Special Education Teacher

TITLE:                                   1.0 FTE Special Education Resource Room Teacher

PAY GRADE:                       Certified Salary Schedule

FLSA:                                     Exempt

SUPERVISOR:                     Building Principal and Director of Student Services

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:   190 days per year. Works on-site according to designated schedule.

 

SUMMARY:

To plan and implement an effective Special Education Resource Room program enabling students requiring a higher level of support to benefit from specialized instruction in pre-academic, academic, and behavior areas. To inspire, engage, educate and empower every student.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. Hold a valid Idaho Exceptional Child Certificate endorsed for Generalist K-12, Serious/Emotion K/12, Sev Retardation K/12, Multiple Impair K/12 or Physical Impair K/12. Highly Qualified status in Elementary Core Content preferred. Idaho State Department of Education’s Highly Qualified Guidelines.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  (This list of essential duties is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. It does not imply that all positions within the class perform all of the duties listed, nor does it necessarily list all possible duties that may be assigned.)

·         Plans curriculum, lessons, activities and special education programs to facilitate the education of students with unique needs in basic academic skill areas (reading, math, written language) and other areas of need as prescribed by the Individual Education Program such as functional academics, communication, self-management, and personal/social/behavioral skills.

·         Implements and keeps current on a wide-range of teaching methods and instructional accommodations and/or modifications to meet the educational and social/emotional needs of students in special education.

·         Utilizes consultation, inclusion, small/individual group instruction to design programs to meet the unique student needs.

·         Effectively interacts and relates to children in a developmentally appropriate manner.

·         Understands and is sensitive to individual children’s differences and needs, and adjusts the program and curriculum to meet those individual needs and improve progress toward IEP goals.

·         Inspires, engages, educates and empowers young children and maintains standards of student behavior for a productive learning environment.

·         Works in an environment that encourages teamwork, sharing of ideas, flexibility, and respect.

·         Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates the history, background, and assessment of students in designing Individualized Education Programs to meet student needs.

·         Coordinates and leads IEP meetings with the required team members.

·         Follows BCSD and state Medicaid billing procedures.

·         Communicates with parents/guardians regarding students’ disabilities, educational plans, and related matters.

·         Counsels, confers with, and communicates in a positive manner with parents, school, and District personnel regarding student progress, and in the interpretation of the educational program.

·         Maintains student files and prepares educational records, evaluation reports, IEP documents, progress reports, classroom observations, and other forms as required.

·         Participates in building, District, and State Special Education meetings/trainings.

·         Maintains the physical environment of the classroom for organization, safety, and presentation purposes.

·         Supervises, trains, and utilizes paraprofessional’s (and volunteer’s) skills and abilities.

·         Works with other special education staff members and general education preschool teachers across the district to form a positive supportive team atmosphere.

·         Ensures confidentiality of privileged information.

·         Maintains adherence to all school policies and Idaho’s Special Education procedures.

·         Evaluates and orders materials necessary for appropriate instruction.

·         Possesses the computer skills necessary for this position.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of special education procedures and best practices. Knowledge of child development and especially of characteristics of students in the age group assigned. Knowledge of the prescribed curriculum. Knowledge of current educational research. Basic understanding and knowledge of current technology. Knowledge of learning styles and skill in using varied teaching methods to address student learning styles. Skill in oral and written communication with students, parents and others. Ability to plan and implement activities for maximum effectiveness. Ability to assess levels of student achievement effectively, analyze test results and prescribe actions for improvement. Ability to maintain appropriate student supervision so that students have a safe and orderly environment in which to learn. Ability to work effectively with peers, administrators and others. Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; directing other persons within a small work unit; and tracking budget expenditures.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 35% sitting, 30% walking, and 35% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and in a generally hazard free environment.

 

The Blaine County School District No. 61 is an equal opportunity employer/educator with a drug, alcohol, and tobacco free environment. Discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin does not exist in the District. Equal access to employment, services, and programs is available to all persons. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A). Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Those applicants requiring reasonable accommodations to the application and/or interview process should notify a representative of the organization. Preference will be given to eligible veterans pursuant to Idaho Code 65-503, et seq. Questions or complaints should be addressed to the Human Resources Department at (208) 578-5000 or emailed to jobs@blaineschools.org.

Rev. 1/16