Special Education Teacher

DEFINITION: Certified Special Education Teacher for students with varying levels and degrees of disabilities.

Teacher is responsible for providing individualized instruction, curriculum, and instruction accommodations, adaptation and modification; implementation of behavioral and academic intervention; and constant collaboration with general education teachers and support staff. A co-teaching model of instruction may be followed.

SUPERVISION: Works under the direct supervision of the building principal and special education administrative team.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Teacher is expected to:

Navigate, write and understand Individualized Education Plans/Programs (IEPs); Ensure services are provided in accordance with IEP; Monitor and report progress toward IEP goals and objectives; Design and implement assistive technologies; Perform special education eligibility assessments and other data collection tools; Submit necessary reports and documentation on time to administration and other necessary personnel; Collaborate/consult with other teachers to ensure students are receiving an appropriate education in the least restrictive environment and with accommodations as outlines in the IEP; Adapt and modify curriculum to meet the diverse and unique needs of each student; Plan, schedule, and participate in and/or facilitate IEP team meetings; Design, write and implement academic and behavioral intervention plans; Frequent communication with parents highlighting academic and behavioral progress or challenges; Participate in building-based and content-based professional development; Perform necessary duties of any teacher of the district as outlines in the teacher assignment and contract
Participate in and fulfill all aspects of the teacher evaluation program

QUALIFICATIONS:

Active DESE Student with Moderate Disabilities K-12 License or Early Childhood dual certification (required and licensed as appropriate for grade level hired)
3 years of experience working in a public or private school system (preferred)

Skills and Abilities:

Interpersonal and communication skills when working with parents and staff and for meeting facilitation; Knowledge of special education law, policies and procedures (outlined in IDEA); Knowledge and application of special education eligibility assessments; Frequent and ongoing note-taking and observation of student classroom performance and behavior; Data collection and analysis; Ability to use data to make informed instructional decisions; Advocacy for student needs and resources; Modeling for staff and students the cooperative process and focus on student strengths, learning style, peers as role models and positive student achievement at individual ability levels; Recognition of an outside-the-box level of thinking and initiative when working with all students; Daily flexibility and quick-thinking skills; Organization and time management skills; Demonstrate knowledge of basic computer skills; Ability to move about the classroom and building efficiently to deliver instruction.