Teacher - Exceptional Education (Special Education)

General Description:
The RPS Exceptional Education Teacher, General Curriculum, is responsible for providing high-quality, individualized instruction and support to students with disabilities who are able to access the general education curriculum with appropriate accommodations and modifications. This role involves developing, implementing, and monitoring Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), collaborating with general education teachers, parents, and other specialists, and fostering an inclusive learning environment where all students can achieve academic and functional growth. The RPS Exceptional Education Teacher ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local mandates governing special education services in Virginia.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan and provide Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) for students with disabilities in various educational settings.

• Modify and adapt the general education curriculum to meet the diverse learning styles and needs of students with disabilities, utilizing a variety of instructional techniques, strategies, and technologies (including assistive technology).

• Facilitate and participate in eligibility meetings for students suspected of having a disability.

• Develop, implement, and monitor legally compliant Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in collaboration with parents/guardians, general education teachers, related service providers, and other IEP team members.

• Collect and analyze data to monitor student progress toward IEP goals and objectives, and adjust instruction accordingly.

• Maintain accurate and complete student records and prepare reports as required by federal, state, and district policies.

• Communicate regularly and effectively with parents/guardians regarding student progress, IEP development, and home-school collaboration.

• Work cooperatively with general education teachers, administrators, school psychologists, social workers, related service providers and other professionals to ensure comprehensive support for students.

• Effectively supervise paraprofessional staff assigned to individual students or the exceptional education program (if applicable).

• Implement positive behavioral supports and interventions consistent with students' IEPs and school-wide expectations.

• Comply with all federal, state (Virginia Department of Education regulations), and local laws, policies, and regulations governing the determination and delivery of special education services (e.g., IDEA, Virginia Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities).

• Thorough knowledge of various disabilities (e.g., specific learning disabilities, emotional disability, other health impairment, autism spectrum disorder, etc.) as they relate to students accessing the general curriculum.

• Proficiency in utilizing a variety of assessment tools and data collection methods to inform instruction and measure student progress.

• Strong understanding of differentiated instruction, accommodations, and modifications to support diverse learners in the general education setting.

• Knowledge of assistive technology and its application to support student learning.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills to work effectively with students, parents, colleagues, and community stakeholders.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Special Education or a related field.

• Valid Virginia teaching license with an endorsement in Special Education - General Curriculum K-12. (Candidates pursuing provisional licensure who meet Virginia Department of Education requirements will be considered).

• Effective organizational, team-building, and problem-solving skills

• Effective written and oral communication skills.

• Expertise in the development, implementation, and monitoring of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in compliance with IDEA and Virginia regulations.