Special Education Teacher

The Special Education Teacher works collaboratively with the Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and other members of the IEP team in achieving the best possible outcomes for the students served and in creating a culture of excellence within VIA Day Schools. The Special Education Teacher contributes to student programming by working in partnership with the IEP Team for IEP development and implementation, program monitoring, parent and classroom communication, and summarizing student progress for reporting purposes.

Duties and Responsibilities

IEP Development and Implementation

_Completes the following in collaboration with the Behavior Analyst & other members of IEP Team:_

Ensures the quality of all IEP documents with goals/accommodations that reflect the unique needs of each student; include parent input; and meet all regulatory requirements for both content and time frames

Identify educational assessments and lead/conduct administration for annual IEPs and Eligibility Meetings

Ensure assessment was completed within 30 days of admission and prior to each Pre-IEP meeting

In collaboration with school leadership, ensure for the administration of statewide assessments (SOL or VAAP)

Lead Pre-IEP & IEP meetings

Completes IEP Checklists annually for each student

Complete accurate and complete progress reports at required intervals

Provide staff training, implementation, and oversight of policy and procedures as they pertain to the IEP process

Curriculum & Daily Instruction

Leads instruction for the duration of the school day

o This position will be allotted 5 hours of planning time each week for when the students are present

Arrange classroom environment to support needs of assigned students

o Ensure for an organized and structured classroom with access to a variety of activities and preferred items

o Incorporate VIA Tier 1 behavior support guidelines
Consult with the cooperating behavior analyst for specific strategies
Develop individual and group classroom schedules based on the needs of the learners.
Collaborate with BCBA to determine how and when to include students in groups
Plan and prepare for group instruction which may include but is not limited to morning/afternoon meetings, movement, academic groups, art activities
Differentiate instruction for learners to actively participate in instruction at a pace that promotes engagement and competes with challenging behavior
Initiate consultation with BCBA for low motivation, low acquisition, and/or challenging behavior in the classroom
Work with individuals one on one or in small groups to provide specialized instruction driven by IEP goals

In collaboration with school leadership, identify and provide resources to help direct curriculum scope & sequence for students

Communicate and coordinate with related service providers to schedule service delivery times for individuals within the classroom schedule as well as consultation times with the service providers, teacher, and BCBA

Classroom Management

_Completes the following in collaboration with the Behavior Analyst as appropriate:_
Provide behavioral skills training to new instructional staff
Perform proficiency checks for instructional staff
Provide feedback to staff regarding strengths and/or concerns on an ongoing basis
Foster positive staff-staff relationships
Develop and maintain daily staff rotation schedule
Monitor attendance and timeliness of classroom's instructional staff
Communicate and monitor classrooms jobs/chores

Oversee that student information sheets are completed and/or on a monthly basis

Program Monitoring

_Completes the following in collaboration with the Behavior Analyst as appropriate:_

Schedule and ensure consistent and accurate implementation of Monthly Data Review (MDR) process for all students

Attend/ensure troubleshooting of programs takes place when necessary

Lead weekly classroom meetings & create agenda

Organize & schedule new hire training in classroom/provide support with training when necessary

Develop & monitor student transitions to lesser restrictive environments. Collaborate with BCBA when necessary on student transitions

Conduct electronic data collection system audits at 3 and 6 months of IEP commencement.

Ensure all IEP goals have been implemented daily or at prescribed interval

Family Interactions

Communicate with families in a professional and compassionate manner at all times

Document all communications in log accessible by school leadership

Participate in new student admissions orientation

Respond to all parent communication within 24 hours. Assign designee if unable

Notify parent/guardian for any student illness, injury, unusual incident, or use of protective hold on day of incident

Oversees professional home/school contact by daily review of communication logs (i.e., home to school note or SOAP notes)

Schedule & lead parent meetings. Ensures all members of the team are notified

Staff Supervision

_Completes the following in collaboration with the Behavior Analyst as appropriate:_

Monitor attendance & timeliness of staff & deliver…