Special Education Teacher

Richmond County School System; Thomson (GA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Richmond County School System is seeking a Teacher for Special Education in Thomson, Georgia. This position involves direct instruction and support for students with disabilities and collaboration with general education teachers. Responsibilities include developing Individual Education Programs (IEPs), monitoring student progress, and participating in team meetings. A Bachelor's degree in special education is required, along with knowledge of IEP processes. This role requires excellent communication skills and a commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the RCSS curriculum and special education program.
• Experience with students with disabilities is preferable.
• Knowledge of state and federal policies related to special education.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct instruction and support to students with disabilities.
• Prepare for IEP/RTI team meetings and provide case management.
• Administer and interpret formal assessments as appropriate.

Skills

Knowledge of IEP

Differentiated instruction

Excellent communication skills

Ability to adapt instructional programs

Education

Bachelor's degree in special education

Job description

OFFICIAL TITLE: Teacher for Special Education

SUPERVISOR: Principal

SALARY RANGE: In accordance with RCBOE Salary Schedules

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Work Year – 10 Months

Overview

Summary: Under the direction of the school principal, special education director and supervisors, the special education teacher provides direct instruction and support to students with disabilities and works in collaboration with the general education teacher. Acts as the lead facilitator in the development of Individual Education Programs (IEP) and all documentation required in its implementation. Provides an atmosphere and environment conducive to the intellectual, physical, social and emotional development of individuals to ensure success for every student. Supervises students in a variety of school related settings. Monitors and evaluates student outcomes. Communicates and interacts with students, parents, staff and community. Develops, selects and modifies instructional plans and materials to meet the needs of all students.

Responsibilities

• The role of the special education teacher in the school-based program includes providing both direct instruction and instructional support to students with disabilities.
• Prepares for IEP/RTI team meetings and provides case management for assigned students with disabilities. Serves as a member of the SST/IEP team as appropriate.
• Interprets both formal and informal classroom based assessments for students in order to make instructional decisions. Collects data on student performance in order to improve student outcomes and direct instruction. Administers and interprets formal assessments as appropriate and maintains student portfolios with current educational data.
• Selects and adapts materials to assist students with disabilities to access the general education curriculum.
• Participates in professional development activities designed to advance teacher knowledge in the areas of instruction, best practices, and differentiated instruction. Keeps abreast of changes in educational policy to improve classroom instruction and programming for students with disabilities.
• Supervises and plans for the continuing professional development of paraprofessionals assigned to the classroom.
• Provides an instructional program to meet the needs of all students including students with disabilities.
• Assists in the review of students with learning disabilities on a regular basis, seeking the assistance of central office staff as required. Provides input to students\' IEPs including use of diagnostic programs (Ed Performance, Riverdeep, Compass Learning).
• Takes all necessary safety precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.
• Maintains accurate and complete records as required by law, RCSS policy and administrative regulation.
• Assists the administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct and, for the classroom, develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, and maintains order in the classroom in a fair and just manner.
• Makes provision for being available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms.
• Establishes relationships with colleagues, students, parents and community that reflect recognition of and respect for every individual.
• Plans and supervises purposeful assignments for (Instructional assistants, paraprofessionals) and volunteers.
• May evaluate paraprofessional’s job performance with department heads and/or administrators.
• Appraises own effectiveness and demonstrates successful application of skills and information acquired to increase effectiveness. Strives to maintain and improve professional competence.
• Participates in school management and shares responsibility for the total school program.
• Attends staff meetings and serves on staff committees as required.
• Meets required deadlines for annual reviews and eligibility redetermination.
• Assists students with other needs as appropriate; such as toileting, feeding and etc.
• Provides health services necessary to enable students to benefit from educational services. The health services include intermittent catheterization, tracheotomy care, tube feeding, changing of dressings or colostomy collection bags and any other service deemed appropriate.
• Completes all required paperwork according to compliance and within the given timeframe.
• Maintains fair and accurate grading policies and procedures, attendance, email and web pages as required through the technology system provided by RCSS.
• The employee shall carry out such other and further duties, whether specifically listed above or not, as are assigned or required by such employee’s supervisor, other appropriate school personnel, law, board policy, administrative regulation, department handbook, and/or as are reasonably necessary to the efficient operation of the school system and its mission.
• Essential job duties – the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation.

8 Assists in the review of students with learning disabilities on a regular basis, seeking the assistance of central office staff as required. Provides input, when necessary, to students IEPs including use of diagnostic programs (Ed Performance, Riverdeep, Compass Learning).

9 Takes all necessary safety precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.

8/9 (continued): Additional duties may be assigned as needed to support the school and its mission.

Knowledge, Abilities, And Skills

Knowledge: Knowledge of the RCSS curriculum for the grade/content range of the position, RCSS special education program. Thorough knowledge of Individual Education Program (IEP), learning theory, differentiated instruction, data collection, best instructional practices, research based reading instruction, multicultural education, assessments, Individuals with Disabilities IDEA Act (IDEA 2004), and state and federal policies and procedures related to students with disabilities. Provides instructional support in an inclusive setting, when necessary. Works well with students with disabilities, teachers, and parents of students with disabilities. Ability to appropriately adapt instructional programs and materials. Collects instructional data for the decision making process. Possess excellent communication skills.

Education, Training, And Experience

Possess a Bachelor's degree in special education and/or pursuing special education certification in a content area is desirable. Possess knowledge of learning theory, differentiated instruction, developmental reading, child development, behavior management, and assessment. Must be knowledgeable in methods of teaching elementary reading and math if seeking an elementary position. Student teaching in the specific area of exceptionality or two years teaching experience in the specific area of exceptionality (learning disabilities, mental retardation, autism spectrum disorder, or emotional disabilities) preferable at level appropriate to assignment (elementary or secondary). Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.

Certificate And License Requirements

Meets Georgia state certification requirements in appropriate field of education.

Physical Demands

(Special requirements such as lifting and frequent climbing as well as assisting with self-care.) Ability to move around the classroom including stooping, bending, standing for extended periods and moving heavy objects up to 20 pounds.

Special Requirements

Required to attend school meetings, programs and activities outside the instructional day as mandated by RCSS contract. Some work beyond the school day may be required.

Evaluation

Conducted annually based on the policy of the Richmond County Board of Education.

Date Established: 11/08

Date(s) Revised: 2/09

This description may be changed at any time. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee. The employee will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by the Board. Richmond County Schools reserves the right to update, revise or change this job description and related duties at any time.