Description
The SPED Resource Teacher provides specialized instruction and support to middle school students with disabilities in accordance with their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), applicable state and federal requirements, and school policies. The teacher collaborates with general education teachers, families, related service providers, and school leadership to support students’ academic progress, access to the general education curriculum, development of functional and learning skills, and participation in the school community. The teacher maintains accurate documentation, monitors student progress, and promotes a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment.
Requirements
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Designing, Planning, Preparing Instruction
- Develops and delivers standards-aligned specialized instruction based on students’ IEP goals, present levels of academic achievement and functional performance, and individual learning needs.
- Plans lessons, interventions, and instructional materials that support access to grade-level content and address identified academic, behavioral, communication, and functional needs.
- Reviews IEPs, evaluation information, progress data, and classroom performance to plan appropriate accommodations, modifications, and instructional strategies.
- Prepares differentiated materials and uses evidence-based practices, assistive technology, and varied instructional approaches as appropriate.
The Learning Environment
- Maintains a safe, structured, supportive, and inclusive learning environment that respects students’ individual strengths, needs, and dignity.
- Establishes and reinforces clear routines, expectations, and positive behavior supports that encourage independence, engagement, and self-advocacy.
- Provides instruction and support in resource settings and other assigned environments while promoting students’ meaningful participation with peers.
Instruction
- Provides specially designed instruction individually and in small groups, as appropriate, to address IEP goals and support progress in the general education curriculum.
- Teaches and reinforces academic skills, learning strategies, organization, study skills, self-advocacy, and other skills identified in students’ IEPs.
- Implements IEP accommodations and modifications, including supports for assignments, classroom instruction, and assessments, in coordination with general education teachers.
- Uses differentiated instruction, explicit teaching, modeling, guided practice, reteaching, and appropriate interventions to respond to student needs.
- Supports students’ access to grade-level standards and curriculum while maintaining high expectations and individualized supports.
Intervention/Direct Services
- Delivers services and supports in accordance with each student’s IEP, service schedule, and applicable requirements.
- Monitors implementation of accommodations, modifications, supplementary aids, and services across instructional settings.
- Collaborates with general education teachers and support personnel to coordinate instruction, interventions, and consistent implementation of IEP supports.
- Communicates concerns about student progress, behavior, attendance, or service delivery to appropriate school personnel and follows established procedures.
Assessment/Evaluation
- Collects and analyzes work samples, classroom assessments, observations, and other data to monitor progress toward IEP goals and objectives.
- Maintains accurate, timely, and confidential records of student performance, services provided, progress monitoring, and required documentation.
- Prepares progress reports and communicates student progress to families and relevant staff in accordance with school timelines and procedures.
- Participates in IEP meetings, reevaluation activities, and other student support meetings; contributes relevant data and recommendations.
- Supports required state and district assessments and ensures approved accommodations are implemented as specified.
Collaboration and Family Communication
- Works collaboratively with families, general education teachers, administrators, school counselors, related service providers, and other team members.
- Communicates respectfully and regularly with families regarding student strengths, needs, progress, and supports, following school communication procedures.
- Participates in the development, review, and implementation of IEPs and transition-related planning, as applicable to student needs and grade level.
Professionalism
- Maintains confidentiality of student records and personally identifiable information in accordance with applicable laws and school policies.
- Participates in professional learning, staff meetings, planning sessions, IEP meetings, and school activities as assigned.
- Completes required records, reports, and communications accurately and promptly and follows school policies, procedures, and applicable special education requirements.
- Performs other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.
THE BEST CANDIDATE FOR THIS POSITION BRINGS THE FOLLOWING ATTRIBUTES
- Self-Motivated and Self-Directed: Sets goals, takes initiative, and completes responsibilities with appropriate independence.
- Mission Aligned: Supports the vision, mission, values, and expectations of Legacy of Excellence, Inc.
- Personal Growth Mindset: Seeks feedback, engages in professional learning, and applies new knowledge to improve practice.
- Effective Communicator: Demonstrates strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Student Focused: Places student achievement, safety, dignity, and well-being at the center of decisions and actions.
- Relationship Builder: Builds trusting relationships, listens effectively, and provides constructive, respectful feedback.
- Critical Thinker and Decision-Maker: Analyzes information, exercises sound judgment, and develops practical solutions.
- Active Participant and Positive Contributor: Contributes skills and talents to school activities and organizational goals.
- Confidential Team Player with a Sense of Urgency: Works collaboratively, protects confidential information, and follows through on assignments.
QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE
Education and Experience
Required: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Valid Louisiana teaching certificate with the appropriate special education certification/endorsement, as required by the school and applicable regulations. Experience providing special education services at the middle school level preferred.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations or Other Requirements
Must possess or be eligible for the Louisiana certification or credential required for the assigned special education position. Must satisfy all employment, background-check, and child-safety requirements. Additional training or credentials relevant to assigned student needs may be required.
Other Knowledge, Skills or Abilities
Knowledge of special education practices, IEP development and implementation, specially designed instruction, progress monitoring, accommodations and modifications, inclusive instructional practices, and applicable student confidentiality requirements. Ability to differentiate instruction, analyze student data, collaborate effectively, maintain accurate records, communicate with families and colleagues, and support students with diverse learning needs.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
- Must remain mobile throughout the school day and may need to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and assist students as appropriate to assigned duties.
- May work in classrooms, resource rooms, and other areas throughout the school campus.
- Must be able to use instructional technology, classroom materials, and assistive devices as needed.