General Special Education Teacher

ABOUT OUR SCHOOL: Saint Mary's offers its student body of about 500 young men and women a rigorous liberal arts and sciences curriculum, a developed fine arts program, a diversity of extracurricular activities, regular access to the sacraments, and a strong retreat program. As a diocesan Catholic school, Saint Mary's takes great pride in striving to form virtuous young men and women who know the Truth and love the Good. In all areas of campus life, Saint Mary's strives to create an encounter with Christ.

POSITION TITLE:Special Education Teacher PURPOSE AND SCOPE: Under the supervision of the Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction and the Director of the Learning Resource Center, the Special Education teacher is a dedicated and passionate person of faith who strives to achieve the goals of Catholic education. The Special Education teacher will work with diverse learning needs, create inclusive and engaging learning environments, and collaborate with colleagues to ensure the success of all Saint Mary's students. This role includes students in the Mild to Moderate range of learning disabilities, along with ADD, ADHA, autism spectrum, and more specific English and math disabilities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Strives to achieve the goals of Catholic education:Embraces and models the Catholic philosophy of education.Promotes and lives gospel values and Catholic moral teaching.Upholds the doctrinal teachings of the Catholic Church.Provides opportunities for faith development of students in the classroom to prepare them for life in today's Church and society.Can articulate and give evidence of Catholic living by the example of their lives.Special Education focus:Plan, develop, and implement Student Support Programs (SSPs) from IEPs for students with special needs.Differentiate instruction to accommodate various learning styles and abilities within the high school setting.Collaborate with general Education Teachers, support staff, and parents to ensure a team approach to student success.Assess and monitor student progress, adjusting teaching strategies as needed to address academic, social, and behavioral goals.Utilize technology and other resources to enhance the learning experience for students with special needs.Foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment that promotes social-emotional development.Provide necessary accommodations and modifications to curriculum and assessments.Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, including SSP documentation and progress reports.Participate in professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in Special Education.Attend and actively contribute to Student Support Program (SSP) meetings, parent conferences, and other relevant school-based meetings. Assumes responsibility for the leadership and management of the classes assigned:Provides a positive learning environment.Organizes the classroom to facilitate student learning.Supervises and provides for the safety, welfare, and care of the students while they are in school.Works toward the creation of a Catholic community within the classroom and the entire school community.Shows respect for individuals and fairness in dealing with students and parents.Develops and implements a daily and weekly schedule covering all areas of curriculum.Develops and implements an instructional program according to the needs of the students and the school:Integrates Church's teachings in all aspects of the curriculum.Determines levels of student achievement.Uses appropriate teaching strategies to meet individual student needs.Uses resources available to promote learning experiences for all students.Uses a variety of instructional strategies.Refers students for evaluation and consultation when necessary and in collaboration with administration and parents.Includes all students in presentation and discussions.Evaluates student progress effectively: Uses a variety of ongoing assessments.Aligns assessments with goals, objectives, information taught, and instructional guidelines and school.Provides prompt constructive feedback on student work and performance.Maintains proper grading and/or reporting system for each student.Meets deadlines with official classroom reports, attendance, and data.Maintains lesson plans.Establishes positive school-community relationships:Maintains cooperative relations with all in the school community.Promotes respectful and positive school relationships.Maintains awareness of his/her role as a Catholic schoolteacher and its impact on the community.Provides for regular conferences and meetings with parents.Cooperates with and helps promote various curricular and co-curricular programs within the school.Attends and actively participates in school faculty meetings and in-services.Continues professional development to remain current with religious and academic certifications:Keeps informed of current instructional practices through professional reading and educational opportunities.Participates in professional activities and joins appropriate professional organizations.Attends diocesan sponsored in-services.Attends and actively participates in school faculty meetings and in-services.Actively participates in the process of continuous school improvement.Maintains personal professional development records.Performs any other job-related tasks deemed necessary and/or assigned by the principal. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIREDMust demonstrate personal self-discipline, be adaptable and flexible in routine and unexpected situations.Must use good judgment in daily encounters.Must use verbal and written language correctly.Must demonstrate an appropriate sense of humor.Must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of good teaching techniques and child psychology.Must maintain appropriate grooming and dress at all times as stated in the faculty handbook.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSPreference given to Catholic teacher.Must be willing to make a public Profession of Faith if Catholic and if non - Catholic willing to support Catholic teachings and philosophy.Must hold a Bachelor's Degree.Must be certified by the Arizona State Department of Education as a teacher and meets applicable accreditation requirements.

Endorsement in Special EducationReceived Safe Environment Training and signed the Code of Conduct.FBI Fingerprint clearance completed.Must meet Ministry Formation Certification and/or re-certification as required by Diocesan policy.