Special Education Teacher

Job Title: Teacher – Anticipated Special Education

Reports to: Building Principal, with oversight from Director of Pupil Services

Primary Purpose:

To render diagnostic, prescriptive and educational services and assistance in a variety of instructional settings to the professional team and to students with one or more disabilities who require specially designed instruction pursuant to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) (exceptional students); to create or assist in creating a flexible, age and grade appropriate instructional program and a class environment favorable to learning, personal growth; to establish appropriate effective rapport with students; to motivate students to develop skills, attitudes, and knowledge needed to provide a good foundation for further education, in accordance with each student's ability; and to establish appropriate, effective relationships with parents and with other staff members.

Qualifications:

• Special Education, Teaching Certification K-12
• Bachelor's Degree

Essential Functions:

• May teach specified subjects within area permitted by specific certification with appropriate modification to the general curriculum pursuant to each student's IEP.
• Assists with developing or develops lesson plans, instructional materials; assists with or provides individualized and small group instruction in order to adapt the general curriculum to the needs of each student and to meet the requirements of the student's IEP.
• Uses appropriate diagnostic and evaluative methods to ascertain the effectiveness of an exceptional student's IEP. Identifies when modifications may be required to the IEP, additional evaluation may be warranted or further modifications to curriculum and teaching strategies could be used to address concerns about a student's progress. Promptly addresses or initiates contact with the individuals required to address such concerns and monitors progress and results.
• Provides support to regular education teachers and instructional and non-instructional assistants working with exceptional students. Identifies student needs and cooperates with other professional staff members in assessing and helping exceptional students solve social, emotional, behavioral, and academic issues.
• Attends Evaluation Report and Re-evaluation Report (ER) and IEP meetings, writes or assists with the development of ERs and IEPs for exceptional students. Facilitates securing information needed for such meetings or as a result of such meetings.
• Continually monitors and assesses the progress of each student to evaluate the student's progress toward achieving the educational goals and objectives set forth in the student's IEP and progress in the general curriculum.
• Assists with ways to determine appropriate modifications for use and uses in technology, research based instructional methods, effective strategies techniques and learning materials to enhance each student's progress toward meeting the goals and objectives of the IEP and to progress in the general curriculum.
• Participates in case conferences about exceptional students. Communicates with parents through conferences and other means to discuss their child's progress and to interpret the school program and the student's IEP.
• Demonstrates understanding of and abides by federal, state, and local school laws and regulations; mandated programs; District policies and administrative regulations. Reviews and abides by Pennsylvania Code of Professional Practice and Conduct for Educators.
• Maintains professional competence and keeps abreast of new developments in the field through professional development education activities provided by the district or through self-selected activities. Participates in curriculum development programs as required, faculty committees, and the sponsorship of student activities.
• Provides vocational and pre-vocational services and assessments in connection with transition planning and students' transition programs.
• Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to learning and a safe and inspiring learning atmosphere. Supervises students in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned working day or beyond the working day when involved in an extended field trip or learning activity.
• Administers group standardized assessments in accordance with district assessment program and as modified for particular exceptional students in their IEPs.
• Maintain a cooperative, enthusiastic, constructive attitude toward teaching and carry out assignments professionally and efficiently using good communication skills with students, staff and parents.
• Conduct ongoing assessment and evaluation of student performance and progress to ensure continuous student growth and communicate same to students, parents, counselors and administrators.
• Maintain appropriate classroom organization, management, and discipline at all times, conducive to student safety and supportive of positive student self-esteem.
• Assist in maintaining student data/records and support guidance and administration procedures for student placement.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality of all student related information or data.
• Plan, conduct, and supervise students/chaperons on approved field trips, excursions, and educational tours.
• Submit accurate, legible, and complete information on forms, requisitions, reports, records, surveys in a timely fashion as requested by administration or guidance.
• Responsible for the safety and welfare of student at all times within the school setting, on school property and on approved outings and/or field trips.
• Ensures there is proper supervision for students at all times.

Performs other duties as assigned. Performs in accordance with school policy, administrative regulations, state and federal laws.

Temperament:

• Composure under stress
• Ability to work as a team member and independently
• Flexibility
• Multitasking
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain a calm and patient demeanor.

Specific Skills:

• Advanced Computer Skills
• Operate office equipment
• Planning/organization skills

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Follow written and verbal directions
• Work with minimal supervision
• Exercise good judgment in prioritizing tasks
• Communicate effectively at all organizational level
• Perform duties according to District policies and state and federal regulations
• 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.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods standing and walking throughout school and classroom.
• 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 computer to complete necessary paperwork.

Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with the provisions of the applicable policies of the Ringgold School District and/or Pennsylvania Department of Education.

This job description does not state or imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. The employee in this position will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by his or her supervisor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the required duties.