Special Education Teacher

CCSD Special Education Teacher Job Description

The job of Teacher – Special Education is done for the purpose of providing support to the instructional process by serving as a teacher with specific responsibility for developing special education students' success in academics, interpersonal skills and activities of daily living; supervising students within the classroom and other assigned areas; developing lesson plans and delivering group and individual student instruction within established curriculum guidelines; collaborating with other teachers, other professional staff, and administrators in addressing instructional and/or classroom issues; and responding to a wide range of inquiries from students' parents or guardians regarding instructional program and student progress.

Under limited supervision, plans and presents innovative, developmentally appropriate opportunities for students to learn subject matter and skills that will contribute to the development of students' academic abilities.

Work involves developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in classroom settings that are appropriate for each student's age and developmental level. Responsibilities include developing lesson plans, adapting materials, and designing activities to help students build academic, behavioral, and social skills in alignment with their IEP goals. The position also entails monitoring student progress and maintaining accurate records in compliance with state and federal guidelines.

This job reports to Executive Director of Exceptional Children and the Building Principal.

Minimum Requirements

Requires a valid South Carolina teaching certificate or eligibility for South Carolina teaching certificate in the appropriate certified area. Experience working with children in an educational setting is desirable.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Plans a program of study that meets the needs, interests and abilities of students.
• May teach multiple disciplines as assigned.
• Creates a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students.
• Plans and prepares lesson plans and related activities for individual students or assigned classes.
• Guides the learning process toward achievement of curriculum goals; establishes clear objectives for all lessons, units, projects, etc., and communicates these objectives to students.
• Employs a variety of instructional techniques and media consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided and the needs and capabilities of students involved.
• Grades work completed by students; maintains accurate records of test scores / grades.
• Assesses the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provides progress reports as required.
• Reports suspected learning and other disabilities to District specialist(s) as appropriate.
• Maintains accurate, complete and up-to-date records as required by law, District policy and administrative regulation.
• Assists the school administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct; develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure and maintains order in the classroom in a fair and just manner.
• Monitors the activities/behavior of the student body as scheduled to ensure student safety and well-being.
• Assists individual students in need of special attention.
• Supervises the work of teaching assistants and/or volunteers.
• Maintains positive relationships with parents; schedules and conducts parent-teacher conferences; facilitates parent education workshops and conducts home visits as necessary.
• Maintains inventory of classroom supplies and equipment; prepares supply requisitions as needed.
• Coordinates and/or participates in special programs, projects or events as required; serves as adviser to student organizations, staffs and committees as appropriate.
• Attends staff meetings and serves on various staff committees as required.
• Participates in staff in-service training and continuing education as required.
• Makes arrangements for substitute instructors as needed.
• Operates various types of machinery and equipment including a computer, printer, copier, laminating machine, fax machine, audio-visual equipment, tape player, various curriculum-specific equipment or instruments, etc.

Additional Duties:

• May provide remedial assistance to individuals, small groups or entire classes of students as scheduled during or after regular school hours.
• Maintains a clean and orderly classroom.
• Performs related duties as required

Minimum Qualifications and Standards Required

Physical Requirements: Tasks involve the ability to exert very moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of remaining standing for extended periods of time, writing on a chalkboard, stooping, kneeling and crouching, and some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12 to 20 pounds).

Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.

Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving assignments and/or directions from supervisors and lecturing / giving instruction and/or assignments to students and assistants.

Language Ability: Requires the ability to read a variety of policy and procedure manuals, curriculum materials, texts, computer manuals, etc. Requires the ability to enter data into computer and prepare reports, records, teaching materials, correspondence, etc., with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Must be able to speak with poise, voice control and confidence and to articulate information to others.

Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in oral, written, diagrammatic or schedule form. Requires the ability to use influence systems in classroom teaching and the supervision of assistants and students. Requires the ability to make independent judgments in the absence of supervisor; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. Must have the ability to comprehend and implement basic office machinery functions.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow and give oral and written instructions; to counsel and teach students. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with persons of varying ages and educational/cultural backgrounds and using the terminology applicable to the subject area(s) taught.

Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, to determine percentages and decimals, to determine time. Must be able to use practical applications of fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion.

Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape, and visually read various information.

Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using automated office equipment and communications machinery.

Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items including computer keyboards, office equipment, control knobs, switches, etc. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Color Discrimination: Does not require the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.

Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under minimal levels of stress when confronted with an emergency or tight deadline. The worker may be subject to danger or risk to a slight degree, or to tension as a regular, consistent part of the job.

Physical Communication: Requires the ability to talk and hear: (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to hear and understand communications through a telephone.

Performance Evaluation Criteria

Knowledge of Job: Is knowledgeable in the methods, policies and procedures of the Chester County School District One pertaining to specific duties of the Teacher. Is knowledgeable in the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Has knowledge of the organization of the department and of related departments and agencies. Has the ability to comprehend, interpret and apply regulations, procedures and related information. Has thorough knowledge of the subject area(s) assigned. Is able to create and present innovative, effective, developmentally appropriate course and lesson plans. Has knowledge of the characteristics of the age group assigned. Is able to establish and maintain positive relationships and work effectively with adults and students. Is able to supervise, guide and support students with patience and kindness. Is able to motivate students to participate in educational and extracurricular activities and to want to learn. Is able to recognize signs of learning, physical, mental and social disabilities and take appropriate action. Is able to provide assistance, support and/or skills development opportunities to parents as required. Is able to perform job tasks professionally in an environment where discrimination and other public issues are constant concerns. Has knowledge of and is able to use modern office practices and equipment, including computers. Has knowledge of proper English usage, vocabulary, punctuation and spelling; has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations. Is skilled in applying a responsible attention to detail as necessary in