Special Education Teacher-TDS Elementary School

Dickson County Schools; Dickson (TN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Dickson County Schools is seeking a Special Education Teacher on a 200 Day Contract under the Teacher Salary Schedule. This full-time position follows a 10-month/200-day calendar and is paid according to the certified scale.

Responsibilities include collaborating with parents and staff to develop IEPs, implementing instructional strategies, and participating in IEP meetings, book/media selection, and district-wide safety procedures, reporting to the Principal at Assigned Campus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, valid Tennessee teaching license, applicable Special Education endorsement.
• Experience with IEP goal-setting and implementation.
• Commitment to serving students with special needs.

Responsibilities

• Develop IEPs with students, parents, and staff.
• Implement instructional programs per IEP and show preparation evidence.
• Assess student learning styles and tailor strategies accordingly.
• Use varied media and technology to meet student needs.
• Collaborate with general education teachers for curriculum modifications.
• Participate in IEP meetings and materials selection.

Skills

IEP knowledge

Communication skills

Curriculum adaptation

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tennessee teaching license

Special Education endorsement

Job description

Special Education Teacher

Reports To: Principal

Dept/School: Assigned Campus

Employment: 200 Day Contract, Teacher Salary Schedule

Calendar: 10 months / 200 days

Salary Grade: Degree and Years (Certified scale)

Date Revised: January 16, 2025

Qualifications

Education/Licensure: Bachelor's degree, Valid Tennessee teaching license, Applicable Special Education endorsement

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of the special needs of students in the assigned area
• Knowledge of the Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal-setting process and implementation
• Knowledge of how to adapt curriculum and instruction for special needs
• Effective communication skills

Experience

• Student teaching, approved internship, or related work experience

Performance Responsibilities and Essential Functions

Instructional Strategies

1. Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP for each student assigned.
2. Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required.
3. Conduct an assessment of student learning styles. Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect an understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
4. Present subject matter effectively and according to guidelines established by IEP. Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media, including technology, to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned.
5. Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments.
6. Participate in IEP meetings on a regular basis.
7. Participate in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional media.

Student Growth and Development

1. Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
2. Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP.
3. Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by the campus principal.
4. Consult district and outside resource people regarding the education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.

Classroom Management and Organization

1. Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
2. Manage student behavior and administer discipline, including intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary, according to IEP.
3. Consult with classroom teachers regarding the management of student behavior according to IEP.
4. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
5. Plan and assign the work of teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s) and oversaw completion.

Other

1. Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
2. Maintain professional relationships with parents, students, and colleagues.
3. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
4. Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and board policies for special education teachers.
5. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
6. Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
7. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Physical and Environmental Demands

Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and other instructional equipment

Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking

Lifting: May require regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities, control behavior through physical restraint, assist non-ambulatory students, and lift and move adaptive and other classroom equipment; may work prolonged or irregular hours

Environment: Exposure to biological hazards

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress

Notes

The duties outlined are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or is a logical assignment for this classification.

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.