Special Education Teacher

Department:                Student Services

Job Title:                      Special Education Teacher

Requirements:         

 Bachelor’s degree or higher

• License – Provisional, Collegiate Professional, or Post-Graduate Professional


• Special Education Endorsement


• Some coursework or training in Autism

Reports To:                Building Principal

 Essential Duties:

 (The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position of the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Provide instruction, assessment and program planning for special education students with a primary disability of learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, emotional disturbance, autism, health impairment, and traumatic brain injury from birth to pre-kindergarten; participate in preparing Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals and objectives for eligible students.


• Monitor and evaluate the progress and behavior of eligible special education students; prepare progress reports and report card grades as appropriate.


• Coordinate and conduct various team meetings and implement team recommendations as assigned.


• Be professionally and personally responsible for the order and progress of classes under his/her authority direction and supervision;

• Collaborates on developing lesson plans and instructional materials to provide individualized and group instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of each student;


• Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and approaches to the maturity and interests of the students;


• Prepares for students assigned and demonstrates written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisor;


• Plans and supervises purposeful assignments for teachers, instructional assistants, volunteers, and substitute teachers;


• Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom;


• Guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and, in congruency with those goals, establishes clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects to communicate said objectives to students;


• Creates an effective environment for learning through functional and attractive displays, bulletin boards and interest centers;


• Employs a variety of instructional techniques, technology and instructional media, consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided and the needs and capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved;


• Evaluates students’ academic and social growth; keeps appropriate records and prepares progress reports;


• Strives to implement by instruction and action the division’s philosophy of education and instructional goals and objectives;


• Selects and requisitions books and instructional materials and supplies and maintains required inventory records;

• Assesses the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provides progress reports as required;


• Diagnoses the instructional needs of students on a regular basis, seeking the assistance of division specialists as required;


• Administers class standardized tests in accordance with division testing programs;


• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment materials and facilities;


• Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, division policy, and administrative procedures;


• Attends staff meetings, PTO meetings, and serves on staff committees, as required;


• Assists the administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct, and, for the classroom, develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, and maintains order in the classroom in a fair and just manner;


• Seat students in his/her class in such a way as to expedite the learning process and never arrange such seating that stigmatizes students;


• Guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals established by the Virginia Standards of Learning, in harmony with the goals establish clear objectives for all lessons, units and projects to communicate these objectives to students;


• Demonstrates an understanding of the job tasks;


• Knowledge of teaching and instruction of the grade level or subjects assigned, with the use of effective techniques; 


• Demonstrates considerable knowledge of the principles and methodologies of effective teaching;


• Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the subject(s) being taught;

• Demonstrates the ability to deliver articulate oral presentations and well written communication; and, to interact effectively with parents, pupils, other teachers, administrators, classified employees, and the community;


• Ability to operate computers to design graphics and other written materials;


• Demonstrates a working knowledge of the English language in written and verbal content;


• Demonstrates responsibility for professional growth by seeking continuing education and in-service training programs;


•  Evaluates students fairly on stated objectives;


• Demonstrates professionalism by working cooperatively with other staff members; using support services when needed; ensuring that oral communications are clear, accurate, and grammatically correct; respecting the confidential nature of professional information; grading and recording tests and major assignments within a reasonable length of time; submitting reports accurately and punctually, resolving discipline problems in accordance with individual school guidelines; and complying with administrative directives and school board policy;


•  Demonstrates self-control in the interaction with the school community;


• Demonstrates good work habits to include punctual and regular attendance and efficient use of time;


• Ability to review, understand and apply concepts presented in training programs, conferences, and/or professional literatures;


• Ability to work with and cooperate with supervisory staffs at all levels;


• Makes provision 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;

• Strives to maintain and improve professional competence, by keeping abreast of current educational trends;


• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Physical Requirements:

Demonstrate overall good health. Demonstrate ability to communicate in a clear, concise manner with others.

Terms of Employment:  8 hours per day, 10 months (200 days)

Evaluation: The performance of this position will be evaluated following the provisions of the Sussex County School Board’s policy manual.