Special Education Teacher; Strategist Grades 3-4

Special Education Teacher (Strategist I) Grades 3-4

Marion Independent School District Francis Marion Intermediate Elementary School - Marion, Iowa

Job Title: Special Education (Strategist I) Teacher

Reports to: Building Principal

Basic Function:

• To work with students with significant cognitive disabilities and/or physical disabilities who require modified curriculum and may require Iowa Alternate Assessment.
• To teach/work collaboratively with general education instructors to instruct students in learning strategies, functional routines and assist students in becoming more independent learners, enhancing student learning, promoting overall efficiency of the school community, and maximizing educational opportunities available to each child.

Essential Functions:

• Analyze curriculum and intervention assessment data to inform instruction in the areas of reading, math, writing and behavior.
• Provide individual and small group research-based instruction designed to meet individual needs of students based on data that promotes academic, social and emotional growth.
• Develop individualized educational plans based on individual students' progress, discrepancy and need and in compliance with State and Federal Guidelines.
• Set appropriate instructional goals, monitor and evaluate student progress; be responsive to the changing needs of students and their community.
• Employ research-based, best practice instructional methods and materials to meet state standards, criteria and outcomes.
• Perform progress monitoring for each student as outlined in the student's IEP by entering data and ensuring IEP goal graphs are up to date.
• Collect and analyze IEP progress monitoring data to inform individual student instructional needs and services.
• Utilize appropriate assessment materials.
• Maintain accurate and complete student records and prepare reports on students and activities as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
• Establish and maintain ongoing communication with students and their parents concerning academic and behavioral progress.
• Attend professional in-service activities and teacher training workshops provided by the district as well as self-selected professional growth activities to maintain and improve professional competence.
• Gather data, evaluate, and participate in a Professional Learning Community that works together to ensure students' success.
• Collaborate with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting student learning.
• Collaborate with Grant Wood AEA support service staff.
• Confer with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve student behavioral and academic problems.
• Supervise students and/or special education associates as assigned and/or required to maintain a safe and orderly environment conducive to learning.
• Serve as a member of the building crisis response team.
• Collaborate with assigned special education associates daily to ensure student needs are met.
• Supervise students in and out of classroom activities during the assigned work day.

Specifications/

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree required
• Valid Iowa Teaching License
• License Endorsement: K-12 Instructional Strategist II: BD/LD
• Mandatory Reporter:
  Child Abuse Certification and Adult Dependent Abuse Certification
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training or ability to complete a MISD CPI Training
• OSHA certificate required
• Background Check required

Physical Requirements:

The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle objects, tools or controls, talk and hear, squat, stoop or kneel, reach above the head and forward, grasp items, bend or twist at the neck and trunk, lift or move up to 50 pounds, push or pull tables and carts, and maintain close vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus while supervising students, working with computers, written materials, reports and assessment data.

Working Conditions:

Noise level varies based on activities; professional working hours may require extending beyond a typical eight hour workday.

All employers shall not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, marital status, or veteran status. The Marion Independent School District is an EEO/AA employer.