The Special Education Teacher serves children assigned to them who are eligible students as defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree required
Appropriate state license or certification required
Understanding of LEA policies, laws, and guidelines related to special education including IDEA and specifically the development and implementation of IEPs
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Verbal and written communication skills
Interpersonal skills that reflect an ability to maintain a calm and patient demeanor with all students
Competency relating to special education needs, strategies, and services
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite and program-specific software (Skyward, Athlos)
Responsibilities
Develops individualized education programs (IEPs) for eligible students, setting learning goals and accommodations and setting modifications as necessary
Performs a variety of assessments and observations to determine the areas in which the student may need extra or modified educational services. Assessment areas may include academic performance, behavior, social development, or physical health
Develops an integrated plan for the education of each student based on their IEP by collaborating with classroom teachers, parents, psychologists, social workers, service providers, and other medical and school staff as appropriate
Develops and teaches lessons that provide engaging learning opportunities for small groups and individual students while meeting required specifications of IEPs
Trains team members on IEP details and SDI delivery as appropriate
Implements IEPs, provides ongoing or follow-up assessments, tracks student progress and makes modifications as necessary
Supervises delivery of specially-designed instruction (SDI) by others to whom instruction has been delegated through observations and student progress data collection and review
Collaborates with classroom and homeroom teachers to ensure each student assigned to them needs are met and plans are followed
Ensures programs comply with Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); ensures each applicable student is provided with Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that is properly modified for his/her individual needs
Develops, completes, and maintains documentation mandated by LEA, state, and federal guidelines, laws, and regulations
Maintains knowledge of special education teaching methods, research, and best practices through professional development and study
Implements positive reinforcement programs and acknowledges the achievements and successes of students and support the behavior programs used in the classroom
Communicates with parents/guardians of IEP students and reports student progress to them
Performs other related duties as assigned
Each pay period, the Special Education Teacher will be required to certify that the hours for which they will be compensated were spent conducting allowable activities supporting special education students. If the Special Education Teacher is asked to spend time working outside of special education during any pay period, they must notify their supervisor so the TEC and payroll funding can be adjusted.