Special Education Teacher - Elementary

Job Title: SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
Location: Elementary School School

JOB SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Principal and Director of Special Education, the Licensed Special Education Teacher develops and provides specialized instruction to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities; Evaluates and assesses student progress against instructional objectives; follows State mandated due process procedures and functions as IEP Case Manager to assigned students.

Essential functions of the job may include but are not limited to the following:

• Provides research-based specialized instruction to address the instructional goals and objectives contained within each student's IEP.

• Assesses student progress and determines the need for additional reinforcement or adjustments to instructional techniques.

• Employs various teaching techniques, methods and principles of learning to enable students to meet their IEP goals.

• Develops and implements all aspects of the Individualized Educational Program (IEP) plans for students to include: Educational history, Parent/ student concerns, present levels of educational performance, special education needs, instructional goals and objectives, transition planning, and the special education and related services required to meet those goals.

• Schedules annual and reevaluation team meetings and works cooperatively with team members and others in developing instructional goals and strategies.

• Coordinates the delivery of special education services in each student's IEP.

• Creates a positive learning experience with emphasis in individualized instruction using appropriate sources including i-pads.

• Serves as primary contact for the parent during the year and prior to all meetings.

• Conducts academic aspects of special education evaluations and reevaluations.

• Provides direction, supervision and evaluation of educational assistants as directed.

• Complies with School policies and all state/federal rules and regulations.

• Completes all district and state reporting requirements.

Other functions of the job include but are not limited to the following:

• Establishes and maintains student control and discipline in the classroom, school premises or during school activities.

• Employs and implements a classroom structure and consistency to encourage student responsibility, cooperation and mutual respect consistent with district policies and procedures.

• Collaborates and consults with educational professionals and community service providers (i.e., social services, public health, medical providers etc.) regarding the needs of students. Assists teachers in preparing for initial, annual, and reevaluation meetings.

• Provides consultation to classroom teachers regarding classroom adaptations, instructional modifications, adaptive equipment, behavior modification plans and other similar instructional interventions to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

• Performs other comparable duties of a like or similar nature apparent or as assigned.

Knowledge Skills and Ability Required:

• Minimum Masters degree in teaching from an accredited institution in the appropriate special education area.

• Current Massachusetts teaching license in required content area.

• Meet professional teacher education requirements of school district and state.

• Understanding of Massachusetts Special Education Compliance State and Federal laws (IDEA) and ability to adhere to strict timelines.

• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of special education and specialty area.

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and methodology of effective teaching of students with disabilities.

• Thorough knowledge of school rules, regulations and procedures; ability to establish and maintain standards of behavior.

• Ability to deliver and articulate oral presentations and written reports.

• Ability to effectively an analyze needs and problems objectively.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with children, students, parents, staff, administration and the general public.

• Perform all other related work delegated or required to accomplish the objectives of the total school program.

• Knowledge of relevant technology including the use of technology such as i-pads to individualize instruction.

• Knowledge and skills in working with children with ADD and behavior and emotional disabilities. Knowledge and skills in working with children with all disability types.

• Must have the ability and proven ability to report to work on a regular and punctual basis.

Physical Requirements
Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and must occasionally lift, move and/or support up to 50 pounds (and/or up to adult size body weight with two-to-three person lift). Position can require some degree of physical interaction with students who have difficulty controlling physical behavior.