Special Education Preschool Teacher

Summary

Plans and provides relevant and engaging learning experiences aligned with Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) standards, the FCPS curriculum, and the Portrait of a Graduate framework. Uses a variety of instructional strategies, resources, and assessment data to meet the diverse academic, social, and developmental needs of all students while fostering the Portrait of a Graduate attributes of communication, collaboration, critical and creative thinking, global citizenship, and goal-directed resilience. Gathers, analyzes, and applies student performance data to guide instruction, monitor progress, and provide timely feedback to students and families. Provides a respectful, positive, and student-centered learning environment that promotes equity, inclusion, and effective classroom routines. Collaborates with colleagues, administrators, and families and participates in professional growth activities that support student learning and achievement.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in applicable field of education from an accredited college or university.
• Holds or is eligible to obtain appropriate license(s) and/or endorsement(s) as required by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)
• May be required to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed to support school programs.
• Knowledge of subject content, FCPS curriculum and policies, VDOE Standards of Learning, current educational trends, and effective instructional practices.
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development and the teaching/learning process across grade levels and diverse programs.
• Skill in integrating technology and digital tools into instruction to enhance learning and engagement.
• Skill in classroom management and creating a safe, respectful, equitable, and student-centered learning environment.
• Skill in clear, effective oral and written communication for instruction, collaboration, and reporting.
• Ability to design and deliver instruction that reflects multiple perspectives, multicultural education, and differentiated strategies for diverse learners, including students with disabilities and English learners.
• Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate standards-aligned lessons and long-range learning plans using formative and summative assessment data.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with students, families, colleagues, administrators, and the community.
• Ability to participate in professional growth, apply new knowledge to practice, and contribute to school initiatives or committees.
• Ability to manage flexible schedules, prioritize tasks, and adapt instruction to meet academic, social, and developmental needs.

Major Duties/Essential Functions

1. Designs and delivers engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction aligned with Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) standards, division goals, and the approved curriculum across grade levels and subject areas, including academic, elective, and specialized programs.
2. Prepares and implements lesson plans that use a range of instructional methods such as direct instruction, inquiry-based learning, collaboration, and project-based activities to engage students and promote critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.
3. Adapts instruction and materials to address diverse learning needs, interests, and readiness levels, ensuring accessibility and challenge for students with disabilities, English learners, and those needing enrichment or intervention.
4. Uses formative and summative assessments to measure learning, monitor progress, and guide instructional decisions, incorporating specialized assessments such as language proficiency measures or progress monitoring for individualized education programs when required.
5. Selects and integrates instructional materials, technology, and resources that enrich student learning experiences while ensuring the safe use and maintenance of equipment, laboratories, and performance spaces when applicable.
6. Establishes and maintains clear classroom routines, expectations, and procedures that foster a safe, supportive, and respectful learning environment while nurturing students' social-emotional growth and smooth transitions between activities or subjects.
7. Promotes cultural awareness, inclusion, and respect for diversity by affirming and valuing differences in language, culture, race, gender, and ability to ensure an equitable learning experience for all students.
8. Collaborates with colleagues, administrators, and support staff to design instruction, analyze student performance data, and coordinate academic and behavioral supports through interdisciplinary teams, advisory programs, and professional learning communities.
9. Maintains effective communication with students, families, and community members to support learning and well-being, providing reasonable availability beyond the instructional day when required.
10. Contributes to and implements Individualized Education Programs, Behavior Intervention Plans, and English learner supports in collaboration with service providers, instructional assistants, and other specialized staff to meet the needs of individual students.
11. Maintains accurate and complete records of student performance, attendance, and compliance documentation in accordance with federal, state, and local policies.
12. Evaluates the effectiveness of instructional practices, applies new learning, and engages in professional development and reflective practice to enhance competence, maintain certifications, and support continuous improvement.
13. Engages students in opportunities for career readiness, college preparation, and community involvement such as internships, performances, exhibitions, and extracurricular activities that extend and deepen learning beyond the classroom.
14. Performs related duties as assigned in support of school and division goals.

Work Environment/Physical Requirements

This position operates in a professional school environment that includes classrooms, gymnasiums, cafeterias, auditoriums, and outdoor learning or recreational areas. The work involves exposure to noise levels that range from low to moderate and requires frequent walking, standing, and movement throughout the school day, with occasional climbing, kneeling, or crouching. Periods of sitting are common when preparing lessons, grading, or completing administrative tasks. The position may require lifting or moving instructional materials, classroom supplies, or equipment up to 10 pounds and occasionally more than 25 pounds. Regular use of computers, interactive whiteboards, projectors, printers, and other instructional technologies is required. Clear verbal communication, active listening, and visual attention are essential for delivering instruction and monitoring student safety. The position involves daily interaction with students and regular collaboration with colleagues, administrators, and families, as well as occasional travel between school sites or participation in supervised field trips. Teachers must be able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced educational setting.