Teacher- Special Education

Under the direction of education leadership, the Special Education Teacher designs and implements lesson plans for students based on their individualized education needs (differentiation) and prepares to teach students in whole-group, small group and individualized sessions, as appropriate. Employs appropriate teaching methods based on student needs and supports a multisensory approach by coordinating with therapy team, as appropriate. Prepares, modifies and tracks progress related to annual academic goals and/or Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for assigned students.

Key/Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Oversees a classroom of school-aged children (ages 3 – 21) with brain-based disabilities and/or with other intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
• Prepares lessons and teaches students, providing instructional and behavioral management support to students, both individually and in small groups.
• Incorporates social skills into daily lesson plans and activities.
• Collaborates with each student’s school therapy team as necessary and appropriate, and implements therapy recommendations to support optimal treatment of the student.
• Prepares and appropriately documents annual academic goals for students and compiles quarterly progress reports; participates in Individualized Education Program (IEP) process including IEP meetings and team meetings, or legal hearings, when necessary and appropriate.
• Communicates and collaborates and/or meets with parents on a regular basis and involves parents in their child’s activities and progress.
• Provides direction, support and supervision to the paraprofessionals, teacher assistants and/or Associate Special Education Teachers in their classroom.
• Utilizes a multisensory approach incorporating art, music, and technology to design lessons to increase students’ literacy, numeracy, communication, social, and life skills.
• Performs all other duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualification Requirements including education, experience, licensure/certification, etc. and essential physical capabilities (e.g. lifting, assisting lifting, standing, etc.)

• Current certification and registration as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities (grades B-2, 1-6, 7-12 and/or All Grades) or Permanent Special Education Certification, issued by the New York State Education Department; or
• Bachelor’s degree in education or closely related field and active pursuit of master’s level education in a New York State Registered Program for Special Education Teacher’s Certificate (or equivalent), with anticipated completion and receipt of certification as Teacher of Students with Disabilities within 5 (five) years of appointment; and two (2) years of experience in childcare, social services, healthcare and/or other school-based role.
• Exceptional interpersonal, problem solving, and communication skills
• Ability to take initiative, multi-task & meet deadlines
• Highly flexible personality type

Preferred Qualification Requirements ( desired requirements beyond MQRs above)

• Master’s degree in special education strongly preferred
• Current NYS certification and registration as a teacher in special education (Students with Disabilities, Permanent in Special Education, etc.)
• Previous experience with school-aged children with special needs

Compensation

• $70,000-$85,000 annually