ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER 0.5 FTE
DESCRIPTION:
The certified Special Education Teacher provides instructional and behavioral support to students with disabilities. The Special Education teacher also supports, plans, and develops programs aligned with students’ Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and assists regular education teachers with following IEPs.
This staff member may also organize and lead meetings for eligibility/initial evaluations, review special education documents, and support special education teachers and building administration with special education processes within the school building.
SUPERVISION:
Works under the supervision of the Principal and the Pupil Services Director. Evaluated by the Principal or designee.
JOB ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed within an elementary school environment in both special education and general education classrooms.
Home visits and transition meetings at other locations may be necessary to ensure consistency of programming and carryover.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Curriculum, Planning and Assessment
Demonstrate knowledge of the developmental levels of students in the classroom and the different ways the students learn
Design units and lessons with measurable objectives that are aligned to the state standards, common core, and adopted curriculum of the Anne T. Dunphy School
Coordinate, facilitate and supervise curriculum and specialized programming and support services in compliance with federal and state requirements for students with special needs in grades PreK-6. This includes conferring with parents, administrators, testing team, social workers and others to develop and write Individual Education Plans for students.
Plan curriculum, lessons, and special education programs/interventions.
Implement and provide consultation on effective instructional strategies and curriculum that align with the MA curriculum frameworks and Common Core as modified to meet the individual needs of children and instructional requirements of the Individual Education Plans.
Evaluate and observe students as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
Collect data, monitor progress, and modify general education programs.
Collect and analyze data from various sources including formal and informal assessments, observations, performance evaluations and teacher reports.
Write quarterly progress reports and year end evaluations based on collected data.
Team Leader responsibilities
Support efficient school-wide referral and Special Education process
Work closely with special education administrative assistant and building principal to oversee scheduling of team meetings and efficient flow of special education processes and paperwork.
Work with special education administrative assistant to notify appropriate special and regular education staff of evaluation requirements
Work with special education administrative assistant to oversee the scheduling of team meetings in compliance with state and federal Special Education regulations
Assist with the organization and maintenance of Special Education records and enrollment
Teaching All Students
Maintain an integrated therapies model of intensive instruction and support that provides follow through for occupational, physical, and Speech/language therapy services, as well as assistive technology and other related services required for individual children to progress effectively.
Provide appropriate direction to the teaching team for the facilitation of inclusion.
Facilitate the positive transition, placement and curriculum planning for students with special needs into general education classroom activities.
Schedule, plan and oversee student support in inclusive settings.
Support students to prepare for statewide standardized testing with accommodations as dictated in the IEP. This includes making appropriate recommendations in the IEP for standardized and non-standard accommodations..
Anticipate and respond appropriately to student misunderstandings, conflicts, differences and questions
Family and Community Engagement
Maintain open and effective communication with parents, staff, and administration about student learning, progress and grades
Participate actively in IEP, 504, SAC, and Pre-referral meetings
Professional Culture
Participate in and lead IEP team meetings, parent conferences, and case management staffing and transition meetings as needed.
Participate actively in team/department/faculty meetings
Continuously seek out ideas for improving practice and actively participate in professional development opportunities and the educator evaluation process
Collaborate with colleagues to support students on IEPs, develop curriculum, analyze student performance, and plan interventions
Observe and implement the rules and regulations established for the school as outlined in the school handbook and by administration
Perform any other task/duty required or requested that is related to maintaining services and student records in compliance with Federal and state law, regulation, and policy.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
MA License Moderate Disabilities PreK-8
Master’s Degree preferred, Bachelor’s Degree required
Special Education teaching experience with students with disabilities
Experience working with curriculum accommodations and modifications
Experience with inclusion and de-escalation strategies
Knowledge of services provided by or available from other agencies preferred
Superior interpersonal skills/ability to communicate and interact with parents, staff, and students.
Training in specialized reading programs preferred.
Willingness to participate in De-escalation Training preferred.
District CORI Check required before employment begins
Federal Fingerprint Check required before employment begins
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Good general health.
Alert, physically assertive and mobile at all times.
Lift, push, or pull 50 pounds as required;
Mobility to regularly walk, stand, stoop, reach, bend and occasionally run.