Department Chair- Special Education

Position Purpose

To provide leadership of professionalism in teaching and learning.

Position

Purpose:

To provide leadership of professionalism in teaching and learning.

• Plan and implement a system of service delivery for the department that will meet the educational needs of the students as described in their IEPs.
• Establish department curriculum objectives and develop a plan for the implementation and evaluation of these objectives.
• Case Conferences.
• Be knowledgeable of state law in regards to special education and updates/changes to the law.
• Demonstrate knowledge of state academic standards. In collaboration with the principal, develop procedures to ensure that department members are teaching and assessing content‑area standards.
• Keep professionally current by reading professional journals and attending informative conferences. Be prepared to bring to the attention of the principal and department members pertinent information, trends, or changes.
• Study and become familiar with all applicable policies and procedures of the school district and school, and be prepared to aid teachers in the department or direct them to the proper person for assistance.
• Work with and through the principal as a resource person at area meetings, in‑service, education workshops, preparation of reports, curriculum development, and classroom instruction.
• Model effective teaching methods and best practices and instruct department members in these areas.
• Coordinate the evaluation of new media and instructional materials and make recommendations.
• Co‑chair the textbook selection committees.
• Update courses of study and coordinate curriculum mapping.
• Assist the principal in interpreting grading policies, promotional policies, and the district’s instructional program to parents and the community.
• Inform new teachers and update all teachers in the department of the philosophy, policies and procedures of the school.
• Observe department members as to their adherence to the philosophy, policies and procedures of the school.
• Make classroom observations of teacher performance and provide follow‑up consultation to the teacher when necessary.
• Help teachers recognize their strengths and weaknesses and assist in the further development of strengths and the correction of weaknesses.
• Share perceptions of classroom observations with the principal upon request.
• Initiate report to principal of any observations or knowledge involving department members in the areas of illegal activities, immorality, gross insubordination, or gross incompetence.
• Supervise student assistants in the department.
• Develop, discuss, and distribute departmental grade data.
• Provide the principal with department/individual grade graphs the week after grades are turned into the office.
• Recommend mentors for beginning teachers.
• Assign teachers for student teachers.
• Monitor substitute teachers and see that they are provided with necessary materials.
• Participate in parent‑teacher conferences as requested by the principal.
• Assist in the recruitment, screening, hiring, training and assigning of department personnel.
• Inventory, budgeting selection, care of teaching materials.
• Member of Administrative Council and Chairperson of Department Meetings.
• Attendance at extra‑curricular activities and building supervision.

• Evidence of successful teaching experience.
• Evidence of successful classroom management and lesson planning.
• Evidence of successful technology skills.
• Evidence of strong organizational and time management skills.
• Evidence of interpersonal relations/communication skills to effect and maintain teamwork, consensus, and a high level of fairness and professionalism.
• Awareness of current research and best practices in specific content area.
• Evidence of strong commitment to time on task, attendance and punctuality.
• Evidence of prior involvement/participation in staff development activities.

Classification:
Seldom = Less than 25% Occasional = 26 to 50% Often = 51 to 75% Very Frequent = Greater than 75%

Physical Requirements:

Ability to stand for extended periods of time (Seldom);
Ability to lift 25 pounds (Seldom);
Ability to carry 25 pounds (Seldom);
Ability to work at a desk, conference table or in meetings of various configurations (Very Frequent);
Ability to see for the purpose of reading laws and codes, rules and policies, and other printed matter (Very Frequent);
Ability to communicate so others will be able to clearly understand a normal conversation (Very Frequent);
Ability to operate job‑related equipment (Very Frequent);
Ability to reach in all directions (Occasional).

• Valid Indiana Teacher’s License.

• BS/BA Degree.

• Minimum of five years of teaching experience.

Exempt