Job Description:

The Special Education Teacher develops special education students' success in academics, interpersonal skills, and activities of daily living by implementing district approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities, outcomes; addressing students' specific needs; providing a safe and optimal learning environment; and providing feedback to students, parents, and administration regarding student progress, expectations, goals, etc.

This job reports to the Principal.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree; Master's degree preferred.
• Certificates & Licenses: Valid Virginia Department of Education License with an endorsement in Special Education, or eligibility to obtain one.
• Compensation: This position qualifies for an additional step placement on the Licensed Salary Scale under the umbrella of Specialized Instruction.

Essential Functions:

• Adapts classroom work to provide students with instructional materials that address individualized learning plans within established lesson plans.
• Works with at-risk students at various academic/achievement levels to provide educational services which are comparable to those in public school
• Administers developmental testing programs, subject-specific assessments, etc. to assess student competency levels and/or develop individual learning plans
• Maintains a classroom environment conducive to effective learning in a secure, restrictive setting
• Advises parents and/or legal guardians of student progress to communicate expectations; student achievements; develops methods for improvement and/or reinforcing classroom goals in the home environment.
• Assesses student progress towards objectives, expectations, and/or goals and provides feedback to students, parents, and administration.
• Collaborates with instructional staff, other school personnel, parents, and a variety of community resources to improve the overall quality of student outcomes and achieve established classroom objectives in support of the school improvement plan.
• Counsels students to improve performance, health status, problem-solving techniques, and a variety of personal issues.
• Demonstrates methods required to perform classroom and/or subject-specific assignments to provide an effective program that addresses individual student requirements.
• Directs assistant teachers, student teachers, instructional assistants, volunteers, and/or student workers to provide an effective classroom program and address the needs of individual students.
• Instructs students to improve their success in academic, interpersonal, and daily living skills through a defined course of study.
• Manages student behavior to provide a safe and optimal learning environment.
• Monitors students in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom, playground, field trips, nap times, etc.) to provide a safe and positive learning environment.
• Participates in a variety of meetings to convey and/or gather information required to perform functions.
• Prepares a variety of written materials (e.g. grades, attendance, anecdotal records, etc.) to document student progress and meet mandated requirements.
• Reports incidents (e.g. fights, suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse, etc.) to maintain the personal safety of students, provide a positive learning environment, and adhere to the Education Code and school policies
• Complies with and enforces school rules, state and federal guidelines
• Performs other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Clearances:

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance.
• Tuberculosis Skin Test.

Public Health Compliance

• Must follow safety and health protocols.

WP