Elementary Special Education (K-5 - Adapted Curriculum) Teacher 26/27 SYR

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Teacher - Elementary Special Education (K-5 - Adapted Curriculum)

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current state teaching certificate in Special Education.
• Bachelor's degree.
• Positive interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated team building skills.
• Positive behavior management skills.
• Knowledge of the Special Education process and laws.
• Excellent organizational skills, oral and written skills, time management, and telephone skills.
• Computer skills and knowledge of assistive technology are desired.

SUPERVISES: Instructional paraprofessionals

REPORTS TO: Director of Special Education and Building Principal


Purpose: Under general supervision, provides special education services to students identified as disabled in accordance with state and federal regulations who are following adapted curriculum (extensions to the common core). Work involves developing and implementing the Individual Education Program in classroom settings that are compatible with the student's age and developmental level. The teacher is responsible for developing lesson plans, adapting materials and designing activities to assist students develop appropriate academic, behavioral, and social skills and to meet their IEP goals. The teacher is responsible for monitoring student's progress and for maintaining records in compliance with state and federal guidelines.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an instructional plan which is compatible with the school and system-wide curricular goals and the students' Individual Education Programs (IEPs).
• Is responsible for the development of appropriate IEPs for students with disabilities (SWD); implementation of the IEP agreed upon for all served students; and use of diagnostic information obtained from tests and other assessment procedures to update IEPs as required.
• Provide direct special education instruction to identified students.
• Employ a variety of teaching methods to meet student needs. Implementation of these methods may require the adaptation and/or development of materials.
• Monitor student behavior; maintain discipline in the classroom; deescalate inappropriate behaviors; teach students appropriate behavioral strategies; restrain students when necessary; create and maintain records and reports of restraints.
• Assist disabled students with their personal and self-help needs, such as eating, toileting, and other essential tasks that the students are not able to perform by themselves.
• Communicate with parents regarding their children's educational progress via periodic written progress reports as prescribed in the student's IEP.
• Act as a case manager for assigned students; consult with community caregivers, school support professionals, and parents to better understand and meet student needs.
• Maintain student records in accordance with Policies Governing Services for Children with Disabilities; and complies with state and federal education statutes.
• Treat all students in a fair and equitable manner, interact effectively with students, co-workers, parents, and community.
• Follow a plan for professional development and demonstrate evidence of growth.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provides a program of study that meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of the students with disabilities consistent with state and local objectives.
• Confers frequently with parents and other staff members regarding the educational, social, and personal needs of students.
• Trains and assists paraprofessionals in resolving the unique behavioral and educational needs of each student.
• Assists other staff members in resolving the unique psychological or disciplinary needs of each student.
• Counsels individuals and groups of special education students with educational, occupational, and personal needs.
• Assists the special education student in making a realistic assessment of his/her abilities and in establishing educational and occupational goals in keeping with these abilities.
• Undertakes continued professional study in new and innovative areas of special education to enhance teaching methods for students.
• Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations, to include the special education program related to IEPs, FBA/BIP meetings, and MDR meetings.
• Meets all state and local timelines related to all IEP, FBA/BIP, MDR, and eligibility meetings.
• Serves on the child study committee eligibility committee as requested by the principal.
• Meets and instructs classes in the locations and at the times designated.
• Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students.
• Prepares for classes assigned, and shows written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisor.
• Employs a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media, consistent with the needs of the individuals or student groups involved.
• Implements the district's philosophy of education and instructional goals and objectives.
• Assesses the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provides progress reports as required.
• Recognizes the learning challenges of students on a regular basis, seeking the assistance of district specialists as required.
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Assists the administration in developing and implementing policies and/or rules governing student life and conduct, and, for the classroom, develops and implements reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure necessary to maintain order in the classroom in a fair and impartial manner.
• Maintains and improves professional competence.
• Makes provisions for being available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms.
• Plans and supervises purposeful assignments for teacher assistant(s) and/or volunteer(s) and, cooperatively with department heads, contributes to the evaluation process of the teacher assistants.
• Attends staff meetings and supports school improvement activities by serving on school committees and action teams.
• Serves as a model for effective oral and written communication, with special attention to correct usage of language and spelling.
• Employs daily teaching objectives to achieve the following: Identify information that students are expected to learn. Inform students of the learning expectations, and Engage them in appropriate learning tasks.
• Strives to integrate the use of technology into the curriculum.
• Attends evening meetings such as open house or any other activities as requested by the principal.
• Acts in a courteous and respectful manner, using good judgment and appropriate communication skills at all times.
• Maintains a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality regarding students, parents, and other staff members.
• Models non-discriminatory behavior in all activities.
• Complete random moment in time studies as required by Medicaid Administrative Claiming guidelines.
• Performs related work as required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Average amount of climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions required.