Teacher I Special Education/ Secondary Science

Job Summary

The Teacher I Special Education/Secondary Science prepares, plans, and delivers specially designed classroom instruction to meet the diverse needs of Hillside’s student population. In addition, they support students’ academic and emotional growth based on their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and treatment plans.

Essential Job Functions

• Plan and deliver specially and individually designed instruction to students with disabilities.
• Establish and enforce rules of behavior for students in the classroom.
• Prepare lessons, units, and projects that align with learning objectives.
• Establish and communicate clear objectives for lessons, units, and projects.
• Adapt teaching methods and materials to meet the interests and learning styles of students.
• Create, assign, and grade various assessments for students, including tests, quizzes, essays, and projects based on designated curriculum.
• Implement and monitor the progress of students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Collaborate with related service providers and clinicians on a regular basis to discuss student progress concerns and determine remedies.
• Communicate with families on a regular basis to discuss student progress and address concerns.
• Develop students’ IEPs and participate in Committee for Special Education meetings.
• Collect and analyze student data for instructional planning and progress reporting via IEPs, progress notes, and report cards.
• Administer formative and summative assessments for instructional planning and progress monitoring.
• Provide direction and guidance to support staff working in the classroom.
• Actively participate in Education Department staff meetings.
• Engage in professional learning communities and opportunities.
• Create a safe, respectful, and inclusive classroom environment for students and staff.
• Recognize and address aggressive student behavior in alignment with learned Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) techniques, including the use of physical intervention. 
• While this job description covers many aspects of the role, employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree for initial certification required, with intention to complete Master’s program within five years.

Special Requirements

• New York State Teaching Certificate in Special Education N-6, K-12 or 7-12 with content area specialty (within 6 months of hire)
• Unrestricted, valid NYS driver’s license with a clean driving record and minimum insurance coverage that meets agency standards. 
• Must be able to work 12-month schedule

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

In addition to demonstrating the Hillside Professional Competencies of Communicates Effectively, Personal Excellence, Cultural Competence, Builds and Leverages Relationships, and Optimizes Decision Making, the following occupational competencies must be demonstrated:

• Understanding of diverse learning needs, including students with disabilities.
• Ability to create a positive and inclusive learning environment, manage student behavior effectively, and establish routines and procedures that promote student engagement and success. 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to establish rapport with students, build positive relationships, and effectively communicate instructions and expectations.
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues, parents, and administrators to support student success and contribute to a positive school culture.
• Ability to maintain a calm demeanor in stressful situations.
• Time management skills to prioritize tasks, manage instructional time efficiently, and cover lesson objectives within the allotted time frame.
• Knowledge of basic educational technology tools and resources, such as interactive whiteboards, computers, and educational software, to support instruction and enhance learning experiences.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development, reflection, and improvement to enhance teaching practice and stay current with research-based best practices in education. 

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to work a variable scheduling including evenings and weekends
• The following physical demands are required:
  • Occasional sitting (up to 4 hours)
  • Occasional standing (up to 1 hour)
  • Occasional walking (up to 2.5 hours)
  • Occasional driving (up to 8 hours)
  • Continuous balancing (up to 8 hours)
  • Occasional balancing, bending, stooping, climbing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching forward or down, reaching overhead, running, and twisting (up to 2.5 hours)
  • Weekly lifting up to 50 lbs. (community-based staff may be required to lift an empty wheelchair weighing up to 50 lbs.), 10-15 lbs. on a daily basis
  • Weekly carrying up to 55 lbs. approximately 10-100 ft., 10-15 lbs. on a daily basis
• Manual dexterity is required, including the frequent ability to grasp in both hands and continuous use of fine manipulation skills in both hands (approximately 1-2.5 hrs.)
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, gases or chemicals is apparent. 
• Protective clothing or equipment as required: Close toed shoes; Protective Shields, Universal Precaution PPE, Gloves for toileting and food preparation
• Ability to change positions as needed

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

May be required to physically restrain clients weighing between 50 lbs. and 200 lbs. and guide them safely to the floor. In some circumstances, restraints can last up to 15 minutes and may require repetition as necessary.