Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teacher

This position is responsible for the instruction of educational programs and curricula for exceptional students. The Special Education Teacher develops and implements the Individual Education Plan (IEP) for each student and collaborates with members of the instructional team in the planning and implementation of behavioral and academic interventions and supports to ensure students receive a quality educational program. The Special Education Teacher manages the para educators in the classroom.

The Special Education Teacher reports to the Principal.

Responsibilities:

• Serves as case manager for student IEPs; complies with all special education regulations and timelines and conducts IEP meetings.
• Plans, develops, and implements individualized and group instruction and therapeutic behavior management relative to the needs of the individuals or group.
• Manages the data collection process and procedure for students in the classroom and as part of the case manager; collaborates with school staff on data accuracy and problem solving for improved student outcomes and progress monitoring.
• Complete appropriate written reports, plans, and records relative to the educational program (point sheets, behavior data plans, academic progress, and social goals progress) in a timely and professional manner.
• Plan and facilitate instruction with adaptations as designated in the student's IEP.
• Supervise and set clear expectations for para educator staff in their supportive role in the classroom, to ensure best practices for all students educationally and therapeutically.
• Effectively manage the classroom environment, including engaging students and incorporating proactive behavior management strategies. Maintain an organized classroom that fosters structure and support conducive to learning.
• Fully engage in staff development trainings to continue to develop and maintain skills regarding the dynamic needs of students. Adhere to the core competencies of teacher expectations: planning and preparation, instructional delivery, content knowledge and pedagogy, and professionalism.
• Communicate regularly with parents or guardians.
• Adhere to all PHMC and Fairwold Academy policies and procedures.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to work with a variety of educational staff and parents to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships.
• Excellent ability to work with students of all ages, levels, and from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Demonstrated knowledge of curriculum and instructional strategies for students experiencing behavior management challenges.
• Demonstrated knowledge of theory and principles of child growth and development with an emphasis on social-emotional development and low-incidence disabilities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of School-Wide Positive Behavior Support systems, including PBIS data systems
• Demonstrated ability to effectively instruct, assess, and evaluate students with behavioral and social-emotional needs.
• Demonstrated skills with computers, data systems, and electronic reports
• Demonstrated ability to understand and adhere to policies and procedures
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Sufficient mobility and ability to participate in managing the safety of a child through physical or personal interventions.

Performance Requirement:

• Manage assigned caseload of special education students, including adherence to all PA Chapter 14 Special Education regulations and timelines.
• Conduct IEP meetings with professionalism, accurate data and records, and respectful parent communications.
• Write, assess, and evaluate effective and measurable IEP academic and behavioral goals, including the condition, student name, clearly defined behavior, and performance criteria (criterion level, number, evaluation schedule, or method) in the goal.
• Plan, develop, and implement a weekly lesson guide for assigned curricula, adhering to pacing timelines and scripted programs, providing adaptations and modifications as necessary to accommodate students' IEPs.
• Deliver consistent instruction that demonstrates
  1) knowledge of content and pedagogy through a variety of active engagement and instructional strategies,
  2) effective questioning and discussion techniques,
  3) positive and constructive feedback, and
  4) responsiveness to student learning and behavioral needs.
• Manage a safe and orderly classroom environment that demonstrates
  1) purposeful and equitable learning,
  2) structured routines and classroom expectations,
  3) skillful organization of the physical space, and
  4) positive, appropriate, and highly respectful interactions among students and staff.
• Manage student data, assess student learning, and monitor progress. Complete documentation, reports, summaries, and other evaluative measures of students' individual academic and social progress aligned to the instructional goals, showing evidence of…