Job Summary:

The Special Education Teacher develops and provides specialized instruction to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. This teacher evaluates and assesses student progress against instructional objectives and measurable goals, follows state-mandated procedures, and functions as the Individual Education Plan (IEP) manager to assigned students.

Essential Functions:

• Provides research-based specialized instruction to address the instructional goals and objectives contained within each student's IEP
• Assesses student progress and determines the need for additional reinforcement or adjustments to instructional techniques
• Employs various teaching techniques, methods, and principles of learning to enable students to meet their IEP goals
• Develops and implements annual IEP plans for students to include: present levels of educational performance, special education needs, instructional goals and objectives, and the special education and related services required to meet those goals
• Schedules team meetings and works cooperatively with child study team members and others in developing instructional goals and strategies
• Serves as primary contact for the parent
• Establishes and maintains student control and discipline in the classroom, on school premises, or during school activities
• Employs and implements a classroom structure and consistency to encourage student responsibility, cooperation, and mutual respect consistent with school policies and procedures
• Complies with policies, regulations, and procedures of the school; communicates effectively with parents and works collaboratively with staff
• Displays high-level professional conduct and image at all times; establishes and maintains an acceptable attendance record; and participates in extra-curricular activities and/or leadership roles outside the classroom
• May assist students and parents with managing behavioral difficulties including various types of disability that may cause students to learn differently
• Skilled and experienced in teaching students with higher levels of need, if necessary including but not limited to autism, emotional support, resource room, life skills, etc.
• May plan and deliver educational instruction to students with autism spectrum disorder, emotional disabilities, students who may need life skills support and resource room support
• Assists students with coping and provides techniques to help students adapt to their school community
• Promotes classroom structure, rules, and procedures
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Special Education from an accredited college or university
• Pennsylvania Criminal Record Check Clearance
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance
• FBI Criminal Background Clearance

Certifications/Licenses:

• Valid Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Instructional Certificate in Special Education

Demonstrated Knowledge of:

• The principles, practices, and methods of special education for grade-level education
• The contents, materials, methodologies, and practices utilized within special education at the respective grade level
• All relevant Pennsylvania and Federal rules, statutes, and regulations governing special education
• IEP software programs and related tools
• Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) standards
• Response to Interventions (RTII)
• Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS)

Demonstrated Ability to:

• Assess students' needs and learning styles and design appropriate differentiated instruction to meet their learning difference needs
• Use and apply simulations and technological innovations in the classroom in pursuit of instructional strategies designed to assist students with special needs
• Use planned lessons in a manner that allows students to improve language and math skills
• Apply critical thinking methodologies designed to assist students with learning differences
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, administrators, support staff, parents and students

Note: The school has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.