Special Education Teacher

COMPENSATION: $60 to $63 per hour

Summary

Develop, implement, and support individualized practices for achieving learning outcomes for students with communication, cognitive, physical, and/or social/behavioral needs, based on the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This teacher will utilize evidence-based best practice and rely on frequent progress monitoring for programming adjustments. The Special Education Teacher will take a leadership role in collaborative problem-solving interventions for students.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Design and implement specialized instruction in one-on-one, small group and large classroom settings.

Work collaboratively to plan and accommodate curriculum, partner with team and with general educators and to communicate the abilities and needs of special education students.

Develop, implement and review for appropriateness of behavioral plans for designated students.

Adapt instruction to meet the instructional needs of all students on an IEP.

Use a variety of assessment data to progress monitor student IEP goals.

Provide research-based specialized instruction to address the instructional goals and objectives contained within each student’s IEP.

Assess student progress and determine the need for additional reinforcement or adjustments to instructional techniques.

Employ various teaching techniques, methods and principles of learning to enable students to meet their IEP goals.

Develop and implement annual Individualized Educational Program (IEP) plans for students to include: present levels of educational performance, special education needs, instructional goals and objectives, and the special education and related services required to meet those goals.

Provide consultation to classroom teachers regarding adaptations, instructional accommodations, behavior modification plans and other similar instructional interventions to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

Coordinate all IEP and referral meetings, conferences, and develop a multidisciplinary approach to the educational enhancement of the student.

Maintain ongoing communication with regular educators, school staff, students, and parents.

Create a safe, supportive, and understanding environment for students with disabilities.

Monitor and maintain a positive classroom environment that supports school-wide behavior expectations.

Establish and maintain appropriate relationships with students, parents, staff, and community members by communicating in a tactful, courteous, and confidential manner.

Attend all professional development days, parent-teacher conferences, and staff meetings.

Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Education is required.
• 2-3 years of Secondary teaching experience is preferred.
• Experienced/supervised internship in working with educationally disabled children. Training in understanding/interpreting educational assessments and prescriptive teaching.
• Demonstrated ability to collaboratively work with a multidisciplinary team in developing appropriate materials, facilitating inclusion, creating educational plans, and designing and implementing behavioral plans.
• Training and experience in working with students with a variety of disabling conditions.
• Complies with the school and district policies and procedures.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Current Colorado-certified teaching license with a Special Education Generalist endorsement or ability to obtain Colorado license is required.

Skills, Knowledge, and Equipment

• Ability to be flexible and collaborate with a team.
• Active listening and problem-solving skills.
• Well-developed interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills. Ability to work with groups of students.
• The ability to work independently with a patient, resourceful, and resilient personality.
• Excellent prioritization and organization skills.
• Basic computer skills and ability to operate office equipment.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of special education and specialty areas.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and methodology of effective teaching of students with disabilities.

Decision Making

• Work is primarily assigned by the Secondary Principal. This position requires the ability to make decisions and follow instructions of the Elementary Principal and school guidelines.
• Errors in decision making could lead to incorrect grades on papers, improper instructions for students, or improper behavior management of students. Decision making requires collaboration with the teaching staff.
• Work is guided by school policies and procedures.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms, and talk and hear.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, and sit.
• Occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

• The work environment described here represents what the candidate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the candidate is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.