Job Title: Mild Moderate Special Education Teacher
Salary: Salary Schedule Placement
Location: All special education staff are District Employees. Specific location TBD by Director of Special Education.
Description: The special education (SPED) teacher reports directly to the Principal or designee. The SPED teacher works with students identified as having exceptional needs. This position is a case manager for a group of SPED students that are assigned to a caseload. The case manager is the teacher who monitors the student’s program as well as assesses and plans for the student, writes the Individualized Education Plan, trains other staff on any specialized instruction needed, determines how to make accommodations and modifications to grade level curriculum, develops and implements the behavior plan when needed, and establishes appropriate reinforcement systems to encourage student progress. The teacher is the responsible person to ensure students progress.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Assess the academic, behavioral, and social needs of each child assigned on your caseload.
- Develops an IEP stating each child’s present level of functioning, goals to meet a child’s identified needs, and procedures/schedules for determining when goals are met.
- Assess behavior using a Functional Behavior Analysis (FBA) format and determine a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) based on your assessment.
- Develop and implement lesson plans that demonstrate how the IEP’s are being fulfilled on a daily basis.
- Organize the classroom environment to be attractive and motivational for students’ learning.
- Instruct students in academic subjects as well as in daily living skills, to include, but not limited to, conflict resolution, hygiene, safety, and appropriate everyday social skills.
- Create learning materials geared to each student’s ability and interest.
- Designs special help programs for low achievers and prepare instructional materials to meet individual needs of students, with focus on emotional and educational levels of development.
- Work closely with parents and school staff while planning services that will be provided to the student at school.
- Observes, evaluates, and prepares progress reports and annual/triennial reports for each student.
- Follows all policies and procedures related to special education IDEA 2004
- Gives feedback to the Principal on an annual evaluation of other support staff assigned to the teacher’s program. Participates in all staff meetings called by the Principal or Director of Special Education.
- Keep attendance records and all other records pertinent to the special education program for the state reports and program accountability.
Knowledge and Abilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
- Demonstrate knowledge regarding the age group assigned in growth and development.
- Demonstrate the ability to write routine reports, correspondence, lesson plans, syllabus, and other school related materials.
- Demonstrate the ability to explain the meaning of information and concept development to the age group assigned.
- Demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with students, support staff and administration within your site.
- Demonstrate the ability to use positive behavior management methods when presenting academic materials. Demonstrate a “no fail attitude” when teaching or interacting with students.
- Demonstrate competency in the following areas:
1. Analytical – collects data on student goals. Uses information collected to determine outcome and make appropriate changes.
2. Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves student problems in a timely manner. Gathers and analyses information skillfully.
3. Oral Communication – Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations. Listens and gets clarification. Responds well to questions.
4. Written Communication – Writes clearly and informatively. Edits work for spelling and grammar. Presents numerical data effectively. Able to read and interpret written information.
5. Change Management – Develops workable implementation plans. Communicates change effectively. Monitors transition and evaluates results.
6. Quality Management – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
7. Organizational Support – Follows policies and procedures. Completes administrative request correctly and on time.
8. Strategic Thinking – Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals.
9. Judgment – Displays willingness to make decisions. Exhibits sound and accurate judgment. Supports and explains reasoning for decisions.
10. Planning/Organizing – Prioritizes and plans work activities. Uses time efficiently. Sets goals and objectives. Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks.
11. Professionalism – Approaches students and others in a tactful manner. Treats students and others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position. Accepts responsibility for own actions.
12. Quality – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness. Monitors own work to ensure quality.
13. Quantity – Meets productivity standards. Completes work in a timely manner. Works quickly.
14. Adaptability – Manages competing demands.
15. Attendance/Punctuality – Is consistently at work and on time.
16. Dependability – Follows instructions and responds to management direction. Takes responsibility for own actions. Keeps commitments.
Qualifications & Requirements:
- A valid California certified Special Education Credential – Mild/Moderate
- English Language Learner authorization (or equivalent)
- Autism Spectrum Disorders added authorization (AAAS)
- Master’s Degree preferred within Special Education or a related area.
- Two to five years successful, full time teaching experience in Special Education, preferred.
- Evidence indicates additional coursework or professional development in instructional methods and intensive positive behavior intervention methods with the exceptional child preferred.