Teacher Of The Visually Impaired (.5 Fte) (2024-2025 SY)

Department: Student Services Job Title: Special Education Teacher - Elementary FLSA Status:

(Exempt/Non-exempt) Exempt; Unit A Reports to: School Principal; Special Education Administrator In compliance with state and federal laws, newton public schools is committed to equity, anti-racism and a nondiscrimination policy for students, employees and prospective applicants. All educational and employment determinations are based on an individual's qualifications and achievements without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, homelessness, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state and/or federal statute.

Summary:

• The Special Education Teacher provides an appropriate educational program for students with special needs. The teacher is responsible for supervising students within the classroom and other assigned areas; developing lesson plans and delivering instruction within established curriculum guidelines; collaborating with other teachers, professional staff, and administrators to improve instruction; and engaging parents/guardians in conversations with regard to instructional programs and student progress.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree

• MA teaching license in moderate or severe special needs (elementary level)

• Knowledge of a wide range of disabilities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Ability to handle a multitude of varying and complex issues

• Ability to use technology effectively

Desired Qualifications:

• Prior experience working with students with special needs

• Experience implementing all parts of the IEP process

• Understanding of special education regulations and laws

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities (Not Limited To):

• Teach students specific skills and strategies to help them access curriculum

• Conduct IEP meetings and complete all related paperwork in a timely fashion

• Monitor student progress; revise IEP according to progress

• Co-teach in regular education content area, or teach substantially separate subject

• Communicate with school personnel outside of the department and parents

• Attend departmental and school-wide meetings

• Consistent, reliable and punctual attendance is essential for supervision and instruction of the students

• Responsible for implementing "other job related duties" as needed

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

Work Environment:

• Majority of work is performed in a school/classroom environment. The noise level in the environment is usually moderate.

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the teacher is frequently required to walk, stand, sit, talk, and hear. The teacher is regularly required to bend, stoop, crouch and/or kneel. Must be able to assist with student behavioral needs as necessary, including responding to students who are physically unsafe, using physical restraints as part of a de-escalation process, and moving furniture in response to a crisis situation.

• Regularly required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

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.