Special Education Teacher-middle school

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the school principal, the special education teacher plans and provides for appropriate learning experiences for students with disabilities in a variety of educational settings. The person in this position is responsible for creating a flexible program and learning environment that provides specialized instruction for students with disabilities, such that the students benefit from the general education curriculum to the greatest extent possible when supported with supplemental aides, accommodations, and other needed supports.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Must be eligible for or possess a valid Collegiate Professional License from the State of Virginia (Special Education endorsement); Master’s Degree preferred.
2. Experience within a public school or private education facility preferred.
3. Excellent human relations skills and a working knowledge of the English language in written and verbal form.

ESSENTIAL TASKS

1. Provide direct and indirect instructional support to students in a positive environment.
2. Employ special educational strategies and techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, and memory.
3. Instruct students in academic subjects using a variety of techniques such as phonetics, multi-sensory learning, and repetition to reinforce learning and to meet students' varying needs and interests.
4. Teach socially acceptable behavior, as determined by the students’ individualized education programs (IEPs) by employing techniques in an overall positive behavioral support system.
5. Modify the general education curriculum for students with disabilities based upon a variety of instructional techniques and technologies.
6. Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
7. Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining an environment conducive to learning for all students.
8. Meet with parents to discuss their children's progress and to determine priorities for their children and their individualized educational needs.
9. Confer with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, and other professionals to develop individualized education programs (IEPs) designed to promote students' educational, physical, and social/emotional development.
10. Maintain accurate and complete student records and prepare reports on children and activities, as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
11. Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students.
12. Develop plans for effective communication, monitoring, and follow-up of students in inclusive classroom settings.
13. Provide crisis intervention, as needed, for students and those in inclusive classrooms.
14. Assist in collection of data for providing appropriate classroom interventions.
15. Assist in preparation of data for local, state, and federal reports.
16. Maintain professional competence by participating in staff development activities, curriculum development meetings, and other professional opportunities.
17. Other assignments or related work as determined by the principal or Director of Special Programs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The candidate will demonstrate knowledge of the necessary principles and application of theory into practice for effective instruction and positive behavioral supports that are beneficial for implementation with all students with disabilities. The special educator also demonstrates the ability to provide positive behavioral support to students in a group and in an individual setting; demonstrates an understanding of the federal, state, and local mandates governing the determination and delivery of special education services; completes observations and reports pertaining to learning behaviors of students; displays the ability to work effectively with administrators, colleagues, central office and school based staff, students, parents and community members.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with students, other faculty, staff, and parents as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle, or feel objects and controls. The position may also entail significant walking, bending, standing, stooping, and possible physical interventions in order to maintain a safe learning environment. Assignment may require the ability to physically move students or equipment weighing up to 50 lbs., position students in specialized equipment, and performing other student related tasks as needed.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.

SUPERVISOR:  Principal & Director of Special Programs

JOB CLASSIFICATION:  Exempt

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 10-month contract (200 days)

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties that will be performed by this employee.  The teacher shall be required to follow any other instructions and to do any other related duties as assigned by the Principal or designee. King William County Public Schools reserves the right to update or change this job description and related duties at any time.

APPLICATIONS: Applications may be completed online at King William County Public Schools www.kwcps.k12.va.us.  All candidates must submit an application. Individuals who do not meet the minimum qualifications of the position or who fail to submit all requested information by the deadline date will not be considered. 

BACKGROUND SCREENING:  The selected candidate will be required to pass a criminal history background check (fingerprinting).

For additional information please contact:

Mrs. Tina Rudd, Director of Human Resources
King William County Public Schools
P. O. Box 185; King William, VA 23086
Office: (804) 769-3434
Fax: (804) 769-8524
Email:trudd@kwcps.k12.va.us

King William County Public Schools does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, or other basis prohibited by state law relating to discrimination in its employment practices or educational programs and activities, as required by Title VI, Title IX and Section 504.