Special Education Teacher - Middle School

TITLE: Special Education Teacher - Middle School

SUMMARY: Reporting to the Building Principal and/or Director of Student Services and Special Education, the Special Education Teacher provides support to the instructional process with specific responsibility for supervising students within the classroom and other assigned areas; provides individualized programming to promote student growth and development according to IEP goals; develops lesson plans and delivers group and individual student instruction within established curriculum guidelines; collaborates with other teachers, other professional staff, and administrators in addressing instructional and/or classroom issues; and responds to a wide range of inquiries from students' parents/guardians regarding instructional programs and student progress.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides academic instruction for students in the inclusion and pullout setting.

Develops appropriate instructional materials, activities, and lesson plans, with modifications and accommodations appropriate for individual students taking into consideration cognitive levels and age-appropriateness.

Structures the classroom and establishes and maintains standards of student behavior to achieve an effective learning atmosphere.

Creates an environment for learning through functional and attractive displays, interest centers, and exhibits of students' work.

Evaluates students' academic and social growth, keeps appropriate records, and prepares progress reports.

Works with individual students in providing educational experiences designed to assist in the achievement of students' specific goals.

Demonstrates an understanding of definitions, etiology and characteristics of students' disabilities.

Demonstrates knowledge of subject matter in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks for Math, Science, Language Arts, History, and Social Studies.

Works with specialists, related service providers, staff members, parents, and outside persons or agencies to assist students with special problems.

Follows state and federal special education regulations, as outlined in the IDEA and the requirements set forth in 603 CMR 28.00 which are in addition to, or in some instances clarify or further elaborate, the special education rights and responsibilities set forth in state statute (MGL c71B), federal statue (20 USC §1400 et seq., as amended), and federal regulations (34 CFR §300 et seq., as amended.)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree in related field from an accredited college/university. Licensed with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Moderate Disabilities (5-12). Experience working with students with academic, cognitive, behavioral, social, and emotional needs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of efficiently preparing comprehensive reports which contain appropriate educational goals; interpreting federal and state Special Education laws/regulations to parents, staff and agencies.

Skill-based competencies include Skilled in interpreting assessments and determining educational interventions; applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

Ability to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; use job-related equipment; flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; analyze data utilizing defined but different processes; operate equipment using standardized methods; work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans; maintaining constructive relationships; adapting to changing work priorities; maintaining confidentiality; exhibiting tact and patience; and working flexible hours.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to remain in a stationary position for extended periods; position oneself to demonstrate technique; move up to 25 lbs. Accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work is generally performed indoors in a school classroom environment.

The essential duties and responsibilities listed are intended only as an illustration of the type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment of the position.