Special Education Teacher
REPORTS TO: Supervisor of Special Services
SUPERVISES: Students, and when assigned, teacher assistants, and student teachers
JOB GOAL:
To provide an approved special education program and establish a class environment that fosters learning and personal growth; to help students to develop skills, attitudes and knowledge needed to provide a solid foundation for continued education; and to maintain positive, strong relationships with parents and other staff members; provide a safe and optimal learning environment.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Valid New Jersey Instructional Certificate and appropriate Special Education Endorsement or eligibility
- Demonstrated knowledge of effective teaching methods and ability to maintain a positive learning environment
- Minimum experience as determined by the Board
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Required criminal history background check and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status
- Applicants with general education certification and interest in special education are encouraged to apply.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Instruction and Student Contact
Provides instruction to classified students in accordance with each student’s Individualized Education Program.
Works cooperatively with regular education teaching staff to coordinate instructional activities and to monitor the progress of each student and provide support instruction in the regular classroom or resource center as assigned.
Provides home instruction to confined special education students as assigned.
Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve a classroom climate conducive to learning.
Maintains records of students’ educational progress in class record books and/or board approved forms and summarizes these marks for reporting purposes.
Develops Lesson Plans and Classroom Learning Activities
Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and provides individualized and small group instruction to meet the needs of each student.
Sets specific objectives wherever possible in lesson preparation and weekly lesson plans and carries through implementation to effectively achieve these objectives.
Creates individualized goals based on multiple assessment measures and data points.
Reports on Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance for student’s Individualized Education Program.
Consults with members of the Child Study Team regarding each student's educational program, academic program and personal growth.
Meets at least once annually with the case manager, parents and other professional staff to review and revise the Individualized Education Program and placement of each assigned student.
Skills, Knowledge, Abilities
Knowledge of Special Education principles, theories, testing, methods, etc. as well as proven methods of maximizing the educational experience of students with special needs.
Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles and levels of performance.
Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
Ability to organize and coordinate work.
Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
Ability to engage in self-reflection/evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
Contact with Parents and Community
Communicates with parents through conferences and other means to inform them about the school program and to discuss student progress.
Makes effective use of community resources to enhance the instructional program.
Planning and Coordination
Participates in the development of the district's plan for special education.
Participates in school-level planning, faculty meetings/committees and other school district groups.
Professional Contacts and Other Activities
Maintains professional competence and continuous improvement through inservice education and other professional growth activities.
Performs other duties within the scope of his/her employment and certification as may be assigned.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Work year and salary to be determined by the Board.
EVALUATION:
Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with New Jersey State law and the provisions of the Board’s policy on evaluation of certified staff.
Tenured track position