Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teacher

SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the School Principal, and the Special Education Director, the Special Education Teacher is responsible for maximizing the learning environment for students with special needs in a safe and optimal learning environment.  This will be done by implementing district approved curriculum for academics, interpersonal skills and activities of daily living.  In addition, the Special Education Teacher will be responsible for documenting student progress/activities, outcomes; addressing students' specific needs, and providing parents and administration feedback on student progress, expectations, goals, etc. 

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to the building Principal.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts assessments, testing and diagnostic examinations of students for the purpose of identifying learning issues, and recommending courses of action or corrective procedures to overcome issues and maximize learning. 
• Participates in MTSS meetings and assists in developing Individual Educational Plans ("IEP") for students. 
• Assists students and teaching staff in implementing students' IEP's and behavior management plans. 
• Coordinates with outside agencies, organizations and institutions, including state and federal authorities as needed. 
• Coordinates with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs, including students with special needs, and to familiarize stakeholders with social work services. 
• Serves as ready resource to students and parents to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and behavioral management; serves as liaison between home and school. 
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships with members of institutions of higher learning and the business community. 
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and providing student information as required by district procedures and applicable laws. 
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents. 
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records. 
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and translates lesson plans into learning experiences to develop pertinent sequential assignments, challenge students, and best utilize the available time for instruction.
• Maintains familiarity with district and Wyoming State standardized tests for the purpose of adapting curriculum to maximize student achievement on such tests.
• Supervises students in activities that take place out of the classroom during the school day, including activities involving school transportation.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and Director of Special Education as designated by the Superintendent. 

Note:    The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Three (3) to five (5) years of classroom teaching experience preferred but we welcome applicants with all levels of experience.
• Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.
• Highly Qualified Status and Exceptional Generalist certification through Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board required.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of Special Education principles, theories, testing, methods, etc. as well as proven methods of maximizing the educational experience of students with special needs.
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles. 
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans. 
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students. 
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50+ pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.

This job requires patience and the ability to handle and balance multiple demands at the same time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those and employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in this environment can be from moderate to quite loud depending upon the activity at the various schools and the particular part of the day.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position.  Additional duties are performed by the individual currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

The Crook County School District #1 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

For further information on notice of non-discrimination,

Denver Office, Office for Civil Rights (Education)

Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582 Telephone: 303-844-5695 FAX: 303-844-4303 TDD: 800-877-8339

Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov