Special Education Teacher​/Advisor

Overview

Reporting to the Director, and with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgment and action, the teacher/special educator will undertake a variety of responsibilities essential to student success.

• Participates in the formulation of an Individualized Education Program for each student.
• Participates in the development of goals and objectives through the PPT process; is responsible for the implementation of goals in a student's IEP as well as the evaluation of progress in goals/objectives regularly or If only content area certified, contributes to the development, implementation and evaluation of the IEP under the direction of a certified special education teacher.
• Curriculum and lesson planning.
• Prepares daily instructional plans and materials consistent with subject matter, varying skill levels, particular modes of learning and different affective needs; adjusts and revises curricula based on the individual's needs and the range of needs in each class group; instructs students in groups or individually utilizing a variety of teaching techniques including formal lectures, group discussions, provides a structured and stimulating classroom environment;
  
  maintains student interest; minimizes distractions; utilizes a school wide behavior intervention program including a token economy highlighting good choices; establishes achievable goals and objectives; provides positive reinforcement.
• Serves in the role of Advisor for a select caseload of students.
• Instructs using classroom technology to provide. Proficient with Google Classroom and Zoom platforms. Utilizes multiple technological platforms to enhance instruction.
• Serves as a primary contact for parents regarding academic issues/concerns.
• Provides direction to teacher assistants as needed.
• Analyzes classroom situations, assesses students’ clinical states, and as a result of these judgements, acts accordingly within a busy and sometimes crisis-oriented time frame.
• Collaborates actively and routinely with clinical and behavioral staff.
• Observes, assesses and communicates students’ behavior, cognitive and emotional problems to clinical staff.
• Implements PBIS interventions across 3 tiers, including positive reinforcement, coaching and teaching of expectations.
• Evaluates students’ academic performance and progress relative to state standards and individualized goals; advises and councils select students in matters primarily related to academics, and secondarily on related social, emotional and behavioral issues.
• Reviews, evaluates and modifies curriculum on an ongoing basis; recommends modifications in methods and materials; participates in report preparation.
• Ensures that matters pertaining to the protection of student rights are brought to the attention of the Director and clinical staff.
• Participates in the teacher evaluation process which follows the CT guidelines for Teacher Evaluation and Learning.
• Participates in relevant professional learning.
• Drives school vehicles to transport Cedarhurst students to and from school related activities as outlined in the Cedarhurst policy on driving vehicles.
• Will assume any other duties assigned by administration.

• Demonstrated classroom management skills.
• Lesson planning and curriculum development.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, problem solving, time management skills.
• Proficient with Google Classroom and Zoom and able to utilize multiple technological platforms to enhance instruction.

• Connecticut State Certification in Comprehensive Special Education or a core content area certification and willingness to obtain Special Education Certification via DSAP and alternate route to certification program.
• Experience in the implementation of PBIS.
• Experience with students who have the Special Education labels Emotional Disability, Other Health Impairment, Autism.
• Eligible at the time of hire for the driver endorsement (A) to assist with transporting students for school activities.

Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education required and three years teaching experience or an equivalent combination…