Pratt Southwest Elementary Resource Room Teacher

Special Education Resource Room Teacher

This position is located at the Southwest Elementary School in Pratt, KS. The Special Education Resource Room Teacher will coordinate and provide developmentally appropriate educational services to students whose abilities differ from their peers.

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.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Directs, monitors, mentors, and evaluates paraeducators working with students who have disabilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs a variety of assessments and observations to determine the areas in which the student may need extra or modified educational services.
• Identifies the student's needs and develops related lesson and teaching plans.
• Develops an integrated plan for the education of each child by collaborating with classroom teachers, parents, psychologists, social workers, and other medical and school staff.
• Develops individualized education programs (IEPs) for each student, setting learning goals and adopting modifications as necessary; ensures each student's activities and lessons are planned and organized according to his/her abilities.
• Develops and teaches lessons that provide engaging learning opportunities for small groups and individual students while meeting required specifications of IEPs and 504 plans.
• Implements IEPs, provides ongoing or follow-up assessments, and continually tracks progress and makes modifications as necessary.
• Collaborates with classroom and homeroom teachers to ensure each student's needs are met and plans are followed.
• Ensures programs comply with Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); ensures each applicable student is provided with Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that is properly modified for his/her individual needs.
• Develops, completes, and maintains all paperwork mandated by local, state, and federal guidelines, laws, and regulations.
• Maintains knowledge of special education teaching methods, research, and best practices through professional development and study.
• Establishes and enforces classroom management structure and rules that ensure the academic engagement and the physical and mental safety of all students.
• Celebrates the achievements and successes of students.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to maintain a calm and patient demeanor with all students.
• Thorough understanding of various special education needs and services.
• Thorough understanding of and the ability to implement a variety of effective teaching methods.
• Thorough understanding of policies, laws, and guidelines related to special education including IDEA, IEPs, and 504.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Special Education required; Master's degree preferred.
• Appropriate state license or ability to obtain waiver required.
• Two years of experience highly preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods standing and walking throughout school and classroom.
• Must be able to lift up to 45 pounds at a time.
• Must be able to assist students who have physical difficulties.
• Must be able to kneel, sit, stand, crawl, push, and pull to assist and teach children throughout the day.
• Prolonged periods sitting and working on a computer to complete necessary paperwork.

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, the Negotiated Agreement.

Benefits: SCKSEC offers a comprehensive benefit package which includes: BCBS Health Insurance with defined benefit based on current Negotiated Agreement, Section 125 Plan, 403b Plan, and Paid Sick and Personal Leave.