Elementary Special Education Teacher

Special Education/Resource Room Interrelated Teacher

Instruction of special needs students with differing disabilities, working with specialists, itinerants, staff, parents, and paraeducators to provide quality education. South Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative (based out of Pratt, KS) is a special education interlocal that serves 15 districts in Kansas.

General Purpose: Responsible for planning, developing, delivering, and evaluating appropriate individualized educational services, learning programs, and instruction for special needs students in both self-contained and integrated settings in consultation with other school personnel.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's or graduate degree in the appropriate field
• Kansas teaching license appropriate Special Education endorsements, licensure, or waiver eligibility
• Previous experience in diagnosing and assessing learning disorders preferred
• Previous experience in educating special needs students preferred
• Proven effective classroom and student behavior management skills
• Knowledge of current special education practices and methodologies
• Knowledge and understanding of State, local, and federal regulations and policies affecting special education
• Working knowledge of educational technology applications

Main Job Tasks, Duties, and Responsibilities:

• Identify the needs of assigned students through formal and informal assessments
• Review referral data, history, and assessment data to develop appropriate goals and objectives for each student
• Confer with general education teachers regarding the educational, social, emotional, and physical needs and objectives of each student
• Plan, develop, and implement individualized learning plans for each student
• Design appropriate teaching strategies
• Prepare instructional materials and lesson plans according to Individual Educational Plans (IEPs)
• Review IEPs with parents, school administrators, and general education teachers
• Utilize appropriate methods of learning delivery and instruction to meet the needs of each student in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
• Monitor, evaluate, and document each student’s progress utilizing appropriate measurements and assessment devices
• Prepare timely progress reports for each student
• Develop and implement necessary interventions and strategies to promote achievement of student objectives
• Collaborate and consult with general school personnel regarding the implementation of the IEPs and special educational services
• Modify and adapt conventional educational programs and curriculum to meet the requirements of special needs students
• Maintain regular communication with parents by means of email, phone calls, conferences, and progress reports
• Assist parents with understanding and supporting educational objectives, learning expectations, and behavioral standards
• Ensure adherence to reasonable rules of classroom discipline and order to maintain a secure and effective learning environment
• Manage student behavior through monitoring, supervising, and assessing behavioral patterns
• Utilize appropriate corrective methods to modify behavior
• Develop and implement Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIPs) where necessary
• Instruct students on socially acceptable behaviors and personal development skills
• Prepare special needs students for inclusion and transition to mainstream
• Maintain accurate and complete records in compliance with school district regulations and legal requirements
• Maintain a current knowledge of special education best practices and trends

Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions: Physical and emotional ability and dexterity to perform required work and move about as needed in an educational setting that is often fast-paced and high intensity.

Key Competencies: organizational and planning skills, collaboration and teamwork, judgment and decision-making, creative thinking, problem-solving, conflict management and resolution, appreciation of diversity, adaptability.

Terms of Employment: under the terms of the Negotiated agreement generally, one-year and renewable.

Performance Review: Performance effectiveness evaluated in accordance with Kansas Statutes, Board of Education Policy, and terms, if applicable, of the negotiated agreement.