Special Education Teacher Early Childhood Candidate Pool

DESCRIPTION 

Under direction of the Principal and/or Assistant Principal, the Special Education teacher provides direct instruction and instructional support to students with disabilities and works in collaboration with the general education teacher and the student’s team members. Special Education Teachers must possess knowledge of differentiated instruction, data collection, best instructional practices, research based reading instruction, and other pertinent special education policies/laws. Special educators perform special education case management responsibilities that include the development, implementation and monitoring of Individual Education Program plans in collaboration with the teachers, related service providers, families, and the student. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

Applicants must meet all qualifications below to be considered for the vacancy. 

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree  

Certification/Licensure: 

• Meets the Maryland State Department of Education licensure requirements for Special Education Birth-Grade 3 licensure. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Three previous years of teaching experience. 

• Holds a current Maryland State Department of Education license in Special Education (grades birth- three). 

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES 

The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. 

• Plans and implements instructional programs and interventions that adhere to HCPSS goals and priorities. 

• Provide direct instruction and instructional support to students with disabilities and general education teachers. 

• Serves as liaison between school staff and administration including the special education supervisor. 

• Prepares for IEP team meetings and provides case management for assigned students with disabilities. 

• Serves as a member of the IEP team as appropriate. 

• Interprets both informal, and classroom based assessment for students in order to make instructional decisions. 

• Collects data on student performance to improve student outcomes and direct instruction. 

• Administers and interprets formal assessments as appropriate. 

• Selects and adapts materials to assist students with disabilities to access the general education curriculum, as appropriate. 

• Communicate effectively with students and families in an effort to share updates and progress. 

• Participates in professional development activities designed to advance teacher knowledge in the areas of instruction, best practices, differentiated instruction, changes in educational policy, and other information as may be necessary to improve classroom instruction and programming for students with disabilities. 

• Supervises and plans for the continuing professional development of paraeducators assigned to the classroom. 

• Sets up and operates equipment; uses assistive technology to support student learning and communication and other equipment. 

• Helps maintain order and discipline and assists in managing the behavior of students, including crisis intervention. 

• Assists with routine care, including personal hygiene, toileting, feeding and other custodial tasks, as or requested. 

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

• Knowledge of the HCPSS curriculum for the grade/content range of the position. 

• Thorough knowledge of IEP, learning theory, differentiated instruction, data collection, best instructional practices, research-based reading instruction, multicultural education, assessments. 

• Ability to provide differentiated instructional techniques that inspire, motivate and meet the individual educational needs of all students. 

• Ability to develop and nurture an atmosphere and educational environment conducive to the intellectual, physical, social and emotional development of all students. 

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of special education including Individualized Education Programs (IEP). • Skilled in classroom behavior management. 

• Skilled in preparing and implementing lesson plans and modifying curriculum for special-needs students. 

• Skilled in communicating with students, their parents and/or families, administrators, related service providers, paraprofessionals and other stakeholders. 

• Knowledge of and skill in the use of database, internet, spreadsheet, word processing, and related applications. 

• Knowledge of and skill in the use of technology, audio-visual aids and other equipment to supplement instruction.  

• Ability to maintain confidential information. 

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing 

SELECTION CRITERIA 

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.