Special Education Teacher ($2000 Travel Stipend)

Job Title:  SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER – LIFE SKILLS

Reports To:  BUILDING PRINCIPAL

General Job Description: The Special Education Life Skills Teacher at Bernalillo High School (BHS) is responsible for providing comprehensive instruction and case management for students with significant disabilities.

Summary/Qualifications/Responsibilities:

• Special Education Life Skills Teacher will be responsible for special education students in a life skills setting and inclusive settings (for inclusion of students with significant disabilities) to help meet their needs, based on their IEP.
• Special Education Life Skills Teacher will provide direct instruction to meet specific annual goals, short-term objectives, and general curriculum goals.
• Adaptive Techniques: Special Education Life Skills Teacher will employ a variety of instructional techniques and translate lesson plans into developmentally appropriate learning experiences for students with intensive needs.
• Learning Atmosphere: Special Education Life Skills Teacher will establish and maintain standards of pupil behavior according to IEP and BIP goals to ensure an orderly environment.
• Special Education Life Skills Teacher will create a functional and attractive learning space using displays, interest centers, and visual communication tools.
• Special Education Life Skills Teacher will serve as case manager for all students on their IEP case load. 
• High needs students may require more care, including care regarding communication, behavior management, and toileting needs. 

 Requirements/Required Skills/Experience:

• Experience working in a school setting with students who have intensive special needs in a classroom setting.
• Required to pass a background check
• Required to have a valid Special Education Teacher’s license with NMPED, or be eligible for the appropriate license.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Accurately demonstrate knowledge of work with students with intensive special needs, using approved district curriculum.
• Appropriately utilize a variety of teaching methods and resources for each area taught.
• Communicate with and obtain feedback from students in a manner that incorporates a variety of communication methods and enhances student learning and understanding.
• Comprehend the principles of student growth, development, and learning, and apply them appropriately.
• Utilize student assessment techniques and procedures at each student’s cognitive level.
• Manage the educational setting in a manner that promotes positive student behavior and a safe and healthy environment.
• Recognize student diversity and create an atmosphere conducive to the promotion of positive student involvement and self-concept.
• Demonstrate a willingness to examine and implement change, as appropriate.
• Work productively with colleagues, parents, and community members.
• Meet professional requirements and responsibilities.
• Provide direction to educational assistants who are assigned to the program.
• Complete other tasks as deemed appropriate by the immediate supervisor and/or the superintendent.
• Comply with Ethical Responsibility of the Education Profession Standards of Professional Conduct and Code of Ethics.
• Understand and participate in the development, use, and implementation of individualized education plans (IEP's) and individualized transition plans/504 plans, and implement modifications per IEP/504 in the classroom.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Communicate accurate and up-to-date information to students in a way that enhances student learning.
• Manage time appropriately.
• Cooperate with administration, parents, and co-workers.
• Create a positive atmosphere and arrange the physical environment of the classroom for optimum learning.
• Prepare for instruction and show written evidence of preparation.
• Take precautions to protect equipment} materials, and facilities.
• Maintain accurate and complete records as required by the school district, and report progress or lack thereof to parents in a timely manner.
• Attend and participate in on-site and district meetings.
• Complete duties (hall, bus, etc.) as assigned.
• Leave adequate preparations for a substitute.
• Develop and implement appropriate classroom management strategies while maintaining high expectations for student behavior.
• Encourage cooperation between students.
• Maintain student involvement in appropriate tasks.
• Use and apply appropriate conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrate public relations skills.
• Use appropriate techniques, strategies, and materials to achieve the desired instructional goal.
• Adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of individual students.
• Use current technology for instruction and management purposes.
• Use data to improve instructional programs.
• Be available to parents, students, administration, and peers outside the school day if needed.
• Report suspected child abuse and neglect.
• Be responsible for students on field trips.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Students in class(es)

 Qualifications:

1.     A bachelor's degree.

2.     A valid New Mexico teaching license with endorsements as needed.

3.     Highly Qualified Status

4.     Must be able to pass employment verification.

 Physical Requirements:

Sitting, standing, lifting, and carrying (up to 50 pounds), reaching, climbing, squatting, kneeling, and moving light furniture may be required.

 Safety and Health:

·         Child Abuse/Substance Abuse Workshop

·         Blood borne Pathogens Standard Training

 Equipment/Material Handled:

Must know how to properly operate, or be willing to learn to operate, multi-media equipment including current technology as needed.

 Work Environment:

Must be able to work within various degrees of noise, temperature and air quality. Job responsibilities require both inside and outside assignments. Interruptions of work are routine. Flexibility and patience are required. Must be self-motivated and able to complete job assignments without direct supervision. Occasional after hour work may be required. Sitting, standing, lifting and carrying (up to 50 pounds), reaching, squatting, climbing stairs, kneeling, and moving light furniture may be required.                                                                        

 Terms of Employment:

Salary and work year to be established by the Board.

 * All BPS Positions Are Subject to Funding