Special Education Teacher

REPORTS TO: The Principal and Special Services Coordinator
SUPERVISES: Students and when assigned Special Education Aide(s)

QUALIFICATIONS:

The Special Education Teacher shall:

• Hold a Utah State teaching license, ARL, or APT.
• Have excellent experience in teaching and working with students with an IEP.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the specialized certification area, including an understanding of the current rules and regulations regarding Special Education assessment and program requirements.
• Have excellent integrity and demonstrate good moral character and initiative.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of child growth and development, children with disabilities, effective instructional strategies, classroom management, learning assessment and diagnosis, and research related to learning and children with exceptional needs.
• Exhibit a personality that demonstrates enthusiasm and interpersonal skills to relate well with students, staff, administration, parents, and the community.

The Special Education Teacher shall perform all job functions and assume all responsibilities outlined in the Secondary Teacher Job Description. The Special Education Teacher is an integral part of the total school program, and has specific additional professional responsibilities related to the certification held and professional position assigned and shall:

• Implement the educational program closely related services as outlined in the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP).
• Provide an instructional program closely related to and coordinated with the regular program so that all students meet and exceed the State Core Curriculum Content Standards as outlined in the student’s IEP, modifying methods and materials as needed.
• Maintain records indicating progress of the student in achieving the objectives of the IEP and assist with the evaluation and assessment of the students.
• Participate in the development and annual review of IEPs. Monitor the implementation, and provide information about completed goals and objectives, communicating closely with parents.
• Communicate regularly with regular Education Teachers and paraeducators when a child is mainstreamed. Assist with providing appropriate instruction and modifications, when needed, to accommodate the needs and learning styles of the child.
• Communicate regularly with the parents to nurture a supportive and cooperative relationship between home and school.
• Establish the schedule, role, responsibilities, and expectations for paraprofessionals assigned to assist the teacher.
• Provide a nurturing, supportive, and positive classroom climate that encourages student responsibility, using positive motivation, clear classroom routines, challenging instructional strategies, and effective classroom management techniques. Discipline students in a fair and consistent manner, using school approved procedures. Seek assistance of the parents and the Principal when needed.
• Plan and adjust the learning experiences accordingly, requesting advice and assistance from specialists when appropriate.
• Maintain a positive, cooperative, and mutually supportive relationships with the administration, instructional staff, students, parents, and representatives of resource agencies within the community.
• Ensure the safety and health of all students, notifying the administration of any unsafe conditions, following established procedures.
• Protect confidentiality of records and information gained as part of exercising professional duties and use discretion in sharing such information within legal confines.
• Perform any duties that are within the scope of employment and certifications, as assigned by the Principal and assigned supervisor, and not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation.