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The job of the special education teacher was established for the purpose(s) of providing support to the instructional process by serving as a teacher with specific responsibility for developing success for special education students in the areas of academics, interpersonal skills, and activities of daily living; supervising students within the classroom and other assigned areas; developing lesson plans and delivering group and individual student instruction within established curriculum guidelines; collaborating with other teachers, other professional staff, and administrators in addressing instructional and/or classroom issues; and responding to a wide range of inquiries from students' parents or guardians regarding instructional program(s) and student progress by collecting and analyzing data.

The job reports to the Assistant Director of the Solly School.

Education: Bachelor's degree

Qualifications:

• SKILLS are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
• KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percentages, and/or ratios; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: appropriate codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; age appropriate activities; lesson plan requirements; stages of child development; and behavioral management strategies.
• ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; analyze data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of varied types and/or purposes; and utilize specific, job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans.
• Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: establishing and maintaining constructive relationships; adapting to changing work priorities; maintaining confidentiality; exhibiting tact and patience; and working flexible hours.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities:

• Adapts classroom instruction and assists in providing accommodations and/or modifications, after collaborating with general education teachers, for the purpose of providing students with instructional materials that address Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs) with established lesson plans.
• Administers developmental testing programs, subject specific assignments, etc. for the purpose of assessing student competency levels and/or developing ILPs.
• Administers, if nurse is not available, first aid and assistance to children (e.g. toileting, diapering, etc.) for the purpose of providing appropriate care for children as assigned.
• Advises parents and/or legal guardians of student progress for the purpose of communicating expectations; student's achievements; developing methods for improvement and/or reinforcing classroom goals in the home environment.
• Assesses student progress towards objectives, expectations, and/or goals (e.g. behavioral, motor development and communication skills, academic needs, vocational abilities, etc.) for the purpose of providing feedback to students, parents and administration.
• Collaborates with instructional staff, other school personnel, parents and a variety of community resources for the purpose of improving the overall quality of student outcomes, achieving established classroom objectives in support of the Lipscomb Academy mission statement.
• Counsels and refers to related services, if needed, students for the purpose of improving performance, health status, problem-solving techniques and a variety of personal issues.
• Demonstrates methods required to perform classroom and/or subject specific assignments for the purpose of providing an effective program that addresses individual student requirements.
• Develops and implements specialized instruction for students for the purpose of improving their success in academics through a defined course of study.
• Manages student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment.
• Participates in a variety of meetings, including ILPs and/or data meetings for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
• Prepares a variety of written materials (e.g. adaptive materials, anecdotal records, ILPs, behavior logs, data, etc.) for the purpose of documenting student progress and meeting mandated requirements.
• Maintains special education files, both paper and electronic files.
• Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution.
• Reports incidents (e.g. altercations, suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse, harassment, zero tolerance offenses etc.) for the purpose of maintaining personal safety of students, providing a positive learning environment and adhering to state law and board policies.
• Responds to inquiries from a variety of sources (e.g. other teachers, parents, administrators, students, etc.) for the purpose of resolving issues, providing information and/or direction.
• Directs and supervises paraprofessionals, student teachers, volunteers and/or student workers for the purpose of providing an effective classroom program and addressing the needs of individual students.
• Supports other classroom teachers for the purpose of assisting them in the implementation of established curriculum and/or individual student plans.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.