Special Education Teacher

Position Title:Special Education Teacher
Funding Source: General Fund
Reports to: This position reports to and is evaluated by the School Principal

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Michigan Teacher Certification with Learning Disability endorsement (SM), Cognitive Impairment endorsement (SA), or Emotional Impairment endorsement (SE)

Position Description: The Special Education Teacher will prioritize student-learning needs over
the customs, routines, and established relationships that can stand in the way of necessary change.
He or she will use a variety of methodologies and curriculum resources to ensure that all students
meet grade level content expectations.

Position Responsibilities:

• Implement DAAS district policies, procedures and school performance standards;
• Delivers instruction to include reading, writing, spelling, language, vocabulary, math, science, social studies, technology, counseling, study skills, health, problem solving, foreign language, physical education, and music;
• Determine instruction techniques, strategies, and methods;
• Schedule activities;
• Teach and integrate writing with all disciplines;
• Prepare for instruction by developing and creating activities;
• Provides feedback to parents regarding various student academic and discipline issues to include communicating with parents through phone calls, progress reports, and assessing comprehension of learning objectives;
• Plans for differentiated instruction of special needs students across content areas;
• Assess and evaluate performance, behavior, and progress of students to include keeping records of all attendance, grades, behavior documentation, and progress reports;
• Designing classroom, creating bulletin boards, disassembling classroom at end of year;
• Develops, review, revises and implements Individual Education Plans (IEP) for current and incoming students by collecting and analyzing data to include adjusting instruction based on assessment and determining correct assessment tools and appropriate level use;
• Follow structured lesson plans with multiple components;
• Work closely with the Lead Teacher to develop teaching skills;
• Collaborate with fellow Teachers on curriculum and student needs;
• Administer and evaluate performance assessments in all disciplines;
• Supervises students in the classroom, cafeteria, and playground to include resolving conflicts;
• Investigates misconduct situations and determines appropriate action;
• Develop family-school relationships that foster academic achievement, encouraging parents to participate in the daily life of the school;
• Work on curriculum development and understanding, in addition to implementation;
• Integrate technology into instruction, planning and communication;
• Understand, implement, and support an inclusion model for students who are identified as having special needs;
• Serve on at least one building level committee;
• Act as a coach to other Teachers on the team in areas of personal expertise;
• Design a physical environment that uses classroom spaces, walls, and room arrangements as learning resources to contribute to effective learning and communication;
• Create and manage a responsive learning environment that enables students to feel safe, to be creative, and to develop to their full potential;
• Use instructional and correct language that is positive and behaviorally descriptive to support the goals of the District;
• Mentor a tutor or intern, as needed;
• Solicit constructive feedback from Lead Teachers, Curriculum Coordinators, and others who are observing instruction; and
• Successful demonstration of teaching techniques and classroom management skills, as seen during classroom observations by Principal
• Attend monthly Board meeting, parent engagement events, and other events that may take place after work hours as required by the Principal;
• Assists in the administration of school, district, and state assessments as needed; and
• Adheres to the District’s and School’s policies, expectations, and protocols as outlined in the District’s Policies and Procedures Manual and School’s Procedures Manual.

Required Competencies & Skills:

• Achieve results by taking risks and reflecting and acting on lessons learned;
• Maintain his/her drive for results by demonstrating persistence, directness, and the ability to monitor and plan ahead;
• Possess the aptitude to discuss subject specific content instruction and the drive to try out new ideas to improve student learning;
• Achieve outstanding student achievement results in a short amount of time;
• Strong attention to detail;
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem solving skills;
• Ability to build strong interpersonal relationships and work effectively in a collaborative environment;
• Possess a track record of leadership, integrity, initiative, curiosity and perseverance;
• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written), interpret policy and procedures, maintain emotional control under stress;
• Desire to continuously learn and increase effectiveness as a professional;
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Excel and the Google Suite;
• Express a commitment to relentless pursuit of increasing student learning; and
• Ability to skillfully challenge the status quo.

Physical Requirements: Light Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to
10 pounds of force as frequently as needed to move objects; Frequent standing, stooping, bending,
pushing and pulling.

Terms of Employment: Salary benefits shall be paid consistent with the District's approved
compensation plan. Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by
the District.

Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated by the School Principal in accordance with
provisions of the Board’s policy on evaluation of personnel.