Preschool Teacher Special Education / General Education - Competitive Pay

PORTER TOWNSHIP SCHOOL CORPORATION

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

Reports to: Principal

Job Objective: Plans, implements, and assesses student learning experiences. Helps students make appropriate choices. Encourages parental involvement.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid state department of education license/certificate appropriate for the position.
• Meets all mandated health requirements (e.g., a negative tuberculosis test, etc.).
• A record free of criminal violations that would prohibit public school employment.
• Complies with drug-free workplace rules and board policies.
• Keeps current with technology and other workplace innovations that support job functions.

Essential Functions: The following are typical work responsibilities. A reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform essential functions.

• Teaches classes as scheduled. Maintains a thorough understanding of subject material. Creates effective student learning experiences. Documents teaching performance objectives. Uses formal and informal assessment strategies to monitor and manage student learning.
• Responsible for writing compliant IEP’s.
• Follow special education state compliance deadlines.
• Lead case conferences.
• Issue quarterly progress monitoring reports to parents.
• Ensure all IEP provisions and accommodations are followed across all settings.
• Supervise paraprofessionals assigned to your classroom.
• Upholds board policies and follows administrative procedures. Promotes a professional image of the school corporation. Encourages community partnerships that enhance school programs.
• Promotes effective communications and assistance. Uses problem-solving techniques to tactfully address questions/concerns. Refers policy interpretation inquiries to administrative staff.
• Prepares the assigned classroom or instructional area. Develops written lesson plans that align with state standards and the district’s adopted courses of study/curriculum goals.
• Evaluates the academic needs of students. Develops meaningful educational activities that engage and stimulate student learning. Varies instructional techniques to address diverse learning styles.
• Helps students take full advantage of the learning environment (e.g., use of instructional/media resources, access/proximity to activities, etc.).
• Communicates expectations, provides guidance, and shows an active interest in student progress.
• Facilitates self-reliance, problem-solving, critical-thinking, creativity, and performance skills.
• Plans collaborative learning activities that encourage and support positive peer relationships.
• Collaborates with other staff. Shares knowledge and resources that enhance student learning.
• Upholds the student conduct code. Implements effective pupil management procedures. Maintains a positive learning environment. Helps parents/students understand academic objectives, behavioral standards, and performance expectations.
• Consults with support personnel to address student concerns (e.g., excessive absences, at-risk behavior, mental/physical health, family/peer relations, etc.).
• Collaborates with staff to implement and monitor behavior management plans when required.
• Supports an inclusive educational environment. Provides opportunities for students with disabilities to participate in appropriate learning activities.
• Initiates referrals for student assistance as needed. Meets mandated paperwork deadlines. Helps the intervention assistance team (IAT) prepare plans for eligible students.
• Helps prepare and implement Section 504, Individualized Education Plans (IEP), and/or other interventions for assigned students meeting eligibility requirements.
• Proctors district testing activities as directed. Upholds security procedures. Helps students with content-area preparation activities.
• Maintains accurate records and submits reports on time.
• Evaluates student achievement/performance. Prepares progress reports. Consults with parents as needed (e.g., phone calls, notes, meetings, etc.).
• Respects personal privacy. Maintains the confidentiality of privileged information.
• Promotes the proper use, care, and security of school property.
• Takes precautions to ensure safety. Monitors situations that may indicate a problem. Provides appropriate student supervision. Works with supervisors to manage or eliminate risk factors.
• Reports suspected child abuse and/or neglect to civil authorities as required by law.
• Supervises non-classroom activities when assigned.
• Participates in staff meetings, conferences, and other required school activities.
• Encourages parent organizations and supports school-sponsored activities.
• Pursues growth opportunities that enhance professional performance and advance district goals.
• Strives to develop rapport and serves as a positive role model for others.
• Provides prompt notification of absences. Ensures that student lists and teaching materials are readily available for substitutes.
• Maintains a professional appearance. Wears work attire appropriate for the position.
• Performs other specific job-related duties as directed.

Abilities Required: The following personal characteristics and skills are important for the successful performance of assigned duties.

• Demonstrates professionalism and contributes to a positive work environment.
• Acknowledges personal responsibility for decisions and conduct.
• Organizes tasks and manages time effectively.
• Skillfully manages individual, group, and organizational interactions.
• Effectively uses listening, observation, reading, verbal, nonverbal, and writing skills.
• Averts problem situations and intervenes to resolve conflicts.
• Exhibits consistency, resourcefulness, and resilience.
• Uses diplomacy and exercises self-control when dealing with other individuals.
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record and is punctual.

Working Conditions: Exposure to the following situations may range from remote to frequent based on circumstances and factors that may not be predictable.

• Duties may require bending, crouching, kneeling, reaching, and standing.
• Duties may require lifting, carrying, and moving work-related supplies/equipment.
• Duties may require operating and/or riding in a vehicle.
• Duties may require traveling to meetings and work assignments.
• Duties may require working under time constraints to meet deadlines.
• Potential for exposure to adverse weather conditions and temperature extremes.
• Potential for exposure to blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases.
• Potential for interaction with aggressive, disruptive, and/or unruly individuals.

Performance Evaluation: Job performance is evaluated according to policy provisions and contractual agreements adopted by the Porter Township School Corporation.

Porter Township School Corporation is an equal opportunity employer that believes and practices that all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunities both in the hiring process and in all phases of employment. In adhering to all State and Federal statutes, the Porter Township School Corporation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender status, sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category (collectively, “Protected Classes”) in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities, providing the person is qualified and meets the established requirements of the position.