Special Education Teacher

Highlands School District; Tarentum (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Highlands School District is seeking a Special Education Teacher - Learning Support to maximize the learning of students with special needs by delivering district-approved curriculum and documenting progress. The role reports to the school Principal and requires collaboration with families and staff to support academic and daily living skills.

The position emphasizes developing and implementing IEPs, coordinating with PPTs, and staying current with best practices in special education, with

Qualifications

• PA State Certification as a Special Education Teacher.
• Bachelor's degree in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.
• Master's degree in Special Education preferred.
• Successful prior special education teaching experience.

Responsibilities

• Conducts assessments, testing and diagnostic examinations to identify learning issues.
• Assists in developing IEPs and implements plans.
• Coordinates with outside agencies, organizations and institutions, including state and federal authorities as needed.
• Coordinates with administrators and other staff to identify student needs and share information with families.
• Provides counseling and serves as liaison between home and school to support student growth.
• Maintains professional knowledge through seminars and research and collaborates with higher education and industry partners.
• Maintains accurate records and communicates student information to colleges and employers as required by policy.

Skills

Special Education knowledge

Differentiated instruction

Data analysis

Education law knowledge

Tech literacy

Organization

Communication with students/parents

Professional growth

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in education

Master's degree in Special Education preferred

Job description

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER - Learning Support

Position Purpose

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

• 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.
• 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 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.

Additional Duties

• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central 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.

Travel Requirements

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

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.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Works in standard office and school building environments.

Qualifications Profile

• PA State Certification as a Special Education Teacher.
• Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.

Education

• Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.
• Masters Degree in Special Education preferred.

Experience

• Successful prior special education teaching experience for the appropriate grade level preferred.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Highlands is an EOE