Special Education Teacher

Education: Classroom Teaching level3, Elementary School, Junior-High School, Special Education

Provide special education students with learning activities and experiences designed to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical and social growth.  Develop or modify curricula and prepare lessons and other instructional materials to student ability levels. Work in self-contained, team, departmental or itinerant capacity as assigned.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Instructional Strategies
1. Collaborate with students, parents and other members of staff to develop IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
2. Implement an instructional, therapeutic or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required.
3. Conduct assessment of student learning styles. Plan and use instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
4. Present subject matter effectively and according to guidelines established by IEP. Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media including technology to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned.
5. Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments.
6. Participate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis.
7. Participate in selection of books, equipment and other instructional media.
Student Growth and Development
8. Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
9. Provide or supervise personal care, medical care and feeding of students as stated in IEP.
10. Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned.  Sponsor outside activities approved by campus principal.
11. Consult district and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical and personal needs of students.
Classroom Management and Organization
12. Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social and emotional development of students.
13. Manage student behavior and administer discipline including intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP.
14. Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP.
15. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.
Communication
16. Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals and teachers.
17. Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents and community members.
Professional Growth and Development
18. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
19. Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
20. Compile, maintain and file all physical and computerized reports, records and other documents required.
21. Attend and participate in faculty meetings, serve on staff committees as required.
Other
22. All other duties as assigned


Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing and pulling. Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks and other classroom equipment or adaptive equipment. May be required to lift and position students with physical disabilities; control behavior through physical restraint; and assist non ambulatory students. Exposure to biological hazards. Frequent districtwide and statewide travel; frequent prolonged and irregular hours; outdoor exposure to sun and heat.