Special Education Teacher - Life Skills; Grades 4-8

Special Education Teacher - Life Skills (Grades 4-8)

Under the general supervision of the School Principal and the Special Education Administrator, the Life Skills teacher will maximize the learning experience of students with special needs in a self-contained learning environment where the focus will be on providing interpersonal skills and activities of daily living by implementing district approved curriculum. Additionally, the applicant must be able to plan and prepare differentiated, creative lessons to meet academic and functional IEP goals.

Candidates should also be willing to work with limited verbal students through picture supports, and/or augmentative communication devices, and management of behavior/sensory needs.

• Conduct assessments, testing and diagnostic examinations of students to identify learning issues and recommend courses of action or corrective procedures to maximize learning.
• Participate in meetings to develop Individual Educational Plans (IEP) for students.
• Assist students and teaching staff in implementing students’ IEPs and behavior management plans.
• Coordinate with outside agencies, organizations, and institutions, including state and federal authorities as needed.
• Coordinate with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain individual students’ abilities and needs, including students with special needs, and to familiarize stakeholders with social work services.
• Serve as a ready resource to students and parents to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and behavioral management; serve as liaison between home and school.
• Continue to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships with members of institutions of higher learning and the business community.
• Organize and maintain a system for accurate and complete record‑keeping and provide student information to prospective colleges and employers as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourage parental involvement in students’ education and ensure effective communication with students and parents.
• Assist in the orientation of new teachers and provide in‑service training in guidance.
• Select and requisition appropriate books, aids and other supplies and equipment and maintain inventory records.

Perform other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.

Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self‑evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed, including Google Apps for Education.
• Knowledge of Special Education principles, theories, testing, methods, etc. as well as proven methods of maximizing the educational experience of students with special needs.
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.

Works in standard office and school building environments. Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Functions for this position.

• State Certification as a Special Education Teacher
• Motor Vehicle Operator’s License or ability to provide own transportation.

• Bachelor’s from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.
• LBS I endorsement preferred.

• Successful prior special education teaching experience for the appropriate grade level preferred.