Special Education Teacher - Reflections Program

Department: 

Student Services

Job Title: 

Special Education/Reflections Teacher – Middle School

FLSA Status: 

(Exempt/Non-exempt)

Exempt; Unit A

Reports to: 

School Principal; Special Education Administrator

In compliance with state and federal laws, Newton public schools is committed to equity, anti-racism and a nondiscrimination policy for students, employees and prospective applicants. All educational and employment determinations are based on an individual’s qualifications and achievements without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, homelessness, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state and/or federal statute.

Summary:

The Special Education Teacher provides appropriate educational programming for students with an intellectual impairment, ASD and other neurological disorders employing behavior evidence-based methodologies. The teacher is responsible for supervising students within the classroom and other assigned areas; developing lesson plans and delivering instruction within established curriculum guidelines; collaborating with other teachers, professional staff, and administrators to improve instruction; and engaging parents/guardians in conversations with regard to instructional programs and student progress.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

? Bachelor’s degree 

? MA teaching license in moderate or severe special needs 

? Knowledge of a wide range of disabilities and intellectual impairments 

? Excellent oral and written communication skills 

? Ability to handle a multitude of varying and complex issues 

? Ability to use technology effectively 

Desired Qualifications: 

? Experience working with students with Intellectual Impairments, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and other neurological challenges ? Experience using research based methodology for instruction and behavior reduction 

? Experience implementing all parts of the IEP process 

? Understanding of special education regulations and laws

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities (Not Limited To):

? Teach students specific skills and strategies to help them access curriculum 

? Complete educational assessments 

? Conduct IEP meetings and complete all related paperwork in a timely fashion 

? Monitor student progress; revise IEP according to progress 

? Co-teach or teach in substantially separate program including all core subject areas and life skills 

? Communicate with school personnel outside of the department and parents 

? Attend departmental and school-wide meetings and trainings 

? Consistent, reliable and punctual attendance is essential for supervision and instruction of the students 

? Responsible for implementing “other job related duties” as needed

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

Work Environment: 

? Majority of work is performed in a school/classroom environment. The noise level in the environment is usually moderate. Community trips are also embedded within this program. 

Physical Requirements: 

? While performing the duties of this job, the teacher is frequently required to walk, stand, sit, talk, and hear. The teacher is regularly required to bend, stoop, crouch and/or kneel. The teacher is occasionally required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Must be able to assist with student behavioral needs as necessary, including responding to students who are physically unsafe, using physical restraints as part of a de-escalation process, and moving furniture in response to a crisis situation. 

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.