Purpose Statement

Teacher - Special Education

The job of a Teacher in Special Education is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional process by serving as a teacher with specific responsibility for developing special education students' success in academics, interpersonal skills, and activities of daily living; supervising students within the classroom and other assigned areas; developing lesson plans and delivering group and individual student instruction within established curriculum guidelines; collaborating with other teachers, other professional staff, and administrators in addressing instructional and/or classroom issues; and responding to a wide range of inquiries from students' parents or guardians regarding instructional programs and student progress.

This job reports to the Building Principal

Essential Functions

Adapts classroom work to provide students with instructional materials that address individualized learning plans within established lesson plans.

Administers developmental testing programs, subject-specific assessments, etc. to assess student competency levels and/or develop individual learning plans.

Administers, under supervision, first aid and assistance to medically fragile children (e.g. tube feeding, toileting, diapering, etc.) to provide appropriate care for children as assigned.

Advises parents and/or legal guardians of student progress for the purpose of communicating expectations; and student's achievements; developing methods for improvement and/or reinforcing classroom goals in the home environment.

Assesses student progress towards objectives, expectations, and/or goals (e.g. behavioral, motor development and communication skills, academic needs, vocational abilities, etc.) to provide feedback to students, parents, and administration.

Collaborates with instructional staff, other school personnel, parents, and a variety of community resources to improve the overall quality of student outcomes, achieving established classroom objectives in support of the school improvement plan.

Counsels students for the purpose of improving performance, health status, problem-solving techniques, and a variety of personal issues.

Demonstrates methods required to perform classroom and/or subject-specific assignments to provide an effective program that addresses individual student requirements.

Directs teacher assistants, student teachers, instructional assistants, volunteers, and/or student workers to provide an effective classroom program and address the needs of individual students.

Instruct students to improve their success in academic, interpersonal, and daily living skills through a defined course of study.

Manages student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment.

Monitors students in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom, playground, field trips, nap times, etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.

Job Description

Teacher - Special Education

Participates in a variety of meetings for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.

Performs other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Prepares a variety of written materials (e.g. grades, attendance, anecdotal records, etc.) to document student progress and meet mandated requirements.

Reports incidents (e.g. fights, suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse, etc.) to maintain the personal safety of students, providing a positive learning environment and adhering to the Education Code and school policies.

Responds to emergencies to resolve immediate safety concerns and/or direct to appropriate personnel for resolution.

Responds to inquiries from a variety of sources (e.g. other teachers, parents, administrators, etc.) to resolve issues, providing information and/or direction.

Supports classroom teachers to assist them in the implementation of established curriculum and/or individual student plans.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: appropriate codes, policies, regulations, and/or laws; age-appropriate activities; lesson plan requirements; stages of child development; and behavioral management strategies.

ABILITY is required to schedule several activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and consider several factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize job-related equipment. Problem-solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem-solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines, and problem-solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: establishing and maintaining constructive relationships; adapting to changing work priorities; maintaining confidentiality; exhibiting tact and patience; and working flexible hours.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; directing other persons within a small work unit; and tracking budget expenditures. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to significantly impact the organization’s services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 0% sitting, 0% walking, and 0% standing. The job is performed under conditions with some exposure to the risk of injury and/or illness and in a clean atmosphere.

Experience: Education: Equivalency:

Job-related experience is required. Bachelor's degree in a job-related area.