Special Education Teacher - Self Contained

Special Education Teacher

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution.
• Valid Alabama certification in the appropriate area.
• Must meet the No Child Left Behind Act regulations and requirements.
• Must meet background clearance requirements as specified by Alabama statutes and State Board of Education regulations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Ability to develop and implement an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Ability to operate adaptive equipment required by handicapped students. Knowledge of the prescribed curriculum. Knowledge of child development and especially of characteristics of special education students in the age group assigned. Ability to plan and implement activities for maximum effectiveness. Ability to use varied teaching methods to address student learning styles. Ability to use current technology. Ability to assess levels of student achievement effectively, analyze test results and prescribe actions for improvement. Ability to maintain appropriate student supervision so that students have a safe and orderly environment in which to learn. Knowledge of current educational research relating to the instruction of handicapped students. Knowledge of local, state and federal laws, policies and procedures relating to the education of handicapped students. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to work effectively with peers, administrators and others.

REPORTS TO:

Principal

JOB GOAL

To provide an educational atmosphere in which special education students will move toward the fulfillment of their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical and psychological growth in accordance with system philosophy, goals and objectives.

SUPERVISES:

Special Education Paraprofessional if assigned

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Facilitate mainstreaming and opportunities for inclusion.
• Develop behavior intervention plans as needed to help students develop socially accepted behavior and to achieve academically.
• Establish and use behavior management techniques which are appropriate, effective and consistent with the Individual Education Plan (IEP).
• Provide leadership for staffings and IEP meetings.
• Work with general education teachers to accommodate curriculum as needed when special needs students are assigned to their classes.
• Keep abreast of federal and state laws and regulations as they pertain to special education.
• Comply with policies, procedures, and programs relating to special education.
• Create or select long-range plans based on a review of system and state curriculum priorities, student profiles and instructional priorities.
• Define goals and objectives for unit and daily plans.
• Develop or select instructional activities which foster active involvement of students in the learning process.
• Identify specific intended learning outcomes which are challenging, meaningful and measurable.
• Plan and prepare a variety of learning activities considering individual student's culture, learning styles, special needs and socio-economic background.
• Plan and prepare lessons and instructional strategies which support the school improvement plan and the system mission.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of curriculum content.
• Provide quality work for students which is focused on meaningful, relevant and engaging learning experiences.
• Select, develop, accommodate and/or adapt materials and resources which support learning objectives and address students' varying learning styles, backgrounds and special needs.
• Sequence content and activities appropriately.
• Use appropriate material, technology and resources to help meet learning needs of all students.
• Create a learning climate that is challenging yet non-threatening.
• Establish and maintain a positive and safe learning environment in which students are encouraged to be actively engaged in the learning process.
• Apply principles of learning and effective teaching in instructional delivery.
• Assist students in assessing, interpreting and evaluating information from multiple sources.
• Communicate high learning expectations for all students.
• Maintain academic focus by using a variety of motivational techniques.
• Maintain instructional momentum with smooth and efficient transitions from one activity to another.
• Provide appropriate instruction and accommodations for students with special needs including special education students and students who have limited proficiency in English.
• Provide instruction on safety procedures and proper handling of materials and equipment.
• Use a variety of instructional strategies appropriate for teaching students from diverse backgrounds with different learning styles and special needs.
• Use appropriate techniques and strategies to enhance the application of critical, creative and evaluative thinking capabilities of students.
• Develop and use assessment strategies to assist the continuous development of learners.
• Encourage self-assessment by students and assist them in developing plans for improving their performance.
• Monitor learning activities, providing feedback and reinforcement to students.
• Provide feedback to students about the appropriateness of responses and quality of work with a focus on improving student performance.
• Use ongoing assessment to monitor student progress, verify that learning is occurring and adjust curriculum and instruction.
• Ensure that student growth and achievement are continuous and appropriate for age group, subject area and/or student program classification.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of instructional units and teaching strategies.
• Interpret and use data for diagnosis, instructional planning and program evaluation.
• Revise plans based on student needs.
• Establish and use behavior management techniques which are appropriate and effective.
• Establish routines and procedures and work with students on consistently following them.
• Foster student responsibility, appropriate social behavior, integrity, valuing of cultural diversity, and respect for self and others by role modeling and learning activities.
• Collaborate with students, parents, school staff and other appropriate persons to assist in meeting student needs.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with other professionals, students, parents and community.
• Communicate, in understandable terms, individual student progress knowledgeably and responsibly to the student, parents and professional colleagues who need the information.
• Provide accurate and timely information to parents and students about academic performance and behavior of students.
• Recognize overt indicators of student distress or abuse and take appropriate intervention, referral, or reporting actions.
• Maintain contact with appropriate community resources and law enforcement agencies that can provide needed services.
• Assist others in acquiring knowledge and understanding of particular area of responsibility.
• Work with other teachers in curriculum development, special activities, and sharing ideas and resources.
• Assist in implementation of school rules, administrative regulations and School Board policy.
• Develop routines and efficient techniques for minimizing time required for administrative and organizational activities.
• Organize materials for efficient distribution and collection.
• Manage materials and equipment effectively.
• Organize procedures, practices, materials, and routines for the effective use of instructional time and for the completion of administration activities.
• Establish and maintain efficient record keeping procedures.
• Maintain a clean, attractive, and organized learning environment.
• Use time effectively.
• Instruct and monitor the work of volunteers and aides when assigned.
• Act in a professional and ethical manner and adhere to professional standards at all times.
• Demonstrate attention to punctuality, attendance, records and reports.
• Exercise appropriate professional judgment.
• Maintain confidentiality of student and other professional information.
• Support school improvement initiatives by active participation in school activities, services and programs.
• Conduct a personal assessment periodically to determine professional development needs with reference to specific instructional assignment.
• Develop and implement a professional development plan annually in accordance with state and system requirements.
• Engage in continuing improvement of professional knowledge and skills.
• Keep abreast of developments in instructional methodology, learning theory, curriculum trends and content.

Perform other tasks consistent with the goals and objectives of this position.

*Essential Performance Responsibilities

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force as needed to move objects.

May be required to restrain a physically active individual as a temporary safety measure.

Job Description Supplement 04

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the system's approved compensation plan.

Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the system.

EVALUATION:

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on evaluation of personnel.