Employment Status: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt
Calendar: 185 Days
Minimum Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in a related field
Department: Teacher
Direct Supervisor: Building Principal
Primary Work Location: District
Certification: Proper Certificate in related field
Job Summary: Provide support to the instructional process by serving as a teacher with the specific responsibility of developing special education students’ success in communication, social interaction, independent functioning, and academic achievement.
Essential Job Functions:
- Establish baseline functioning for students in all areas of need including academics, social skills, communication, behaviors, verbal behaviors, sensory needs, and independent function.
- Balance a variety of student needs ranging from students who are building early language skills and currently functioning from 0-48 months to supporting students who are functioning near or on grade level.
- Schedule and facilitate Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, review of existing data meetings, and eligibility determination meetings, as assigned, in accordance with district procedures.
- Collaborate with related service providers regarding student progress to ensure that services are provided in accordance with IEPs.
- Collect, maintain, and interpret student progress data to make program-planning recommendations leading to attainment of goals and improved student achievement.
- Maintain appropriate special education documentation for the purpose of providing up to date information and records in accordance with established guidelines and legal requirements.
- Collaborate with general education teachers regarding instructional issues and student progress, and to ensure that classroom accommodations and modifications are being provided in accordance with IEPs.
- Supervise students and manage behavior in order to provide a safe learning environment; develop lesson plans and differentiate group and individual instruction within established curriculum guidelines to meet the individual needs of assigned students.
- Communicate regularly with students and parents regarding instructional programs and student progress.
- Attend and participate in special education team meetings.
- Administer developmental testing, district assessments and/or state assessments to assess student competency levels and identify learning objectives.
- Conduct Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), develop and implement Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), as needed.
- Follow all Head Start, NAEYC, and IDEA Special Education guidelines.
- Conduct home visits.
- Input DRDP data weekly and rate data three (3) times per year.
- Perform related work as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA’s) for Position:
Knowledge:
- Evidence practices-ABC’s of behaviors and individualized program planning in all educational environments.
- Special education eligibility criteria and procedural requirements of Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA).
- Human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Skills:
- Strong written and oral communications and relational skills.
- Social Perceptiveness and being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Operate a variety of office equipment, including computer, printer, calculator, and copier.
Abilities:
- Interpreting educational implications of evaluation results, designing interventions, and providing specially designed instruction.
- Teach in a blended classroom teaching both as an ECSE and EC instructor.
- Handle challenging student behaviors and be ready to assist with student daily living needs.
- Supervise paraprofessionals to effectively meet the needs of students and provide a safe learning environment.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, teachers, parents, and the public.
- May be required to work outdoors for special events depending on assignment.
- Effectively welcome and embrace differences among employees and students.
- Must be able to successfully complete a background investigation.
Note: This position description is a general guideline for work behavior and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all job duties. Therefore, it is also not, nor can it be implied to be, a contract of employment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks. Must be able to successfully complete an intense background investigation.