Special Education Resource Teacher

Special Education Resource Teacher

Coordinates and provides developmentally appropriate educational services to students whose abilities differ from their peers. This position directly reports to the school principal and functionally reports to the other school administrators and district directors. This position coordinates with the other teachers, instructional coaches, school psychologists, school social workers, along with other support staff, students, guardians, and the community.

Shall work the 10-month school calendar as defined by the Board of Education and Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Directs, monitors, and mentors paraprofessionals working with students who have disabilities. Performs a variety of assessments and observations to determine the areas in which the student may need extra or modified educational services; assessment areas may include academic performance, behavior, social development, or physical health; develops related lesson, teaching, and integration plans by collaborating with guardians, school psychologists, school social workers, and other staff as needed.

Develops individualized education programs (IEPs), setting learning goals and adopting modifications as necessary; ensures each student's activities and lessons are planned and organized according to their abilities; implements IEPs and provides ongoing or follow-up assessments. Monitors students progress throughout the year and makes modifications as necessary; communicates all progress and concerns with professionalism to guardians and, as appropriate, students, other faculty, staff, and/or administrators; builds and maintains positive rapport and communication with guardians.

Develops and teaches lessons that provide engaging learning opportunities for small groups and individual students while meeting the required specifications of IEPs. Ensures each program complies with Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); ensures each applicable student is provided with Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that is properly modified for their individual needs. Develops, completes, and maintains all paperwork mandated by local, state, and federal guidelines, laws, and regulations as well as individual student files, attendance and incident reports, and other necessary records.

Establishes and implements classroom management structure and rules that ensure academic engagement and the physical and mental safety of all students; ensures safety and security standards for children, staff, and visitors of the school; supervises all students throughout school grounds and on educational trips as necessary. Maintains knowledge of research, developments, and best practices in special education. Recognizes and supports diversity and equity in support of school and district initiatives. Maintains an educational philosophy and school climate which encourages a cooperative and participant attitude on the part of all staff and students; celebrates the achievements and successes of students.

Participates in faculty meetings, educational conferences, in-service opportunities, workshops, and other training seminars as required. Attends work as scheduled and arrives in a timely manner unless a qualified absence has been approved as described in the collective bargaining agreement. Performs additional related duties within the scope of this position.

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 and IEPs. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Proficient with Google Suite or related software.

Bachelor's degree in Special Education; appropriate state license or certification; and Learning Behavior Specialist Endorsement are required. Masters degree; English as Second Language Endorsement; and at least two years of previous teaching experience with special education students are highly preferred.

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 the computer to complete necessary paperwork. If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.