEMENT
Under the general supervision of the School Principal, to maximize the learning experience of students with special needs, in academics, interpersonal skills and activities of daily living by implementing district approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities, outcomes; addressing students' specific needs; providing a safe and optimal learning environment. 
 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only, and is not a comprehensive listing of all the duties and responsibilities performed by this position.

• 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. 
• Participates in PPT'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. Instructs students in the proper use and care of scientific equipment, chemicals, and plant and animal life.
• 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. 
• 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, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws. 
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents. 
• Ensures that student conduct conforms to the school's standards and school district policies, and establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom. 
• Coordinates with other professional staff members, especially within grade level, and participates in faculty meetings and committees. 
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, instructional aids and other supplies and equipment, maintains inventory records, and ensures equipment is in good working order. 
• Maintains regular attendance and punctuality.
• Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment.
• Communicate electronically with students, parents and other staff members concerning student academic progress, attendance and behavior
• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent. 

• Special Education principles, theories, testing, methods, etc. as well as proven methods of maximizing the educational experience of students with special needs. 
• Differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles. 
• Data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.   
• Applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students. 

• Using a computer and related software applications.
• Using modern office equipment.

• Employ a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media, consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided and the needs and capabilities of the individuals or student groups being taught.
• Engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work. 
• Communicate effectively with students and parents.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment. Masters Degree in Special Education. 
 
CERTIFICATION
State Certification as a Special Education Teacher. 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
Sedentary Work:  Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.  Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.  Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
 
Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to adjust focus.
 
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.
 
REQUIRED TESTING  
Drug Test
Background and CPS Check
CLEARANCES
Fingerprinting/Background Clearance
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER