Special Education Teacher

South Burlington School District

About South Burlington School District: 

At South Burlington School District, we believe in supporting the whole employee—inside and outside the workplace. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes amazing, competitively priced health insurance, dental coverage, sick time, professional time and other leaves. Additionally, we offer a robust retirement plan which for educators is through VT State Teachers Retirement; and for other staff consists of a 403b plan with up to 6% provided by the district. Employees may also enjoy professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement, wellness initiatives, Employee Assistance Programs and meaningful work that directly impacts student success and community growth.

Job Title: Special Education Teacher

Location: Assigned School

Job Group: Educator

Pay Level: Exempt

Reports to: School Principal and Director of Educational Support Services

Summary:  Plans and/or adapts the standards-based instructional program for eligible students consistent with local, state, and federal regulations, policies, procedures, and laws.  Motivates and supports students in learning and personal growth, according to each student's ability, in order to develop skills, knowledge, and a disposition for learning needed for continued education and/or work.  Establishes and maintains effective relationships with students, parents/guardians, staff members, and other professionals to meet student development needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Ensures students are supported in learning a grade-appropriate, instructional program from an approved curriculum.  
1. Develops or translates lesson plans and activities into standards-based appropriate learning experiences.  
2. Prepares instructional materials and provides individualized and small group instruction to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each student.
3. Assesses and monitors learning, using a variety of methods and adjusts instruction according to individual student needs.
4. Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior to optimize an effective learning atmosphere.
5. Assists in creating a learning environment that supports and motivates learners, provides personal growth according to the individual’s ability, and helps students develop a solid foundation for continued learning. 
6. Team-teach, co-teach, or provide support to teachers in a mainstream setting as assigned.
7. Provides individualized and group instruction and academic support in assigned subject matter using best practices as specified in school regulations and procedures, and as mandated by state law and as indicated by Individual Education Programs (IEPs.)
8. Ensure, through appropriate planning, that the individual needs of students will be met whether present or absent.
2. Responsible for all elements of the IEP process; the evaluation, planning, and case management of eligible students to include, but not limited to:
1. Scheduling and monitoring due dates for student evaluations (IEPs).
2. Evaluating students for special education eligibility in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations, policies, procedures, and laws.
3. Scheduling and conducting effective periodic meetings for assigned students.
4. Developing, through collaboration with a team, an Individual Education Program for each assigned student.  Receives regular feedback and processes information as required.
5. Assessing and documenting student progress toward individual goals.
6. Ensuring students are educated in the least restrictive environment.
7. Developing transition plans for assigned students, as appropriate.
8. Scheduling and conducting transition meetings for enrolling students.
9. Monitoring paraprofessional staff in the implementation of student programs.
10. Maintaining accurate, timely records, logs, evaluations, plans and other documentation.  Distributes to appropriate persons, as necessary and required.
3. Collaborates effectively with school staff, families and appropriate agencies by:
1. Collaborating effectively with content areas and learning-community colleagues to meet student learning needs.
2. Communicating school related issues, concerns, and successes. 
3. Being available to teachers, students and parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day and as indicated by IEPs.
4. Providing consultation and regular communications with other educators regarding academic accommodations, adaptations and behavior interventions/strategies.
5. Collaborating with outside agencies and other professionals and making appropriate referrals to other resources regarding individual student and program considerations.
4. Acquires and exhibits working knowledge of program procedures, routines and current best practices in Special Education and other professional related areas as assigned.  May participate in conferences, meetings, and trainings as appropriate or assigned.
5. May perform other work related responsibilities as assigned.

Education and/or Experience: Bachelor’s Degree.  Demonstrated skill in working with elementary and middle school students with disabilities is required.  Working knowledge of Special Education state and federal guidelines, regulations, and laws is essential.  Knowledge and experience with behavioral strategies, accommodations, and interventions for secondary students with emotional/behavioral challenges.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Valid Vermont Teaching License with appropriate endorsement as a Consulting Teacher and/or Special Educator.

Other Skills and Abilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to demonstrate a high degree of interpersonal, communication and organizational skills, attention to detail, and adaptability. The incumbent must also model appropriate professional behavior and positive attitudes at all times.  The ability to work independently at times, assuming responsibilities and demonstrating initiative is a must.  The ability to work collaboratively in a team environment is also required. The ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory specific to assigned instructional academics program; ability to plan and implement plans based on school objectives and the needs and abilities of assigned students is required.  Fluency in technology with data and communication systems and the ability to keep current on such technology.  The ability to learn and train others in the use of adaptive technology as required by individual student needs. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers, and parents; skill in oral and written communication are essential.  Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements, Vermont Education Quality Standards (EQS), applicable laws, and Board policies.  Demonstrated ongoing commitment to workplace diversity, sustainability, and delivering exceptional customer service. 

Why Join SBSD?

*Supportive colleagues and leadership

*Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

*Professional growth and advancement

*Comprehensive benefits

*Meaningful work that impacts students daily