Description
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
Effective: August 1, 2024
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direction of the school principal, the special education teacher plans and provides for appropriate learning experiences for students with disabilities in a variety of educational settings. The person in this position is responsible for creating a flexible program and learning environment that provides specialized instruction for students with disabilities, such that the students benefit from the general education curriculum to the greatest extent possible when supported with supplemental aides, accommodations, and other needed supports.
ESSENTIAL TASKS
(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. Other duties as assigned by the building principal or special education supervisor.)
• Provide direct and indirect instructional support to students in a positive environment.
• Employ special educational strategies and techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, and memory.
• Instruct students in academic subjects using a variety of techniques such as phonetics, multi-sensory learning, and repetition to reinforce learning and to meet students' varying needs and interests.
• Teach socially acceptable behavior, as determined by the students’ individualized education programs (IEPs) by employing techniques in an overall positive behavioral support system.
• Modify the general education curriculum for students with disabilities based upon a variety of instructional techniques and technologies.
• Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
• Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining an environment conducive to learning for all students.
• Meet with parents to discuss their children's progress and to determine priorities for their children and their individualized educational needs.
• Confer with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, and other professionals to develop individualized education programs (IEPs) designed to promote students' educational, physical, and social/emotional development.
• Maintain accurate and complete student records and prepare reports on children and activities, as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
• Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students.
• Develop plans for effective communication, monitoring, and follow-up of students in inclusive classroom settings.
• Provide crisis intervention, as needed, for students and those in inclusive classrooms.
• Assist in collection of data for providing appropriate classroom interventions.
• Serve as a member of a multidisciplinary team as appropriate.
• Assist in preparation of data for local, state, and federal reports.
• Maintain professional competence by participating in staff development activities, curriculum development meetings, and other professional opportunities.
• Perform related work as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
The successful candidate will demonstrate knowledge of: the necessary principles and application of theory into practice for effective instruction and positive behavioral supports that are beneficial for implementation with all students with disabilities; BCS curriculum and instructional techniques; human behavior, development, and skill performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders; and BCS policies and effective instructional practices. The special educator also demonstrates the ability to provide positive behavioral support to students in a group and in an individual setting; demonstrates an understanding of the federal, state, and local mandates governing the determination and delivery of special education services; completes observations and reports pertaining to learning behaviors of students; displays the ability to work effectively with administrators, colleagues, central office and school based staff, students, parents and community members. Overall, the special educator possesses excellent human relations skills and a working knowledge of the English language in written and verbal form.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with students, other faculty, staff, and parents as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle, or feel objects and controls. The position also entails significant walking, bending, standing, stooping, and possible physical interventions in order to maintain a safe learning environment. Assignment may require the ability to physically move students or equipment weighing up to 50 lbs, position students in specialized equipment, and/or change diapers as needed.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.
Qualifications to Apply:
Has any of the following endorsement(s) from Tennessee:
- Sp Ed Comp PreK-12 (461)
- Sp Ed Modified K-12 (460)
- Special Education - General Curriculum K-12
- Special Education (105)
Position Purpose
- Under the general supervision of the School Principal, to maximize the learning experience of students with special needs, in academics, interpersonal skills and activities of daily living by implementing district approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities, outcomes; addressing students' specific needs; providing a safe and optimal learning environment.
Essential Functions
- Conducts assessments, testing and diagnostic examinations of students for the purpose of identifying learning issues, and recommending courses of action or corrective procedures to overcome issues and maximize learning.
- Participates in PPT's and assists in developing Individual Educational Plans ("IEP") for students.
- Assists students and teaching staff in implementing students' IEP's and behavior management plans.
- Coordinates with outside agencies, organizations and institutions, including state and federal authorities as needed.
- Coordinates with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs, including students with special needs, and to familiarize stakeholders with social work services.
- Serves as ready resource to students and parents to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and behavioral management; serves as liaison between home and school.
- Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships with members of institutions of higher learning and the business community.
- Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and providing student information to prospective colleges and employers, as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
- Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
- Assists in the orientation of new teachers, and provides in-service training in guidance.
- Selects and requisitions appropriate books, aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records.
Additional Duties
- Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
Equipment
- Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.
Travel Requirements
- Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.
Skills, Knowledge, Abilities
- Knowledge of Special Education principles, theories, testing, methods, etc. as well as proven methods of maximizing the educational experience of students with special needs.
- Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
- Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
- Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
- Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
- Ability to organize and coordinate work.
- Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
- Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
- Works in standard office and school building environments.
Qualifications Profile
Certification/License:
- State Certification as a Special Education Teacher.
- Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.
Education:
- Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.
- Masters Degree in Special Education.
Experience:
- Successful prior special education teaching experience for the appropriate grade level preferred.
FLSA Status: Exempt