Special Education Teacher

POSITION PURPOSE

Plans and leads innovative instruction in the classroom that is specifically designed to teach students with learning differences.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & BASIC DUTIES

1. Educates children with learning differences in subject matter appropriate for the students’ age and ability level.
2. Plans curriculum and organize for effective classroom instruction.
3. Assigns individualized homework two or more times per week.
4. Uses effective classroom management and behavior strategies in the classroom.
5. Engineers the classroom to support students with learning differences.
6. Supervises the teacher assistant in the classroom effectively. 
7. Functions as the team leader for each student in the classroom.
8. Analyses and uses data to guide instruction and communicate student success through report cards.
9. Communicates in a professional manner with parents.
10. Ensures student safety at all times by following established procedures and using common sense both on and off campus.
11. Follows all HIPPA guidelines to insure confidentiality.
12. Acts as a mandatory reporter by reporting evidence of child abuse to the Department of Human Services.
13. Collaborates with a variety of professionals, paraprofessionals and family members effectively.
14. May perform other related or non-related duties, as assigned.

Competencies

Ethics:

• Treats people with respect.
• Inspires the trust of others.
• Demonstrates professional integrity and credibility.
• Upholds organizational values. 
• Embraces diversity. 
• Promotes strong work ethic. 

Professionalism:

• Approaches others in a tactful manner.
• Reacts well under pressure.
• Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position.
• Accepts responsibility for own actions.
• Follows through on commitments.

Planning and organizing:

• Lesson plans for each subject/groups’ daily instruction.
• Plans and organizes activities on and off campus.
• Establishes a classroom schedule with an appropriate amount of time dedicated to each subject as prioritized by ACCESS Schools.
• Engineers the classroom with appropriate visual schedules, behavior plans and organizational aids.  
• Manages ACCESS curriculums and resources in a responsible way.
• Keeps classroom materials and lesson plans in a way that an unfamiliar person could come and teach in the event of an unexpected teacher absence.  

Teaching:

• Assigns students to small learning groups in a variety of subjects according to learning styles, current skills, pace, and observations.
• Uses creativity and resources to find multiple creative ways to teach a difficult skill or concept.
• Knows each students’ instructional and independent work level in core subjects.
• Includes reading and written expression objectives in all subjects taught.
• Teaches with a multisensory approach.
• Makes learning meaningful, fun, interesting and motivating for students.
• Uses technology to enhance learning when appropriate.
• Demonstrates mastery of curriculum chosen by ACCESS Schools for instruction in a variety of subjects.
• Takes and analyzes data in order to better guide instruction and to report progress on report cards quarterly.
• Provides homework several days a week for students designed to help skill maintenance. 

Management:

• Organizes, plans and oversees instruction by TA.
• Gives feedback on instruction and behavior management.
• Takes part in training TA’s on curriculum and procedures.
• Establishes the schedule and duties of TA.
• Functions as the direct supervisor of the TA in their classroom.
• Has a weekly meeting with the TA to review the lesson plan and discuss the TA’s contribution.

Team Leader:

• Functions as the head of the team for each student in their classroom.
• Staffs on students with appropriate team members to discuss priority therapy goals, concerns, schedules, ways to support classroom instruction, sensory needs, and more at least monthly.

Communication:

• Communicates at least monthly with parents by email about their child’s academic and behavioral success at school.
• Communicates regularly with parents about instruction and special events in the classroom and/or school.
• Communicates with parents promptly about student concerns, accidents, or behavior incidences.  
• Sends school work home on a regular basis as a communication tool related to academic success and classroom instruction.
• Meets with parents to review report cards and otherwise as needed, determined by teacher or parent concern.
• Communicates in a positive, honest and caring manner.
• Is knowledgeable about ACCESS Schools’ mission, programs and curriculum and able to communicate effectively with parents and people in the community.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Certification:

• Undergraduate degree in Special Education or a related field
• Certified Special Education Teacher

Experience/Knowledge required:

• Previous experience teaching preferred.

Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with a wide variety of people.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret accumulated student data and academic testing results.
• Ability to work with a team to design and implement individual behavior plans.
• Ability to identify gaps in student learning and remediate through instruction.
• Ability to plan instruction and present information in an engaging and encouraging way.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Minimal travel is required for this position; this travel may include transporting students/clients.
• ACCESS drivers are required to maintain a valid Driver’s License, current auto liability insurance and registration, a clean driving record, and physical ability to drive to local locations throughout Arkansas.