Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teacher

The special education teacher is an educational leader who guides the interests and directs the activities of students to facilitate their individual development. The teacher is responsible to the principal of the school for the implementation of the appropriate curriculum/program and for the instruction and guidance of students according to their individual needs and abilities. In programs where leadership for program implementation is assigned to the supervisor of special services, the teacher is responsible to the supervisor for implementation of the district's curriculum/program. As a representative of the school and the school district, the teacher cooperates with other members of the staff in enhancing the quality of the educational experiences provided for students. The special education teacher recognizes the importance of cooperation between the school and the home and maintains open communication with parents.

Essential Job Functions:

• Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of students.
• Plans daily and long-term learning activities consistent with the district's curriculum to meet the individual needs, interests, and abilities of students.
• Conducts learning activities toward the achievement of curriculum goals and establishes clear objectives for all lessons, units, projects, etc.
• Employs a variety of instructional methods and materials that are appropriate for meeting stated objectives.
• Assesses the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provides progress reports and completes student records as required.
• Assists administration in implementing policies and rules governing student conduct and develops and maintains reasonable and just rules for classroom behavior.
• Assumes responsibility for the proper care of all books and other school property committed to their charge.
• Strives to maintain and improve professional competence.
• Participates in staff meetings and shares in the responsibility of serving on staff committees as required.
• Participates in the school planning and placement team process, as required.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative relations with others.
• Works to establish and maintain open lines of communication with students and their parents concerning both academic and behavioral progress of assigned students.
• Schedules time so as to carry out the total responsibilities of the teaching position including: lesson planning, student and parent conferences, professional growth, and extra-curricular activities where appropriate.
• Uses technology as a teaching and learning tool.
• Provides an instructional program for the purpose of fostering maximum growth potential in all developmental aspects for each child through individual or group experiences.
• Confers with parents and other professional staff regarding the progress of each child.
• Participates in budget planning with the supervisor.
• Participates in curriculum planning and inservice workshops for the purpose of curriculum development.
• Completes individual educational evaluations of students.
• Acts as case manager for special education students.
• Is knowledgeable about special education laws, regulations, forms and procedures.
• Performs such other duties as the principal/supervisor may find necessary to the efficient functioning of the school/program.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience/Requirement: Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's degree.
• License or Certificate: Connecticut State Department of Education Certification required: (165) Comprehensive Special Education, K-12