Position Title:    Special Education Teachers - Secondary - Middle/High School

Department:      Building Level

Reports To:        Building Principal

Contract:            2017/18 School year - 190 days

Contrat Date:     Until Filled

SUMMARY: The special education teacher serves as a specialist to support students who are found eligible for special education services as defined by IDEA. The special education teacher plans and provides specialized instruction for students with disabilities through direct and indirect instructional support for academic subjects, cognitive processing and appropriate social skills. In addition to these specific individualized programs, the special education teacher may assist general education classroom teachers through co-teaching, team teaching and with selection of appropriate curricula and accommodations, and the development of behavior management programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Display knowledge and understanding of District, State and Federal procedures, policies and regulations by adherence to requirements, maintaining confidentiality and completing student records and reports accurately and on time.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills for administration and interpretation of various specialized student assessments necessary for program planning and progress monitoring.
• Establish and facilitate meetings and discussions, necessary for effective communication and follow up regarding instructional strategies for students with disabilities to benefit from the general education curriculum.
• Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, support personnel and other professionals to determine special education needs, develop appropriate Individualized Education Programs, and monitor progress of students.
• Serve as a member of a multidisciplinary team as appropriate; participate effectively as a team member; contribute creative solutions to problems; assumes case management responsibilities; use training and experience to support classroom instruction.
• Recognize need for prevention; involve others in the planning and delivery of prevention activities; perform prevention, follow-up, and program evaluation activities.
• Demonstrate thorough knowledge of a variety of developmental assets; resiliency/protective factors, and related community supports; engage in a variety of activities to create programs that support students and families; evaluates intended outcomes of programs created
• Participate in professional development, curriculum development meetings and ongoing training to further develop specialized skills.
• Demonstrate proficiency in planning, preparation, and utilizing special educational strategies, techniques, and technologies for instruction with students.
• Create an environment of respect and create a culture of learning through proficient classroom procedures and appropriate management of student behavior and development of individual student behavior interventions plans when needed.
• Demonstrate proficient strategies for instruction, including: Communication with students, using questioning techniques; use of engagement strategies and demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness to student instructional needs.
• Demonstrate professional responsibilities, including; collecting data for documenting student progress, reflecting on teaching, maintaining accurate records, communication with families, participating in a professional learning community, growing and developing professionally, and demonstrating professionalism.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/LICENSURE/EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred; field of study correlated to teaching assignment as a special education teacher with one of the appropriate licensure code numbers 258 or equivalent.  Individuals who are willing to work on an ALP (Additional Licensure Program) in special education may be considered.  Teachers with experience are valued; however, no prior experience is required.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Successful completion of pre-employment background checks. Appropriate personal and professional conduct at all times around students, other staff members and the general public.

The Jacksonville North Pulaski School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

It is the policy of the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District not to discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin or disability in its educational programs, activities or employment practices.