Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teacher

Andalusia City Schools

Job Description

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution.
• Certified by the State of Alabama in the appropriate area.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to develop and implement an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Knowledge of child development and especially of characteristics of mentally handicapped children in the age group assigned. Knowledge of the prescribed curriculum. Knowledge of current educational research relating to the instruction of mentally handicapped students. Basic understanding and knowledge of use of current technology. Knowledge of learning styles and skill in using varied teaching methods to address student learning styles.

Skill in oral and written communication with students, parents, and others. Ability to plan and implement activities for maximum effectiveness. Ability to assess levels of student achievement effectively, analyze test results and prescribe actions for improvement. Ability to maintain appropriate student supervision so that students have a safe and orderly environment in which to learn. Ability to work effectively with peers, administrators, and others.

Knowledge of laws, policies and procedures relating to the education of handicapped students and of the operation of adaptive equipment required by students.

Reports To:

Principal

Job Goal:

To provide an educational atmosphere in which students will move toward the fulfillment of their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and psychological growth and maturation in accordance with System philosophy, goals, and objectives.

Supervises:

Aide (if assigned)

Performance Responsibilities:

1. Create or select long-range plans and write student's annual IEP based on a review of system and state curriculum priorities, instructional priorities, and student's handicapping condition.

2. Define goals and objectives for unit and daily plans.

3. Sequence content and activities appropriately.

4. Identify specific intended learning outcomes which are challenging, meaningful and measurable.

5. Revise plans based on student needs.

6. Plan and prepare a variety of learning activities considering individual student's culture, learning styles, special needs, and socio-economic background.

7. Develop or select instructional activities which foster active involvement of students in the learning process.

8. Plan and prepare lessons and instructional strategies which support the school improvement plan and the system mission.

9. Select, develop, modify and/or adapt materials and resources which support learning objectives and address students' varying learning styles, backgrounds, and handicapping condition.

10. Establish and maintain a positive and safe learning environment in which students are encouraged to be actively engaged in the learning process.

11. Maintain a clean, attractive, and organized learning environment.

12. Maintain academic focus by using a variety of motivational techniques.

13. Establish and use behavior management techniques which are appropriate and effective.

14. Establish routines and procedures and work with students on consistently following them.

15. Create a learning climate that is challenging, yet non-threatening.

16. Maintain instructional momentum with smooth and efficient transitions from one activity to another.

17. Establish appropriate testing environment and ensure test security.

18. Establish and maintain effective and efficient record keeping procedures.

19. Manage time effectively.

20. Develop routines and efficient techniques for minimizing time required for administrative and organizational activities.

21. Manage materials and equipment effectively.

22. Organize materials for efficient distribution and collection.

23. Instruct and supervise the work of volunteers and aides when assigned.

24. Assist in enforcement of school rules, administrative regulations, and Board policy.

25. Develop and use assessment strategies (traditional and alternative) to assist the continuous development of learners.

26. Interpret and use data (including but not limited to standardized and other test results) for diagnosis, instructional planning, and program evaluation.

27. Use ongoing assessment to monitor student progress, verify that learning is occurring and adjust curriculum and instruction.

28. Provide feedback to students about the appropriateness of responses and quality of work with a focus on improving student performance.

29. Communicate, in understandable terms, individual student progress knowledgeably and responsibly to the student, parents and professional colleagues who need access to the information.

30. Encourage self-assessment by students and assist them in developing plans for improving their performance.

31. Administer standardized tests in accordance with directions provided, including proctoring and secure handling of materials.

32. Evaluate the effectiveness of instructional units and teaching strategies.

33. Demonstrate knowledge and…