Special Education Teacher

POSITION PURPOSE

Under the general supervision of the School Principal, the Special Education Teacher/Case Manager maximizes the learning experience of students with special needs, in academics, interpersonal skills and activities of daily living by implementing district approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress, activities and outcomes; addressing students' specific needs and providing a safe and optimal learning environment.

Essential Functions

• Provides research-based specialized instruction to address the instructional goals and objectives contained within each student’s individualized education plan (IEP).
• Conducts assessments, testing and diagnostic examinations of students’ knowledge and skills to determine the need for additional reinforcement or adjustments to instructional techniques.
• Adheres to procedural requirements, including due process timelines.
• Serves as the primary contact for parents of students with IEPs and schedules team meetings, as needed.
• Assists students and teaching staff in implementing student IEP's and behavior management plans.
• Develops student IEP's and ensures services and interventions are implemented and are in compliance.
• Coordinates with outside agencies, organizations and institutions, including state and federal authorities as needed.
• Collaborates and consults with educational professionals and community service providers (i.e., social services, public health, medical providers, etc.) regarding the needs of students.
• Provides consultation to classroom teachers regarding classroom adaptations, instructional modifications, adaptive equipment, behavior modifications plans, and other similar instructional interventions to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
• Participates in Child Study Team meetings and assists in developing IEP’s for students.
• Serves as ready resource to students and parents to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and behavioral management; serves as liaison between home and school.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships with members of institutions of higher learning and the business community.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records.
  
  

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities

• Skilled in leading group processes/discussions, utilizing a variety of instruction aids and technologies.
• Ability to write reports, lesson plans, learning objectives, tests, and assists in writing and reviewing curriculum using and applying professional/technical concepts, principles and terminology.
• Knowledge of Special Education principles, theories, testing, methods, etc. as well as proven methods of maximizing the educational experience of students with special needs.
• Skilled in administering, scoring and interpreting special education assessment tools and procedures.
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans. Experience with NHSEIS preferred.
• Knowledge of current special education laws, rules, regulations, District policies, and procedures. Ability to apply these to help ensure District compliance.
• Knowledge of instructional technologies and software, equipment, tools and devices.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
  
  

Qualifications Profile

Certification/License: NH State Certification as a Special Education Teacher

Education

• Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.
• Masters Degree in Special Education
  
  

Experience:

• Five (5) years of successful prior special education teaching experience for the appropriate grade level preferred.
  
  

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined above, in addition to the following:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk and sit. The employee is regularly required to see, talk and hear. The employee is regularly required to use hands to manipulate, handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb steps, stoop, kneel or crouch. The employee is required to supervise students requiring the employee to match walking speed that matches the student and may at times require the ability to run to safeguard students. The employee will be required to do some lifting, carrying, moving and/or, when appropriately trained, restraining of school-age students. Employee must occasionally move equipment and/or supplies. Employee is occasionally required to drive. Employee is regularly required to handle stressful situations and resolve conflicts. The job is performed for the most part in a school setting with occasional outside weather conditions. The noise level is that of a typical school setting.

FLSA Status: Exempt